Hair Glossary

Hair follicles are responsible for the production of hair. They produce hair fibers in a regular cycle. Hair follicles, as part of the hair-producing role, retain stem cells, promote cell growth, tissue invasion and induce angiogenesis. Hair follicles also work closely with the immune systems of the skin and neuroendocrine systems. Hair follicles support immuno surveilance against pathogens and aid in sensory perception. Hair follicles have been proven to metabolically be one of the most rapidly proliferating units of the skin system. Only cells in the stomach proliferate more quickly than hair follicles. Hair follicles are contained in a cavity in the skin that contains the root of the hair.