Extracellular Matrix: The Foundation of Healthy Hair Growth

Hair forms, grows and dies in a regular three-stage cycle. All three stages of the cycle rely heavily on connective tissues in the scalp called the extracellular matrix.

Extracellular Matrix

• The Medical Biochemistry Page defines an extracellular matrix as a complex web of connective tissues. In the scalp, this matrix assists in the growth, shedding and regrowth of hair.

Hair Growth Stages

• According to the Keepmyhair.ca website, the life cycle of a hair consists of three main stages known as anagen, catagen and telogen.

Anagen

• When a new hair forms during anagen, the scalp's cells, blood supply and extracellular matrix convey signals to the hair follicle regulating the speed of hair growth.

Catagen

• In this transitional stage, the extracellular matrix uses its fibers to move the bulb of the dying hair follicle to the surface of the skin.

Telogen

• After the hair falls out, the extracellular matrix continues to act as a chemical and structural bridge between the bulb and its blood supply. A chemical message from the matrix then causes stem cells to reawaken and form a new hair follicle in place of the previous one.