We actually have hair of various types all over our bodies. In fact, the only places we do not have some form of hair are the soles of our feet, the palm of our hands, and our lips. The hair that grows on our heads is quite possibly the most decorative feature of the human body. While it provides insulation for our heads, protecting it from the heat and cold, hair also has definite ornamental purposes and is very often used when people describe the way we look. Examples of this would be comments like “she’s a lovely redhead” or “the tall blonde model” or one we all hate to hear “… the bald guy”.

Hair has three distinct layers. The cuticle, or exterior layer, is composed of overlapping "shingles". These are flat, transparent pieces that protect the inner parts of the hair shaft. The cortex, the second layer, is made up of elongated cells that grow end on end rather than overlapping, it gives the hair it's flexibility and strength. The cortex contains the pigments that give our hair its natural color. As we age, and our hair turns gray, this source of pigmentation has depleted. The innermost layer of the hair is known as the medulla, and it is composed of two rows of cells that grow side by side through the length of the hair shaft. These cells determine the strength, body and elasticity of the hair.

When any one of these layers is damaged, the hair is weakened, sometimes beyond repair. With Apollo treatments, not only do we halt such damage but we repair existing hair as well. By the way, it’s a big job too as there are an estimated 1,000 hairs per square inch on the average scalp, which amounts to as many as 140,000 per head.

Each of these hairs grow from a root, the papilla, which is alive. This root is nourished by your bloodstream, making the circulation through the scalp essential to healthy hair. When the root is healthy, the hair grows with ease; when it is unhealthy the hair reflects this as well.

Each hair grows at a rate of approximately one half inch per month for a period of two to six years, then rests for about three months before being pushed out of the way by a new hair that has been slowly growing its way up through the scalp. On average, if the hair and its roots as well as the scalp, with its intricate network of nerves and sebaceous (oil) glands, are in working order, this "life" lasts about four years.

When this life cycle is normal, we lose approximately 80 to 100 hairs per day. If you run your fingers through your hair and some of it comes out easily, the hair was most probably ready to be released by the papilla so that a new hair could begin to grow. That’s true if the amount of loss remains in the range of only 80-100 hairs per day. However if you run your fingers through and the loss is more like a handful each time, you have a hair loss problem and it’s now time to see what Apollo has specifically for you.

click here to see graphic of a healthy & unhealthy hair folicle