A hair follicle is a small formation in the skin that is responsible for the growth of hair as well as the condition of the skin. Knowledge about the architecture and tasks gives information on hair treatment, the dermal system, and possibly hair solutions. In this section, we learn about what hair follicles structure and their functions.
Anatomy of a Follicle
It is a small but significant structure, and it is found in the dermis or skin. This is the part of the skin that allows hair growth. A hair follicle has several parts:
- Outer layer: This is the part you can see. The outer shell of the follicle involves keratinized cells, which appear like a bulbous structure.
- Hair root: The bottom part of the hair is still ensconced in the follicle. The body part from which the hair is removed is the one from which hair grows.
- Sebaceous gland: This gland is responsible for the secretion of sebum, an oily substance that adds moisture to the hair and skin on the head.
- Blood vessels: They supply your hair follicles with the nutrients that can help them grow.
- Bulb: This is the rounded bottom of the follicle with which hair cells are synthesized.
- Dermal Papilla: These cells bring oxygen and nutrients that help the hair.
Function of a Hair Follicle
Hair follicles are complex organs that play various roles in hair growth, the sense of touch, and skin homeostasis. Here are hair follicle functions:
- Hair Growth Cycle
The hair follicle regulates the hair growth cycle, which consists of three main phases:
- Anagen (Growth Phase): This is the phase of growth activity during which the follicle forms new hair cells. It may take several years, depending on the part of the body that has the hair.
- Catagen (Transition Phase): A stage that lasts for a few weeks during which hair growth is least and the follicle starts shrinking.
- Telogen (Resting Phase): The follicle becomes dormant for the life cycle of the hair, which will eventually shed and give way to another new hair.
2. Protection
Hair helps form the body’s barrier in defending against pathogens. Hair protects the skin from UV light, while sebum produced within the hair follicles protects skin and hair from drying out.
3. Sensory Perception
Hair follicles are innervated, meaning they are in contact with a dense network of nerve endings that help the skin feel touch, temperature, or even the presence of insects.
4. Skin Regeneration
Presumably, the outer root sheath of hair follicles is filled in with more stem cells used to reconstruct damaged skin. These stem cells are used in many studies involving wound healing and dermatological conditions.
5. Thermoregulation
The hair found on the head and the rest of the body helps regulate temperature by insulating the skin during the cold season and allowing the speedy evaporation of sweat in the hot season.
Common Hair Follicle Issues
- Folliculitis
You can get red, inflamed bumps on the skin due to inflammation or infection of the hair follicle. This condition is a result of bacteria, fungi, or ingrown hair.
- Sebaceous Gland Disorders
If they are active, Sebaceous glands produce sebum, which results in oily hair and skin, while if the glands are not active, they cause skin dryness and development of flakes.
- Ingrown Hairs
When hair re-joins the skin and doesn’t emerge from the follicle, it may cause specific rashes and bumps marking the shave.
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