TLDR Human hair growth involves active, resting, and intermediate phases, and examining plucked hairs can teach students about hair biology and diseases.
The article by Helen J. Jones, published in 1984, describes a practical exercise designed for students to investigate the growth cycle of human hair, which includes the active growth phase (anagen), the resting phase (telogen), and an intermediate phase (catagen). The practical involves plucking hair from the vertex region of the head and categorizing the roots as anagen, telogen, or abnormal by examining them under a light microscope at ×40 magnification. The exercise aims to stimulate interest in hair and can lead to discussions on hair structure, function, variation, and the control of hair growth, which is relevant to conditions such as baldness. The technique used in the practical is also applied in research on hair diseases. The article suggests that this simple scientific method can make the subject area appealing and relevant to students' experiences.
139 citations,
July 1991 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Understanding hair follicle anatomy helps diagnose hair disorders.
91 citations,
August 2015 in “Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia” Female Pattern Hair Loss affects women's self-esteem and needs more research for better treatment.
October 2024 in “Experimental Dermatology” The belief about hair shedding phases is likely incorrect and needs reevaluation.
21 citations,
May 1996 in “Current problems in dermatology” Detailed patient history and physical exams are crucial for diagnosing hair loss.
73 citations,
March 2009 in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery” The document concludes that accurate diagnosis of hair disorders is crucial and requires a range of diagnostic methods.
January 2017 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings” The 2015 Hair Research Congress concluded that stem cells, maraviroc, and simvastatin could potentially treat Alopecia Areata, topical minoxidil, finasteride, and steroids could treat Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia, and PTGDR2 antagonists could also treat alopecia. They also found that low-level light therapy could help with hair loss, a robotic device could assist in hair extraction, and nutrition could aid hair growth. They suggested that Alopecia Areata is an inflammatory disorder, not a single disease, indicating a need for personalized treatments.
