Architecture, growth and new perspectives
By Anaïs Bonnefoy, with expert input from Marine Péron-Léonard
Hair serves several functions, ranging from physical and thermal protection to sensory perception and social interaction. Its visible part, the hair shaft, remains biologically inert, however: it consists of cells resulting from the terminal differentiation of follicular keratinocytes, which have become anucleated, keratinised and biologically inert – known as trichocytes – and are then compacted into a strong fibre.
This fibre is produced by the hair follicle, a complex structure that is constantly renewing itself. It is considered as a true ‘mini-organ’, capable of integrating signals from its immediate or external environment [1] [2].
Research into follicular longevity, stem cell ageing, the mechanisms behind greying, and the follicular microbiome is now shedding new light on how the follicle functions and changes over time.
This article was written with the expertise of Marine Péron-Léonard, an R&D expert in hair and scalp care with 30 years’ experience in the hair care industry, and founder of Hair & Derm, a consultancy and training firm specialising in hair care.
