Back To My Roots

August 3, 2025

Am I loosing more hair than usual? Is my hair thinning? What can I do about my shedding? Is there anything more “natural” I can do for my hair loss? These are questions that I have been periodically asked throughout my 20+ years as a licensed cosmetologist and budding clinical herbalist. As of late, it seems as though these inquiries are a bit more frequent- so back to my roots I go! I have retrieved my seriously ancient textbooks, course materials throughout the years and did some current researching on the internet to compile this 4 part series of posts throughout the month of August. I hope this abundance of information can be helpful as the month of August is Hair Loss Awareness Month.

Hair Loss -

Part 1:

Hair loss is not picky about whom it affects- as it is a global issue and an ever growing multi-billion dollar market. Statistics show that more than 63 million people in the US suffer from abnormal hair loss and an estimated 80% of cases of androgenetic alopecia are due to genetic factors. Further more the Hair Loss Treatment Industry Analysis is an estimated 2.2 billion dollars a year  with an estimated  3.5 billion market analysis by 2030. With all the marketing and sales hype its kind of hard for one experiencing hair loss to know  exactly what to do, where to go, what works and in some more serious cases who to talk too. For centuries hair has played an important role in our identity and in creative expression. In understanding minor inconveniences with our hair, and in some cases more serious disorders such as hair loss, we must consider the skin our body's largest organ, as well as our individual body as a whole. Everything is all connected, however one size isn't for all. Having a basic understanding of the composition, function and structure of hair/scalp/skin along with other factors is a start to your healthy hair journey.

 Composition/Structure/Function of Hair/Scalp/Skin

Our hair and nails are appendages of the skin. The main purpose of our hair aside from adornment, is to protect the head from heat, cold and injury. Hair is comprised of a protein called keratin. The chemical composition ratio/percentage of hair which varies with its color, includes carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen.

The human hair has 2 parts: The Root and the Shaft.

Root: is the portion of hair structure located beneath the skins surface.

Shaft: is the portion of hair extending above and outward of the skins surface.

Structures associated with the root are:

Follicle: tube like depression in the skin/scalp that encases the hair root (glands are also present and attached to the follicle)

Bulb: structure forming at lower part of the root, covering the papilla.

Papilla: located at the bottom of the hair follicle. Within the papilla is a rich blood supply which contributes to the growth and regeneration of the hair and also has ability to produce cells. As long as the papilla functions– hair will grow.

Hair Shaft: comprised of three parts:

Cuticle: Outer layer of the hair shaft, is transparent and protects the inner shaft.

Cortex: Middle layer of hair which gives hair its strength, elasticity and pigment (hair color).

Medulla: Inner most layer of the hair shaft, may be absent in very fine hair.

Photo credit- Milady’s Standard Textbook of Cosmetology

The Hair Growth Process

The hair growth cycle is composed of 4 phases:

Anagen Phase: (growth) lasting 2-6 years

Catagen Phase: (transitional) lasting 2-3 weeks

Telogen Phase: (resting) lasting 2-3 weeks

Exogen Phase: (shedding)

It is normal for a healthy individual to shed 50-100 hairs daily. The average growth rate per strand is 1/2 inch per month. The rate growth differs on specific parts of the body, between sexes, races, and aging. Scalp hair also differs among individuals in strength, elasticity and waviness. The growth of scalp hair occurs more rapidly between the ages of 15-30 and declines between 50-60. Scalp hair grows faster on women than men. The average life of a single hair is 2-6 years. There is an average of 1,000 hairs to a square inch, varying depending on hair color, Blonde-140,000  Brunette -110,000  Black– 108,000  Red—90,000

 Determining Type of Hair Loss

· Non– Scarring Alopecia's ( Non– Cicatricial Alopecia’s ). This type of hair loss is without destruction of the hairs follicle and may be slowed or regress with proper maintenance, treatments and products.  Examples: Androgenetic Alopecia’s ( hereditary male or female pattern baldness), Telogen Effluvium (brought on by stress and results in the hair staying in the telogen stage. An increase in stress releases cortisol and sometimes results in thinner hair, shedding of hair or more severe coming out in clumps). Alopecia Areata ( develops when the body's immune system attacks the hair follicle causing loss. It can affect the whole body.). Traction Alopecia—hair loss due to strained and weakened follicles due to traction of tight hair styles for lengthy amounts of time, think ponytails, braids, dread locks etc. Anagen Effluvium-  a type of abnormal hair loss when the hair is in the anagen phase of growth, usually brought on by certain chemicals, drugs, chemotherapy. Medical Conditions

· Scarring Alopecia's (Cicatricial Alopecia's)- hair follicles damaged by inflammation (many different types mostly replaced by scar tissue), Lupus erythematosus, Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia, Lichen Planopilaris, Folliculitis, to name a few. For this hair loss is permanent due to destroyed follicle and hair can generally not regrow in the affected area.

Understanding the above along with the proceeding factors is a great foundation and key to understanding and determining your journey to healthy hair and skin. In part 2 “Understanding Factors Affecting The Skin & Hair” will be posted next week.

Resources

Hair Loss Awareness Month – August 2025   https://nationaltoday.com/hair-loss-awareness-month/

 Kibbe, Constance V. “Milady’s Standard Book of Cosmetology” Delamar Publisher, NY 1990

 Hair Loss Statistics 2025 (Types, Treatments...)  www.medihair.com

  “Hair Loss Treatment Market-Size Industry Report On Share, Growth Trends & Forecast Analysis  (2025-2030)” mordorintelligence.com

August 10

Part 2: Hair Loss; Factors Affecting The Hair/Skin

· Genetics/hereditary– it really is in the genes—or is it….. While genetics and heredity are important factors as some familial traits/characteristics may more than likely be hereditary, there are some instances where certain characteristics or traits have not been passed down through generations or have absolved throughout time. The shape, color and texture of our hair is determined by hereditary traits. I encourage any that are able, getting to know their genes.

· Medical Conditions/Medications/Surgeries—The health of our skin and hair may also be influenced by certain medical conditions such as mineral/nutrient deficiencies, autoimmune conditions, dermatitis, fungal and parasitic infections. Certain medical conditions characterized by hormonal imbalance can significantly affect our hair and skin. Recovering from a long term illness, sudden weight loss or decrease in protein also influences our hair growth. Chemotherapy treatments and certain drugs or medications unfortunately harbor the side affects of hair loss/thinning. Stopping medications (such as birth control) may also trigger hair loss/shedding and skin conditions. Undergoing recent surgeries may affect the condition of hair and skin as well, this usually subsides 6-12 months post surgery.

· Aging/Hormones– As we age it is normal for cell turn over to slow down, and the ability for our bodies to rejuvenate as quickly also slows. For both men and women, throughout life's stages, hormones play a big role in the health of our hair and skin. The phases of the hair growth cycle are regulated by a complex interaction of hormones, Androgens( testosterone and dihydrotesterone aka; DHT ) and Estrogen . Disruption in hormonal balance can lead to visible changes in hair density, thickness, and pattern. Fluctuations (puberty/pregnancy/menopause) in hormonal levels can dramatically affect hair follicles. In areas such as the beard, chest and pubic region androgens stimulate hair growth, especially during puberty. Androgens also control scalp hair loss, especially in individuals who are genetically predisposed to androgenetic alopecia where androgens shorten the anagen phase, leading to follicular miniaturization and eventual hair thinning. Androgens are responsible for male-pattern baldness (beginning in late teens or early 20’s and progresses with age, as well as female pattern hair loss, which is more diffuse and occurring later in life, particularly after menopause. Estrogen has opposite effect on scalp hair. Estrogen hormones prolong the anagen growth phase, which can result in the thick and lustrous hair noticeable in pregnancy. Postpartum estrogen levels plummet often leading to telogen effluvium, a temporary but noticeable hair shedding phase. Thyroid hormones are critical for the development and maintenance of hair follicles. Both hypothyroidism (under-active) and hyperthyroid (overactive) can lead to thinning and brittle hair.  Hormone Imbalances– Poly-cystic Ovary Syndrome involves elevated androgen levels that  can lead to Hirsutism and scalp hair  thinning. Cushing's Syndrome is caused by excess cortisol and may   include hair thinning and other systemic symptoms. Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, can trigger telogen effluvium by prematurely pushing hair follicles into the resting phase.

· Environment/Product Usage

     Seasonal changes in the weather influence our hair and skins health. Summer being linked to the healthiest time due to more daylight, warmer/humid temperatures more activity and movement thus increasing circulation. The colder winters increased dryness in the climate is also drying for our hair/skin prone to being more brittle, breakage and static. Dormancy in hair growth is more common in the winter. Our daily environment influences the health of our hair and skin.

Some questions to ask: How is my air quality? Do I have increased exposure to toxins due to my working or living environment? What is the quality of my water used on a daily basis? What indoor lighting am I subjected too on a daily basis? How are the products used for skin and hair on a daily basis influencing hair/skin? Are the services to my hair/skin/nails performed and administered safely and correctly? What are the ingredients and their function in the products used for hair/skin/nails on a daily basis?

· Lifestyle/Stress/Emotion/Rest/Relaxation/Exercise

     Our lifestyle choices and experienced daily stressors also influence the health of our hair/skin. Being active supports elimination and ridding of toxins and helps to increase lymph flow and circulation and flow of blood. Refraining from smoking/alcohol and recreational drugs promotes a healthier lifestyle and a healthier mane. Some common daily stressors may be work related, relationships even medical conditions or illness can trigger our stress levels. Picking up a hobby, spending time w/friends, meditation, self care rituals, massage, being in nature, volunteering or type of community outreach are all positive lifestyle choices which can help decrease our stress levels or appropriately cope with our daily stresses. 

· Nutrition

     We really are what we eat! According to the Mayo Clinic, what you eat promotes radiant hair, skin and nails, naturally. Maintaining a well balanced diet, that fits our dietary needs is fundamental to the homeostasis of the whole body including optimal hair/skin health. In some, for various reasons our body's may be deficient in nutrients or minerals which could interrupt the homeostasis of the body. 

Next week we will take a deeper dive into the nutritional requirements, their function, including examples in the role of hair/skin health. References and citations for this segment are included in next weeks Part 3.

What’s In A Name……….

Envi, pronounced “n-vee”. Curated from the word envi-ronment by yours truly, founder Angela Batson in 2007.

As I enter into my eighteenth year of business, I cannot help but reflect on the journey that led to the naming of my business/ brand, Envi Botanicals LLC, and its evolution over the years. Initially established as Envi Salon & Spa Services, my mission was to pioneer the first environmentally friendly and conscious salon in the Southern Illinois region. This commitment to sustainability and wholistic wellness has since blossomed into a broader vision, encompassing personal care and educational services and products that emphasize a seed to table, seed to bottle and farm to spa experience. Today, Envi Botanicals LLC represents not just a brand, but a lifestyle dedicated to nurturing both individual well-being and the health of our planet.

Massage Is For EveryBODY

While the staff of Envi Botanicals & In Sync are in observance of massage is for everyBODY, everyday of the year we would like you to join us this week, July 15th through July 20th, as our combined businesses celebrate! Throughout this time we will also be hosting a fundraiser for a local, non-for-profit organization named Sandra’s Comfort. Click here for more information on this organization. Our combined businesses will be donating a portion of our proceeds throughout this week for Sandra’s Comfort. You may stop in now through Saturday July 20th from 10-2 (M-S) to register for a free massage donated by one of our practitioners/therapists. Drawing will be held on Saturday July 20th and no purchase required. I, Angela of Envi Botanicals will be offering 10 -special massage packages of 4-60 minute massages for $250 ($30 off regular price) and will be donating $50 of each package purchased to our chosen organization. We will also be offering gift certificate specials to encourage massage for yourself or to gift a friend, family, peer or co-worker! We may even have some local food trucks visiting our location throughout this week! For more details feel free to reach out by email to Angela at angela@envibotanicals.com or InSync at insyncstaff@gmail.com

I became a licensed massage therapist in 2007, adding this modality and knowledge of the human body to my existing cosmetology practice. Fast forward 17 years I have observed our profession of massage and bodywork becoming more widely accepted in the medical field and as a part of one’s own sovereign wellness journey. This acceptance is important to me as I have witnessed this need for just simple basic touch in many home care and palatable settings as well as for sports, other injuries and post op surgeries.

The therapists and practitioners of our combined businesses go the extra mile in reaching out to our community and its needs in many ways. We a diverse range of modalities in massage, bodywork and wellness. Since my 17 years as a practitioner with InSync, we have donated our time/services for various events, organizations and fundraisers throughout our community. This helps raise funds for these organizations while helping to establish awareness within our community. On many occasion we have also offered corporate chair massage for local businesses, institutions, home care and various other offerings through out our community.

We hope to see you soon!