The Hair Follicle
Hair follicles are tiny pores below the surface of the skin responsible for hair growth. From an evolutionary standpoint, widespread hair growth is advantageous. Hair plays a role in sensation, protection of the skin, and thermoregulation (controlling body temperature).
Because of the many important roles for hair, hair follicles are complex structures that are located on nearly every area of the body, excluding sensitive areas such as the lips, palms of the hands, the navel, as well as scar tissue.
Each and every strand of hair on the body has its own follicle. Each follicle consists of a bulb-like base, from which the hair grows, and a long, narrow sheath leading to the skin’s surface that houses the root and shaft of the hair.
Sebaceous and Eccrine Glands
Also associated with the follicles are sebaceous (oil producing) and eccrine and apocrine (both sweat producing) glands, which open into the follicles, providing lubrication to hair and the surrounding skin. Small muscles called arrector pili are also connected to the follicles. These muscles contract when a person becomes cold or nervous, resulting in the commonly referred to occurrence of “goose bumps”.
Melanin
The hair follicle is lined with epithelial (skin) cells. At the base of the follicle, in what is known as the matrix, these cells divide very rapidly and are what allow hair to grow. Also located in the matrix are melanocytes – cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives hair its colour. There are two different types of melanin, which are accountable for differences in hair colour. Eumelanin produces dark black or brown hair, whereas pheomelanin is responsible for producing lighter, blonde and red hair. The high quality lasers at Electra Laser target both types of these pigments and, unlike some other clinics, this allows us to treat a broad clientele, regardless of hair colour.
Hair Growth
Nutrient supply and hormones called androgens control the rate at which hair grows. The area of the hair follicle that is sensitive to androgens and provides access to nutrients is referred to as the dermal papilla. Under microscope, the papilla appears as a small protuberance at the centre of the hair follicle’s base. It contains receptors to which androgens can bind and stimulate growth, and is richly supplied with capillaries (tiny blood vessels) that deliver nutrients to support this growth.
Although not visible to the eye, hair follicles are highly intricate and regulated structures. An understanding of hair follicles helps to identify ways in which they can be manipulated to limit unwanted hair growth. Read about how the Cynosure Laser used at Electra Laser Hair Removal specifically targets some of these features of hair follicles to effectively reduce hair growth.
Phone: 604-255-2737 – Downtown Vancouver
