The hair we had in our childhood doesn’t have the same texture as what we possess today, which will in turn differ from our mature hair. This is perfectly normal. In fact, our hair goes through cycles and their texture changes between each cycle. Our hair care routine may also impact this. You may have noticed this in yourself: Did you transition from perfectly curly hair to less defined waves? Or from ash blonde to light chestnut? As we age, we may perceive changes in hair thickness, texture, color, etc. So, how long exactly is a hair strand lifespan?

It’s a story of an eternal cycle

The average hair strand lifespan is seven years. Our hair is constantly regenerating. When a hair strand falls out, a new one takes its place and it may decide to change its ‘nature’. It appears that even though every hair strand has its own life, significant changes can suddenly occur across the whole hair mass. But don’t worry, seven years is an average. Some people may not experience this, while others might have a shorter cycle. Several factors come into play: genetic makeup, hormones, lifestyle…

Why do we still have hair on our heads then?

Firstly, we need to understand that we lose about 100 hair strands per day. These are systematically replaced. Hair regrowth is segmented into three phases:

• The anagen or growth phase lasts on average 2 to 7 years. It accounts for 80% of the hair on your head. The hair grows and is attached to its dermal papilla, a small blood vessel that irrigates the hair follicle and nourishes it.
• The catagen or transition phase, is when the hair rests. Cellular multiplication is slowed or even stopped, and hair growth is halted. This lasts 2 to 4 weeks.
• The telogen or rest phase lasts about three months. At the end of this phase, the hair detaches from its dermal papilla and a new one takes its place.

It’s also estimated that a follicle can produce 25 to 30 hair cycles in its lifetime. Assuming it produces a new hair every seven years, you can maintain your luscious locks up to the age of 210. That’s something to keep in mind! Additionally, not all the hair on your head grows at the same rate or falls out simultaneously, so it can be difficult to pinpoint an exact duration. That’s why you can always boast a full head of hair!

Several factors can influence the lifespan of a hair strand, such as age, gender, hormones, diet, hair care, illnesses, hair porosity, and so on.