6 things to know about hair
Having beautiful hair is a universal symbol of beauty, seduction, strength but also health. It is a reflection of our personality, our feelings and our emotions.
However, hair does not only have an aesthetic role, it represents hair protection against climatic events and preserves our brain as well as its vital functions.
Above all, it is essential to know your hair type (straight, wavy, curly, curly, frizzy, etc.) as well as its condition (dry, normal, oily, etc.) to know how to choose the appropriate maintenance and styling products. .
To find out more about our hair, here is some information as well as tips for having beautiful hair.
What is a hair made of?
First of all, hair is an appendage ( protective epidermal formation like hair and nails) composed of more than 90% keratin.
Keratin, a protein rich in sulfur and amino acids (methionine and cystine), is the fundamental constituent of the superficial layer of the epidermis and skin appendages. Produced naturally by the body, it protects the hair fiber from external aggressions.
There are two parts to a hair, the root and the hair shaft.
It is in the hair shaft that all the keratin is concentrated. It plays an important role for the structure, strength, shine and elasticity of the hair.
It is secreted at the root by cells called keratinocytes. They are the ones that ensure hair growth by feeding on nutrients and oxygen provided by the blood vessels and nerve endings located around the root.
To increase your keratin level naturally, simply eat foods that contain this protein such as vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, leek, onions, garlic, etc.), yogurt, fish or even milk.
Protein sources can help the body produce more keratin, including lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs (best source of cysteine), dried fruits and beans.
How long does hair last?
Hair is alive and has a natural life cycle (hair cycle) divided into 3 phases:
- The anagen phase: period during which hair grows. It can last between two to seven years. On average, hair grows 1mm every three days.
- The catagen phase: involution phase which lasts two to three weeks. The hair no longer grows.
- The telogen phase: over three months, hair gradually falls out and is replaced by new hair.
This cycle can be repeated between 20 and 25 times.
During these three phases, it is essential to take care of your hair to maintain it and prevent breakage or loss. Treatments based on vegetable oils, vegetable butters or even plants with many virtues can nourish the hair, revive its color and shine, eliminate dandruff or even optimize its growth.
How much hair do we lose per day?
Healthy hair naturally loses between 60 and 100 hairs per day. It is therefore normal to find hair everywhere in your home (in the sheets, on the styling brush, in the shower, etc.).
Depending on certain periods, hair loss can be more abundant, especially during seasonal changes such as autumn.
You should know that the heat and sun of summer promote hair growth. After this phase of growth and maturity, some hair reaches the end of its life and therefore falls out in autumn.
Hormones also have an impact on the hair life cycle. After pregnancy or during menopause, many women notice more or less significant hair loss.
In the event of excessive hair loss, advice should be included in your daily life.
How many centimeters does hair grow per month?
On average, hair grows between 1 and 1.5cm per month, or 12cm per year. However, hair does not grow at the same speed for everyone depending on several factors (age, diet, general health, genetics, etc.). For example, Asian hair grows faster than European and African hair.
To have long hair, you need to be patient and apply a few tips to optimize hair growth and keep it healthy.
What does hair color depend on?
Hair color (brown, chestnut, blond, red, etc.), determined by genetics, depends particularly on the presence or absence of pigments called melanins (the same ones that give the skin its color).
Melanins are produced by melanocytes at the hair root. These melanocytes spread their pigments within the hair shaft, the hair becomes colored as it grows.
The more concentrated the quantity of melanins, the darker the hair. When their production stops, the hair turns white.
In fashion, chemical coloring done yourself or at the hairdresser considerably damages the hair. Their components such as ammonia, paraben or heavy metals (lead, mercury, etc.) will sensitize and denature the hair fiber. It is preferable to opt for a vegetable color, such as henna for example.
Are food supplements effective for taking care of your hair?
Everyone can be faced with hair problems during their life (dry and brittle hair, oily hair, abnormal hair loss, etc.). They often occur due to dietary deficiencies.
Food supplements, targeted for hair, represent a solution within everyone's reach. In fact, they are enriched with essential nutrients to maintain healthy hair (B vitamins, minerals such as iron and zinc, plant extracts, etc.).
They help stimulate growth, slow down hair loss, regulate sebum production, thicken the hair fiber and add shine.
These food supplements can also have a positive effect on other daily aspects having an impact on hair such as reduced stress, reduced fatigue or even better quality sleep.
Délicure offers a cure: Hair gummies . In the form of delicious vegan gums, natural and made in France. Based on blueberries, vitamins (B6, B8, B9, B12, E) and minerals (zinc, selenium), they help maintain healthy hair while promoting its growth. The dosage is 2 gummies per day.
To maximize their effects, it is advisable to take them as part of a healthy lifestyle.
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