What best explains the fact that eyebrows do not grow as long hair on head?
Eyebrows and head hair have different hair growth cycles and genetic programming.
1. Genetics:
- Eyebrow hair is genetically programmed to grow to a certain length and then stop.
- Hair on the scalp, on the other hand, can continue growing indefinitely unless cut or damaged.
2. Hair growth cycle:
- Eyebrow hair has a shorter hair growth cycle compared to head hair.
- The growth cycle of eyebrow hair typically lasts about 4 months, while the growth cycle of scalp hair can last for several years.
3. Hormonal influence:
- Androgens, such as testosterone, play a significant role in hair growth and thickness.
- The scalp has a higher concentration of androgen receptors than the eyebrows. This means that scalp hair is more responsive to the effects of androgens and can grow longer and thicker.
4. Nutritional factors:
- Both eyebrow and head hair growth is influenced by nutrition.
- A balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals is important for healthy hair growth, but nutritional deficiencies can affect hair growth and quality.
5. Environmental factors:
- Eyebrows are exposed to environmental factors like sun, wind, and pollution, which can damage the hair shaft and inhibit hair growth.
In summary, the genetics, hair growth cycle, hormonal influence, nutritional factors, and environmental factors all contribute to the difference in hair growth between eyebrows and head hair.