Hair today, gone tomorrow

Most of us take the process of hair growth for granted. It is such a microscopic and imperceptible occurrence that we tend to go months before deciding we need a haircut. An interesting and rather amusing fact is that humans as a species have more hair follicles (per square inch of skin) than chimpanzees and gorillas!

The fact is that hair forms in a small pouch-like structure below the skin called a hair follicle. What we see and brush as hair is actually the hair shaft, which is the keratinized, hardened tissue that grows from this follicle.

The thicker, fully pigmented hair most people consider "real hair" is found on the scalp, eyebrows, legs, backs, underarms, and genital areas. Everyone's hair grows differently, depending on age, weight, metabolism, hormones, ethnicity, medications, and other factors.

All hair goes through three distinct growth phases:

• The first is the active growth phase or anagen phase, lasting several years. At any given time, 85% of our body hair is in this first phase where our hair has an abundance of melanin.
• The second phase is called the regressive phase or catagen phase, lasting on average only two weeks, during which the hair stops growing but is not shed. Only 3 - 4% of our body hair is in this phase at any given time.
• Lastly comes the Resting phase or telogen phase lasting 5 - 6 weeks, after which the hair falls out of the follicle and a new hair begins to form. 10-13% of our body hair is in this phase at any one time. Unfortunately, as we age, a natural process of hair loss begins…

The natural way

There is a lot that can be done to help promote hair strength and vitality in the comfort of your own home. Scientists have found a link between smoking and hair loss - another reason to quit! Always comb through wet hair gently with a comb and not a brush. To work through hair knots, start at the outer tip and gently work the knot out towards the top. Towel-drying excess water off before combing will also help to put less pressure on the hair shaft. Avoid harsh hair chemicals or heat from hair dryers or heated rollers.

For women, who prefer to sleep with their hair tied up, fabric covered elastics should be used, as plain elastic hair bands can lead to hair breakage and put added structural stress on the hair follicle. Always tie hair up loosely, as a tight style can lead to added hair loss.

It’s also a good idea to protect your hair from the sun by using a hat. A healthy balanced diet with lots of fresh fruit and raw vegetables is also a great way of promoting healthy, strong hair. Make sure you have sufficient (not too much!) Vitamin A and a good Vitamin B complex. Zinc and Copper are important trace elements to promote healthy hair growth. Unfortunately, today’s modern lifestyle is filled with fast food, (including excess sugar and fat) and essential nutrients and vitamins are not always guaranteed, making dietary supplements a must for challenged hair!

What is ReGrow Plus?

ReGrow Plus is a blend of carefully chosen herbal ingredients known for their supportive capacity to promote healthy circulation, routine hormonal balance and support healthy thyroid functioning - thereby encouraging healthy hair and nail growth.

Used regularly, ReGrow Plus can promote healthy, strong hair by supporting the body’s natural ability to stimulate and nourish the tiny hair follicles to produce abundant hair.