Head Hair Head hair is a type of hair that is grown directly to the scalp, can grow longer than on most mammals and is more dense than most hair found elsewhere on the body. The average human head (an average scalp measures approximately 120 square inches or 770 cm²) has about 100,000 hair follicles. Each follicle can grow about 20 individual hairs in a person’s lifetime (About 2007). Average hair loss is around 100 strands a day. The absence of head hair is termed alopecia, commonly known as baldness.
By Yang F, Zhang Y, Rheinstädter MC () [CC BY 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
The hierarchical structure of hair in the cortex and cuticle. The main component of the cortex is a keratin coiled-coil protein phase. The proteins form intermediate filaments, which then organize into larger and larger fibres. The hair is surrounded by the cuticle, a dead cell layer. The common features observed in the X-ray data of all specimens are signals related to the coiled-coil keratin phase and the formation of intermediate filaments in the cortex, and the cell membrane complex. Signal assignment and corresponding length scales are shown in the figure.
What is the normal cycle of hair growth and loss?
The normal cycle of hair growth lasts for 2 to 3 years. Each hair grows approximately 1 centimeter per month during this phase. About 90 percent of the hair on your scalp is growing at any one time. About 10 percent of the hair on your scalp, at any one time, is in a resting phase. After 3 to 4 months, the resting hair falls out and new hair starts to grow in its place.
It is normal to shed some hair each day as part of this cycle. However, some people may experience excessive (more than normal) hair loss. Hair loss of this type can affect men, women and children.
Old Proven Castor Oil Treatment
By Daderot (Daderot) [CC0 or CC0], via Wikimedia Commons
Castor oil is a vegetable oil obtained by pressing the seeds of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis). It is one of the most ancient oils, known for its powerful therapeutic properties, used to reverse hair loss and make hair thicker, longer, stronger and shinier.
- 5 to 7 tablespoons of cold pressed castor oil (Tropic Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil)
- 3 to 4 tablespoons of coconut oil
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of jojoba oil
- 1-2 drops of lavender oil
- 1-2 drops of tea tree oil
- 2 tablespoons of clear liquid protein filler (available at Sallys)
Heat in Pyrex cup in a microwave for 10-15 seconds Mix. The coconut oil should now be completely melted. Heat again for 10-15 seconds
Liquid will be hot! This keeps the castor oil thin. If you overheat, just wait before applying. It cools quickly.
Transfer to small spray bottle carefully. With a Pyrex liquid measuring cup this is easy to do without spillage. Some prefer a dropper bottle to avoid clogging. You may have more oil made than you’ll use as I tend to make extra for the hair ends.
You can use it on wet or dry hair. I like to use it on dry because I’m lazy, but wet is probably easier. Just brush it and make sure there are no knots.
Wear a raggity throwaway shirt – you may get a few drops of oil on it and it may or may not wash out well. It washes out for me, but you never know.
Do a temp check before applying. Just like with waxing, it should not feel uncomfortably warm. If it is too cold it will clog. The right temp takes a little practice.
Spray evenly across the scalp, one section at a time. Shake the bottle frequently. I flip my hair around in sections as I go, keeping the oil in the roots. I start from top to bottom, doing entire hairline last, but whatever works for you.
Massage gently into scalp with your fingers. The Castor oil is probably already thickening some on you. It’s gonna feel messy.
I put the remaining bit of oil on my hair ends with my fingers. Cover with a plastic cap.
Leave in for as long as you like. I use it for 4 to 10 hours. Wash out with plain warm water for 5 minutes. This will push it down the hair shaft to the ends. I then shampoo the roots if I’m going out, otherwise any remaining oil can sit on my head until the morning as it will dry nicely. It doesn’t clog my pores or hair follicles AT ALL which is a first. It kills any dandruff I may have as well as my scalp is naturally very oily.
I use this 2 times a week
Due to age, thyroid issues, and genetics my hair is thinning like mad. I use Toppik to cover it up, but after just a couple uses I am already feeling new hair growth just now coming in at the scalp. The million before and after pics on YouTube and google inspired me and I’m pleased to see some results so quickly.
You can adjust the measurements and ingredients in any way that works for you. Almond Oil and grapeseed oil is popular. Sometimes I add honey. The main thing is you want to use mostly castor oil for hair growth with healthy ingredients to thin it. If it is too thick it won’t apply evenly and you risk pulling and damaging the hair.
Does anyone have any variations or tips they use to make this even better? Any thoughts or opinions? This is also great for eyebrows!
Note: Don’t use this on freshly dyed hair. Wait 5 days between color touchups as it can darken hair slightly over time, so there’s a warning for superblondes. Aside from the conditioning you will notice a lot less hair shedding and the shine is unbelievable! It’s also nice to have a deep conditioner that doesn’t break you out after letting it sit for awhile. Don’t use it on animals