Biomechanics of Hair Fiber Growth: A Multi-Scale Modeling Approach

The study developed a multi-scale finite element analysis (FEA) modeling framework to understand the biomechanical forces and impedances involved in mammalian hair fiber growth. The overall follicle model was supported by tissue-scale and cell-scale models, which provided inputs and helped deconvolute biomechanical phenomena. The simulations suggested that factors such as follicle geometry, tissue hydrostatic state, material stiffness, keratinization-mediated hardening, and desmosome-correlated shear sliding behaviors play crucial roles in hair fiber protrusion. The model aimed to predict which structural features and forces are significant in hair growth, guiding future experimental studies.