Histology of the Human Hair Follicle

The document from 2008 provides an extensive review of the human hair follicle's histology, detailing the structure, function, and growth cycle of hair follicles, including the differentiation between terminal and vellus hairs. It emphasizes the importance of clinicians and researchers understanding the microscopic appearances of hair follicles in different growth phases for the diagnosis and treatment of hair disorders. The paper recommends using full-thickness, 4-mm punch biopsies and both vertical and horizontal sectioning for a comprehensive evaluation. It also notes the significance of follicular counts in horizontal sections for diagnosing non-cicatricial alopecias. While the document is not a study and does not include participant numbers, it concludes that a thorough grasp of hair follicle histology is crucial for clinical practice and could lead to future therapeutic developments.