The Science behind Hair Growth

Now here’s a detailed insight on the science behind hair growth, the stages of hair growth and how multiple treatments are required to see permanent hair reduction.

Let’s start with how the hair grows on our bodies.

Hair growth begins under the skin in what is called a hair root, located in the follicle. Cells are grouped together in the root consisting of protein (Keratin) which creates the formation of the hair. Blood from blood vessels in the scalp then feeds the root, creating more cells and this process makes the hair grow. As the hair is pushed up through the skin, the hair no longer has active cells, however is still kept growing through tiny blood vessels at the root of the follicle.

The Three Stages of Hair Growth

Each hair growth cycle goes through the following three stages of hair growth.

Anagen

The anagen stage of the hair growth cycle is when the hair is actively growing from the follicle. In this phase the hair is strongly embedding in the root and creates a solid foundation for the hair to appear throw the hair shaft.

Catagen

The second stage of hair growth is the catagen stage. This stage is a short transitional period where the hair stops growing and the hair follicle begins to shrink. The follicle breaks away from the derma papilla which provides nutrients to the follicle and in return prevents any further growth to that particular hair.

Telogen

The last phase of the growth cycle is known as the telogen phase. This is also know as the resting phase. In this phase, the hair follicle grows back downwards and attaches itself back to the dermal papilla. Once this is complete the hair returns to the growth phase and the cycle is repeated. At any particular time, 85% of the hair is in the anagen phase while 15% is in catagen and telogen phases.

Treatments required

At Advanced Laser Clinic, our qualified technicians advise between four to six weeks between treatments to target the all the hair at the anagen stage. For optimal results and a hair reduction of 87% - 89% technicians advise on average six to nine treatments. Once a full course of treatments is completed, recommended maintenance of one or two treatments a year can help prolong the desired results.

For more information on Laser Hair Removal and how it can work for you, call 306 993 4600 and book a free consultation with one of our technicians.