Your hair is formed in a small structure just below the skin called a hair follicle. Interestingly, humans have more hair follicles than either gorillas or chimpanzees!

The shaft of the hair is what we actually see above the skin. It is the hardened, keratinized tissue that grows outward from the follicle. The hair that most people consider to be "real hair" is found growing on the legs, back, underarms, genital area and scalp. This hair is much thicker and more fully pigmented than the fine hair that grows along your legs or arms, for example.

The three growth phases that hair goes through are:

1. Anagen phase - Also known as the active growth phase; this phase lasts several years. 85% of our hair is in this phase at any given time. There is a lot of melanin in the hair shaft during the anagen phase.

2. Catagen phase (regressive phase) - The hair stops growing during this phase. It lasts an average of two weeks. The hair is not shed during this phase and only 3-4% of the hair on our body is in this phase at any given time.

3. Telogen phase (resting phase) - This phase lasts about 5 or 6 weeks. The hair falls out of the hair follicle and a new hair shaft begins to form. About 10-13% of our hair is in this phase at any given time. As we get older it the natural process of hair loss begins often times.

There are many ways to promote the vitality and strength of your hair and even more ways to harm your hair. If you are a smoker you should consider quitting because doctors have linked hair loss to smoking. When your hair is wet make sure you use a comb to straighten it and not a brush. If you have knots in your hair you should start at the tip of the hair and work the knot out toward the top. If you can avoid it do not use hot hair rollers, hair dryer or harsh hair chemicals.

For women, it is recommended that you use fabric covered elastic bands when sleeping. Plain elastics can put extra stress on the follicle, which can lead to hair breakage. Make sure your hair is tied up loosely. A tight hairstyle is likely to add to your hair loss.

When you are outdoors make sure you wear a hat to protect your hair from the sunlight. Avoid the fast food because it doesn't contain the fresh fruit and raw vegetables that your body requires to produce strong, healthy hair. If you are using multivitamins make sure that it has a good amount of vitamin A, zinc, copper and vitamin B complex.

Stick with these rules and you are sure to have a healthier head of hair with extra longevity. These rules aren't the end all, be all of hair loss because sometimes hereditary factors will ensure that you will lose your hair. It never hurts to follow these steps, though. You will only end up healthier for it.