Did You Know…? Fascinating Facts for Hairdressers, Part 4: Hair is the Second Fastest Growing Tissue in the Human Body
As a professional, you’ve likely seen all types of hair in your chair—from thick and coarse to fine and fragile. But here’s a fact that might surprise even the most seasoned stylist: hair is the second fastest growing tissue in the human body, second only to bone marrow!
Why Does Hair Grow So Quickly?
The average human scalp has about 100,000 hair follicles, and each follicle is its own tiny factory of growth. Hair grows at an average rate of about half an inch (1.25 cm) per month, which translates to around six inches (15 cm) a year. Although this might not seem fast, when you consider that hair follicles are continuously growing, shedding, and renewing, it’s quite remarkable.
This rapid growth is due to the structure of hair follicles, which are composed of cells that divide rapidly at the base in the dermal papilla. These cells continuously push the hair shaft outward, adding to its length. This constant cell division is what makes hair growth so persistent—just like in bone marrow, where new blood cells are constantly being produced.
Understanding Hair Growth Phases
To understand the impressive speed of hair growth, it’s important to know the three stages of the hair growth cycle:
Anagen (Growth Phase): This is the phase where your client’s hair is actively growing, and it can last anywhere from 2 to 6 years. Around 85-90% of the hair on the scalp is in this phase at any given time.
Catagen (Transition Phase): This is a short transitional phase that lasts about 2-3 weeks, where the hair follicle shrinks and growth slows down.
Telogen (Resting Phase): This final phase lasts around 3 months. Afterward, the hair sheds, and the cycle restarts with new hair growing in its place.
Because of this constant cycle, hair is always either growing, transitioning, or resting, which is why it’s considered one of the fastest regenerating tissues in the body.
Factors That Affect Hair Growth
Even though hair grows quickly, many factors can influence the rate of growth:
Nutrition: Just like any tissue in the body, hair growth depends on a healthy supply of nutrients. Protein, biotin, and essential vitamins (like vitamins D and E) are vital for strong, fast-growing hair.
Age: As people age, the growth rate of their hair slows down, and the anagen phase becomes shorter.
Hormones: Hormonal changes, such as those caused by pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid issues, can either speed up or slow down hair growth.
Health & Stress Levels: High levels of stress can shift hair into the telogen phase, leading to shedding or thinning. Clients may complain of stress-related hair loss, which is usually temporary if managed properly.
Understanding the biology behind hair growth is not only fascinating but also practical. When clients ask why their hair isn’t growing as fast as they’d like, or when they experience thinning, you can offer insights that go beyond products. You can explain that each client’s hair grows at a unique rate based on a combination of genetics, health, and lifestyle factors.
Moreover, knowing that hair is constantly growing at such a rapid rate will remind you that healthy hair care is essential to maintain the growth, texture, and overall health of your clients’ locks. Treatments that nourish the scalp, improve circulation, and promote cell regeneration can help keep this rapid growth at its best.
As hairdressers, we are part of an industry that thrives on transformation. Knowing that hair is one of the fastest-growing tissues in the body adds a deeper appreciation for the work you do. Every trim, cut, or colour service plays a part in the continuous cycle of hair growth—ensuring your clients’ hair remains healthy, beautiful, and full of life.
Stay tuned for more fascinating facts in our "Did You Know...?" series to expand your knowledge and elevate your craft! And if you want to delve deeper into the hair structure and the science of hair, we cover this more in-depth in our Elements Book.