Hair diseases general

Why does hair split?

Particularly hair worn at shoulder length is in permanent contact with clothing. It either knocks or rubs against clothing. This can result in the hair shaft splitting.

Are perms or colours damaging to the hair?

As a basic principle, a perm or frequent colouring should only be considered with healthy hair. If the hair is thin or brittle or if hair loss is already present, a perm can make this even worse. The hair should therefore first be strengthened and given a well-cared for and thus resilient condition.

Why does head hair become increasingly darker after birth and grey with increasing age?

Baby hair contains thousands of pigment cells. These pigment cells increase their activity up to about the age of 15 and continue relatively constantly until about the age of 30. The number of cells themselves then starts to drop, as does their activity in forming pigment.

Is hair involved in the formation of 'goosebumps'?

The phenomenon of goose bumps is comparable to when animal's hair stands on end. Muscle fibres run directly under the spot where the hair comes out of the follicle. When stimulated by cold, for example, the musculus arrector pili, the hair follicle muscle, contracts the follicle that lies at an angle, resulting in a small hump and making the hair stand upright.