Essential Knowledge You Must Know If You Value Your Hair (Lee Jin-kyung's Health Tips)

Misconceptions and Truths About Hair

[Asia Economy Reporter Jin-kyung Lee] How much do we know about our hair? Many people want to change their hairstyle as the seasons change, but there are also many who worry because their hair grows too slowly or is severely damaged and falling out. Especially during the changing seasons, it is easy to feel that hair is more damaged or falling out more because the temperature changes rapidly and hormonal changes in the body increase the secretion of male hormones that cause hair loss, resulting in hair falling out more than usual and growing more slowly. So, how much does hair grow in a month, and how can we slow down the progression of hair loss? If you have been neglecting your hair and scalp health, take this opportunity to learn properly and manage it well.

Essential Knowledge You Must Know If You Value Your Hair (Lee Jin-kyung's Health Tips)

● Is the amount of hair already determined in the mother's womb?

The amount of hair we have is said to be predetermined by the number of hair follicles formed in the mother's womb. If the number of hair follicles is sufficient at birth, the hair will gradually grow thick accordingly. Therefore, the amount of hair is genetically determined by the number of hair follicles formed while in the womb, and since new hair follicles do not form after birth, it is important to take care of the scalp and hair follicles if you have thin hair.

● Does hair grow 1cm in a month?

Each hair has its own lifespan, and hair growth and loss repeat in cycles of about 2 to 6 years. Basically, the hair growth cycle consists of the anagen phase (growth phase), catagen phase (regression phase), and telogen phase (resting phase), and this cycle repeats throughout life. When hair falls out during the telogen phase, new hair grows and a new growth cycle begins. Hair in the growth phase grows about 0.2 to 0.4mm per day, which is approximately 1 to 1.5cm per month.

● The average number of hairs that grow in a lifetime is 100,000?

For Asians with black or dark brown hair, the number of hairs rooted and growing on the scalp throughout life is about 100,000. Statistically, blond hair has about 140,000 hairs, brown hair about 110,000, and red hair about 90,000. Hair growth speed varies by area; hair on the forehead, bangs, and crown is easily exposed to UV rays, losing moisture and thus falling out more easily and growing more slowly. Especially, the front hair grows 10-20% slower than the back hair due to the heat at the crown and the influence of the male hormone testosterone.

● Is it okay to frequently use dry shampoo on oily hair?

Using dry shampoo more than three times a week can cause dandruff and reduce hair volume. It can be used occasionally in emergencies, but since it is applied directly to the scalp, frequent use can cause excessive irritation, so caution is needed. The timing of washing hair is also important; since cell regeneration is active between 10 PM and 2 AM, it is recommended to wash hair in the evening to thoroughly remove dust and waste accumulated on the scalp during the day.

● Does thinking about erotic things make hair grow faster?

While hair is influenced by sex hormones such as androgens and estrogens, thinking about erotic things does not affect the speed of hair growth. Women may experience increased hair growth when pregnant or taking birth control pills due to hormonal changes that increase hair follicles. In men, increased androgens cause more hair on the chin and armpits, but scalp hair may become thinner or fall out. Although sex hormones can partially affect hair, there is no direct relationship between erotic thoughts and hair growth speed.

● Does ultraviolet (UV) light make hair grow faster?

This is a misconception. UV light does not help hair grow. When hair is damaged by UV rays, it becomes thinner and stretched, which leads to this misunderstanding. Prolonged exposure to UV light to grow hair faster can actually accelerate damage, so it is better to be cautious.

● Does the scalp age faster than facial skin?

The scalp ages about six times faster than facial skin and about twelve times faster than the rest of the body. Since the scalp is usually covered by hair, it is difficult to check directly and people tend to neglect scalp care. However, like facial skin, exposure to UV rays and external stimuli accelerates aging, causing hair to thin and decrease in volume. Also, when the scalp sags due to aging, facial skin may sag as well, so it is good to pay attention to scalp health to prevent aging.

● Does UV exposure age the scalp?

Yes. Like facial skin, prolonged UV exposure to the scalp can accelerate aging. To prevent scalp aging, it is advisable to use an umbrella or wear a well-ventilated hat when the sun is strong. Applying a mild essence-type sunscreen thoroughly can also help.

● Does hair fall out more during the changing seasons?

The dry wind during the changing seasons reduces the moisture content of the scalp, negatively affecting scalp health. Also, rapid changes in temperature and humidity slow down scalp metabolism, causing more hair to fall out than usual. Therefore, if hair loss during the changing seasons is ignored as temporary, it can develop into permanent hair loss. It is important to carefully observe hair condition and pay attention to scalp health. If the following symptoms appear, seasonal hair loss should be suspected and a hospital visit is recommended promptly.