Hair Follicles

Overview

Hair Follicles are tube-like structures located in the Epidermis through which Hair projects into the Dermis.  Hair Follicles are supplied by Sebaceous Glands (which are generally clustered around Hair Follicles) and Connective Tissues (erectile muscle) and exist throughout the surface of the Skin - not just on the Scalp.

Hair

 Hair Follicles are involved in Hair Growth (by incorporating Keratin into Hair):

 Specialized Keratinocytes are present in Hair Follicle- these Keratinocytes eventually die and form Hair.

 Sebum is released onto the surface of the Scalp or Skin by the Hair Follicles - Sebum is produced in the Sebaceous Glands and delivered to the Hair Follicles for release by small ducts.

Sexual System

 Hair Follicles contain Androgen Receptors (accounting for their ability to be influenced by Androgens such as Dihydrotestosterone).

These Substances may Enhance the Function of Hair Follicles

Amino Acids

 Cysteine may prevent Free Radical damage to Hair Follicles. 

Growth Factors

 Keratinocyte Growth Factor (KGF) may facilitate the survival of Hair Follicles.  ^[1]

Hair Improvers

 Copper Peptides (applied topically) may increase the size of Hair Follicles. 

 Tricomin may facilitate the regeneration of Hair Follicles: 

 In one study (on mice) a single injection of Tricomin during the anagen phase of Hair Growth caused a significant increase in the size and depth of their Hair Follicles.

 Ketoconazole (Nizoral Shampoo applied topically) may inhibit the binding of Androgens (including Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)) to Androgen Receptors on Hair Follicles. 

 Minoxidil (applied topically to the Scalp - usually as a component of the patented Hair Growing Drug Rogaine) stimulates Hair Follicles and dilates the small Blood Vessels in the Scalp that supply nutrients to Hair Follicles (it functions in a manner similar to that of Nitric Oxide).

 It isclaimed that Viviscal (an extract of Polysaccharides derived from the Cartilage of deep sea Fish combined with Silicon) is claimed to treat Hair Loss by nourishing the Hair Follicles.