How often do you find yourself thinking about the state of your hair? Maybe you only really pay attention to it before a special occasion. Well, today you’re in for some interesting insights that might change how you view your locks. Here are more than 10 fascinating facts you probably didn’t know about your hair!
1. You Lose Between 100-150 Hair Strands Per Day
It’s completely normal to lose some hair when you brush it or after you shower, so don’t worry. However, if you notice you’re losing more than 150 strands daily, it could indicate abnormal hair loss, possibly due to factors like stress or an unhealthy diet.
2. Facial Hair Grows Faster Than Body Hair
Ever wondered why men need to shave so often? It’s because facial hair grows faster than the hair on the rest of the body. Interestingly, the only places on your body where hair doesn’t grow are the palms of your hands, lips, and eyelids.
3. A Single Strand of Hair Can Hold Up to 6.5 Pounds
While hair might look thin and fragile, it’s actually incredibly strong. A single strand can hold up to 6.5 pounds of weight! And if you wet your hair, its elasticity increases even more. For a fun experiment, check out the Wet Stretch Test to see this in action.
4. One Strand of Hair Can Absorb Up to Nine Times Its Weight in Oil
Hair is so absorbent that environmentalists have considered using it to clean up oil spills in the ocean. At least there’s a silver lining to having oily hair!
5. Your Hair Structure Changes Throughout Your Life
Ever notice that your hair doesn’t seem as thick and full as it did when you were younger? That’s completely normal. Just like the rest of your body, your hair goes through changes over time. It’s not uncommon for people’s hair to change texture, from curly to straight or from straight to wavy.
6. Each Strand of Hair Has a Lifespan of About 5 Years
No matter how much you love your hair, each strand has a limited lifespan. On average, a strand of hair lives for about five years before it naturally falls out and is replaced by a new one.
7. Your Hair Grows Fastest Between Ages 16-24
Your hair is at its healthiest and grows the fastest when you’re in your late teens and early twenties, thanks to your body’s overall peak health during this time.
8. Black Is the Most Common Hair Color in the World, While Red Is the Rarest
If you have dark hair, you’re in the majority. Studies show that red hair is the rarest, while black is the most common. People often associate red hair with strength, blonde hair with fun and flirtiness, and dark hair with intelligence and seriousness.
9. Tying Your Hair the Same Way Every Day Can Cause Breakage
Hairstylists warn that consistently tying your hair in the same style or parting it the same way can lead to breakage and thinning in those areas. The solution? Change up your hairstyle regularly to keep your hair healthy—and have some fun experimenting with new looks!
10. Split Ends Can’t Be Fully Repaired
The only way to truly get rid of split ends is to trim them off. While products like coconut oil can help temporarily, once your hair starts splitting, the best way to stop it is to cut off the damaged ends.
11. Hair Is Mostly Made of Keratin (Just Like Nails and Animal Hooves)
Hair is primarily composed of keratin, the same protein that makes up your nails and even the hooves of animals. This is why keratin-based treatments are so popular—they help smooth and strengthen your hair, and can also reduce frizz, especially on finer hair.
Don’t Take Your Hair for Granted!
It’s easy to overlook the importance of your hair, but it plays a big role in boosting your confidence, whether you’re a man or a woman. When you take good care of your hair, it rewards you by helping you look your best. Plus, it’s fascinating to learn about! How many of these hair facts did you already know? Do you have any other interesting hair facts to share? We’d love to hear from you!
