TLDR Sulphur in hair follicles increases from the bulb and then levels off, while other elements vary in distribution.
The study measured the distribution of sulphur and other elements in human hair follicles using PIXE and a scanning proton microprobe. It found that sulphur content in the presumptive hair shaft (PHS) was low at the bulb end (0-400 μm), increased from 400 to 800 μm, and then plateaued, aligning with previous protein analyses of keratin synthesis. Other elements like Si, Ca, and Fe were randomly concentrated, while P, Cl, K, and Zn were uniformly distributed. Average relative concentrations of these elements were also estimated.
28 citations
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October 1985 in “The Journal of Cell Biology” Researchers isolated and identified structural components of human hair follicles, providing a model for studying hair formation.
9 citations
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April 2018 in “Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology” Hair analysis can show nutritional status and environmental exposure, with phosphorus being very stable in hair and differences found based on gender and conditions like depression and autism.
15 citations
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January 2016 in “Przeglad Menopauzalny” Eating a balanced diet with specific nutrients is important for menopausal women to manage hair loss.
July 2018 in “International journal of clinical & experimental dermatology” Eat a balanced diet for healthy hair; only use supplements if you have a proven nutrient deficiency.
Human hair keratins can self-assemble and support cell growth, useful for biomedical applications.
16 citations
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September 2018 in “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” Plant-based remedies may treat hair loss by reducing inflammation and improving insulin resistance.
