Folli-Heal Plus
A follicle is a small organ that renews itself
A hair follicle is not a static root. Research describes it as a mini-organ that repeatedly rebuilds the lower part of itself, cycling between growth, regression and rest throughout life [1]. That is why hair can recover after some kinds of shedding, and why the state of the scalp and follicle matters.
The three phases in plain language
Anagen is the growth phase. On the scalp it lasts years, and most of your hairs are in this phase at any moment. Catagen is a short transition when the follicle shrinks back. Telogen is the resting phase; the old hair is then released, usually as a new hair starts beneath it [1].
Because each follicle runs on its own timetable, you lose some hair every day without noticing a change in density.
When shedding becomes thinning
Two patterns explain most visible thinning. In telogen effluvium, a trigger such as illness, childbirth, a crash diet or stress pushes many follicles into rest together, and diffuse shedding shows up some months later [2]. In pattern hair loss, follicles gradually miniaturise and produce shorter, finer hairs, so the scalp shows through even when the number of follicles has not changed much [1].
What this means for care
Because the cycle is measured in months, any scalp routine or treatment should be judged over months too. Same-angle photos are more reliable than the mirror. At Folli-Heal Plus we start with a magnified scalp analysis so you can see what your follicles look like now, then track the same areas over your sessions.
If shedding is sudden, patchy or comes with itching, pain or other symptoms, see a doctor first; blood tests can rule out thyroid, iron or other causes [2].
Want a closer look at your scalp?
Folli-Heal Plus starts every course with a magnified scalp analysis at The Starling Mall, PJ. We explain what we see, then plan sessions with you.
Results vary from person to person.
FAQ
How many hairs a day is normal to lose?
Some daily shedding is part of the normal cycle. Dermatology references often treat up to about 100 hairs a day as normal; what matters more is a clear change from your usual amount.
Can a resting follicle grow hair again?
Yes. Telogen is a resting phase, not the end of the follicle; in most cases a new anagen hair grows from the same follicle [1].
How long before I can judge a treatment?
Think in months rather than weeks, because each phase of the cycle is slow. Compare photos taken from the same angles.
References
- Paus R, Cotsarelis G. The biology of hair follicles. N Engl J Med. 1999;341(7):491-497. PubMed 10441606
- Malkud S. Telogen Effluvium: A Review. J Clin Diagn Res. 2015;9(9):WE01-WE03. PubMed 26500992 · PMC4606321
This article is general information, not medical advice. If hair loss is sudden, patchy or comes with other symptoms, see a doctor.