
It’s on your head, face, arms, legs – pretty much everywhere except your palms and the soles of your feet. But what exactly is hair? And what’s the best way to take care of it? Or remove it?
It’s on your head, face, arms, legs – pretty much everywhere except your palms and the soles of your feet. But what exactly is hair? And what’s the best way to take care of it? Or remove it?
Turns out, hair is the second-fastest growing tissue in the body. It’s made of keratin, a type of protein that’s also found in nails and skin. “Each hair has its own hair root under the skin, which is surrounded by a hair follicle,” says Solomon Saul, DO, family medicine provider at LVPG Family Medicine–Mountain Top. “Blood supplies oxygen and nutrients to the root, helping your hair grow.”
Choosing the right shampoo – and using it properly – can improve the appearance and health of your hair. Here’s how to do it:
When browsing supplements or shampoos, you might notice biotin repeatedly advertised as a key ingredient for thicker, voluminous hair. And while it’s true that a biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss, there’s not enough evidence to support hair growth-related benefits of biotin products. If you’re struggling getting your hair to grow, talk with your provider about your concerns.
Looking to remove hair from someplace you wish it didn’t grow? See which of the choices available is right for you.
Method |
Good for … |
Regrowth? |
Shaving | Beards, mustaches, legs and underarms | Results can last one to three days. |
Tweezing | Eyebrows and other facial areas | Results can last for several weeks. |
Depilatories (creams, lotions and gels) | Face (away from eyes) and body hair | Results can last for several days. |
Waxing | Any area of your body, including large areas (legs) and delicate areas (upper lip) | Results can last up to six weeks. |
Lasers | Most areas, such as back, chest, neck, shoulders, upper lip and chin | Results can last for several months or even years. |
Eyes may be the window to the soul, but hair can provide crucial clues about the state of your overall health. For example, hair thinning and hair loss aren’t always your parents’ fault. There are several potential causes that aren’t genetic, including:
“So even if you’re fine with seeing more of your scalp lately, you should still discuss hair thinning with your health care provider and get to the source of the problem,” Saul says.