Hair facts

(¡) Function of hair: - - Apart from imparting you with diva looks, hair has a far more essential function. It's our protective shield and essentially serves to protect that part of the organ where it grows out. Our eyes are protected from dust by eyelashes. Eyebrows disallow sweat and rain form entering into our eyes and causing irritation. Nose hair protects from dust particles from air to entering respiratory passages. Hair on our head apart from adding beauty also protects the skull and the brain. Hair on body helps in keeping the body warm.

(¡¡) Growth cycle of hair: - Hair follows its own growth pattern which is spread over a certain period of time and consists of three basic stages:

. Anagen Phase: - Growth Phase --- The Anagen phase or growth phase lasts for about three years. Approximately 85 percent of all hairs are in the growing phase at any one time.

. Catagen Phase:- Transitional phase --- At the end of the Anagen phase the hair enters into a Catagen phase which lasts about one month and makes the end of the growth period. At an average 1 percent of follicle are in this stage

. Telogen Phase: - Resting Phase --- The resting phase follows the catagen phase and normally lasts about three months. During this time the hair does not grow but stays attached to the follicle. Approximately 10-15 perccent of all hair are in this phase at one time. At the end of the Telogen phase the hair follicle enters the Anagen phase

Hair tips

. The first step to beautiful hair is cleanliness. Wash your hair every alternate day or even daily with a mild shampoo formulated for daily use, if necessary.

. Eliminate or cut back on smoking, caffeine and carbonated sodas which weaken the body and block maximum hair growing potential.

. Excessive blow drying can damaged hair in the long term, making it brittle and causing splits ends giving rise to Hair Loss

. Cumin, turmeric and black pepper are some 'hair-friendly' spices.

. While drying your hair with towel, use blotting technique instead of rubbing it vigorously

. Use a wide toothcomb to avoid pulling the hair

Some interesting hair facts

. Palms and soles are the only two parts in the body which do not have hair

. Number of hair follicales are formed in the third month from the inception and are the same till the time of death, hence there can never be a before and after picture