Hair: Structure, Growth, and Common Problems in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Hair is one of the defining features of mammals, and for people in Grand Rapids, Michigan, it also plays an important role in appearance, warmth, and protection—especially through our long, cold West Michigan winters.

This guide explains how hair grows, common hair and scalp problems, and when to see a Grand Rapids dermatologist or primary care provider for help.

How Hair Grows

Each hair arises from a hair follicle

The human body has about five million hair follicles spread over almost the entire skin surface, except for the palms, soles, and lips. Most follicles produce tiny, soft vellus hairs that are barely visible. Larger, thicker terminal hairs are found on the:

  • Scalp
  • Eyebrows and eyelashes
  • Armpits (axilla)
  • Beard area
  • Pubic region

In a climate like Grand Rapids—where winters are cold and windy and summers can be humid—hair helps:

  • Keep us warm
  • Provide light touch sensation
  • Protect the eyes and nose from dust and debris

Your hair’s color, curl pattern, thickness, and density are mostly determined by genetics, though nutrition, hormones, and health conditions also play a role.

Keratin: the main building block of hair

Hair grows from the hair bulb, the only living part of the hair shaft. Cells in the bulb:

  1. Multiply
  2. Move upward
  3. Harden into hair fiber cells

This hardening process is called keratinization. Hair is made mostly of keratin, the same strong protein found in your nails and the outer layer of your skin.

Hair Growth Cycles

Hair grows in cycles

Each hair follicle goes through a repeating cycle:

  1. Growth phase (anagen) – lasts months to years
  2. Transition phase (catagen) – short “shut-down” phase
  3. Resting/shedding phase (telogen) – follicle is dormant and hair is shed

After the resting phase (about three months), stem cells in the follicle activate and form a new hair bulb. A new hair then grows and pushes the old hair out.

How fast does human hair grow?

On average, scalp hair grows about 1 centimeter (0.4 inches) per month.

  • Most scalp hairs grow continuously for about 3 years, reaching around 36 cm (14 inches) before they shed.
  • In the armpits and groin, hairs typically grow for 6–9 months, reaching 6–9 cm (2.5–3.5 inches) before they stop growing and fall out.

Hair length is determined by how long the growth phase lasts—not by how “fast” hair grows.

Common Categories of Hair Disorders

Hair is always cycling between growth and shedding, so some daily hair loss is normal (often 50–100 hairs per day). Problems arise when:

  • Too many hairs enter the shedding phase at once
  • Hair follicles are damaged or destroyed
  • Hair fibers are abnormally formed or broken

Broad categories of hair disorders include:

  • Developmental disorders – genetic conditions that affect hair structure or growth from birth
  • Abnormal hair shedding – such as after severe illness, pregnancy, major stress, or certain medications
  • Baldness (alopecia) – including androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) and alopecia areata
  • Excess hair (hirsutism) – especially in women, often linked with hormonal conditions like PCOS
  • Hair infections – fungal or bacterial infections of the scalp and follicles
  • Hair shaft damage – from cosmetic over-processing or physical trauma

In Grand Rapids, seasonal changes—such as dry indoor heat in winter and sun exposure near Lake Michigan in summer—can also contribute to hair dryness, breakage, and scalp irritation.

Hair Shedding and Chemotherapy

Telogen or anagen effluvium

Abnormal hair shedding can occur when a physical or emotional stressor “shocks” the follicles, such as:

  • Severe illness or surgery
  • High fever or infection
  • Childbirth (postpartum hair loss)
  • Major emotional stress
  • Certain medications
  • Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a course of strong drugs used to treat cancer. A common side effect is hair loss, because chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells—including those in hair bulbs.

Hair loss and regrowth after chemotherapy

  • Many people receiving chemotherapy in Grand Rapids through Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health–University of Michigan Health, or other local oncology centers experience partial or complete hair loss.
  • The hair usually grows back after chemotherapy is completed, although:
    • It may be a different texture (curlier or straighter)
    • It may be a different color
    • Regrowth can take several months

Scalp cooling during chemotherapy

Scalp cooling (cold caps) is a technique used during chemotherapy to reduce blood flow to the scalp, which may help prevent or reduce hair loss. This option is available in some oncology centers, including certain cancer programs in West Michigan.

Discuss scalp cooling with your:

  • Oncologist
  • Chemotherapy nurse
  • Cancer care team at your Grand Rapids treatment center

Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Baldness)

The role of testosterone and DHT

Testosterone and its by-product dihydrotestosterone (DHT) affect the type of hair produced in susceptible hair follicles. Over time, in genetically predisposed people:

  • Thick, long terminal hairs are gradually replaced by
  • Short, fine vellus hairs

This process is called miniaturization and leads to visible thinning and pattern baldness.

Male-pattern hair loss

In men, androgenetic alopecia usually follows a predictable pattern:

  • Receding hairline at both temples
  • Thinning on the crown (top/back of the head)
  • These areas may eventually merge, leaving a horseshoe-shaped band of hair

In Grand Rapids, men often seek evaluation for male-pattern baldness from:

  • Primary care providers
  • Dermatologists at local systems such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or private dermatology clinics

Prescription medications and topical treatments may:

  • Slow or stop further hair loss
  • Promote partial hair regrowth

Hair transplantation

For advanced cases, hair transplantation can be helpful. This procedure:

  • Moves hair follicles from the back or sides of the scalp (where hair is more resistant to DHT)
  • Places them into thinning or balding areas

Hair transplant services may be available through specialized dermatology or cosmetic surgery practices in the Grand Rapids area.

Female-Pattern Hair Loss

In women, androgenetic alopecia typically appears as:

  • Gradual loss of hair volume over the crown
  • Widening of the part line
  • Thinning rather than complete baldness

Early signs include:

  • Increased hair shedding (more hair in the brush, shower, or on the pillow)
  • Reduced ponytail thickness
  • Thinning over the crown after many years

Women in Grand Rapids may benefit from:

  • Prescription medications that can slow shedding and stimulate regrowth
  • Evaluation for hormonal or metabolic conditions (such as thyroid disease or iron deficiency), which are relatively common in the Midwest

If you notice progressive thinning, schedule an appointment with:

  • Your primary care provider
  • A dermatologist familiar with female-pattern hair loss

Genetic Influences on Baldness

A number of genes have been linked to premature baldness. If close relatives developed early hair loss, you may have a higher risk.

However, even with a strong family history, early evaluation by a dermatologist in Grand Rapids can help:

  • Confirm the diagnosis
  • Rule out other causes of hair loss
  • Start treatment to slow progression

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks hair follicles.

Typical features

  • Circular or oval patches of hair loss on the scalp
  • Sometimes affects the beard, eyebrows, or body hair
  • Skin in the bald patches usually looks smooth and normal

There is a known association with autoimmune disease, such as:

  • Thyroid disease
  • Vitiligo
  • Other immune-mediated conditions

Severe alopecia areata

In more severe cases:

  • Every hair on the scalp may be lost (alopecia totalis)
  • All body hair may be lost (alopecia universalis)

In alopecia areata, the follicles become dormant but are not destroyed, so:

  • Hair may regrow spontaneously in some people
  • Many people, however, require medical treatment to stimulate regrowth and control the immune response

Emotional impact

Alopecia areata can have a profound effect on emotional wellbeing, sometimes contributing to:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Social withdrawal

In Grand Rapids, support may be available through:

  • Behavioral health services at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and Metro Health
  • Local therapists and counselors
  • Patient support groups (online or through regional hospitals)

If hair loss is affecting your mood, speak with your doctor or a mental health professional.

Scarring Alopecia

Scarring alopecia (cicatricial alopecia) occurs when inflammation destroys hair stem cells and follicles, leading to permanent bald patches.

  • Early diagnosis and specialist dermatology care are crucial to stop or slow progression.
  • A common cause is inflammatory scalp disease, but in many cases the exact cause remains unknown.

If you notice:

  • Bald patches with redness, scaling, or pain
  • Scalp tenderness or burning
  • Pustules or scabs

you should see a dermatologist in Grand Rapids promptly to reduce the risk of permanent hair loss.

Hair and Scalp Infections

Some hair and scalp infections are contagious and can spread from person to person, especially in shared environments like schools, gyms, and sports teams in the Grand Rapids area.

Ringworm (tinea capitis)

Ringworm of the scalp is a fungal infection, more common in children. It typically:

  • Starts as a small circle of red, scaly skin
  • Expands outward, forming a ring
  • Causes hairs within the ring to break off close to the scalp, leading to patchy hair loss

Prompt treatment is important to prevent spreading the infection to family members, classmates, or teammates.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is a bacterial infection of the hair follicles that produces:

  • Small red bumps or pimples on the scalp
  • Itching or mild tenderness

It usually does not cause significant hair loss, but severe or chronic cases can occasionally damage follicles.

In Grand Rapids, folliculitis may be more common in:

  • People who sweat heavily (e.g., athletes, outdoor workers)
  • Those who wear tight hats or helmets
  • Individuals with oily skin or certain skin conditions

Hair Shaft Damage and Over-Processing

Hair fibers can be damaged by:

  • Excessive bleaching, coloring, or perming
  • Frequent heat styling (flat irons, curling irons, blow dryers)
  • Tight hairstyles (braids, ponytails, buns) that cause traction
  • Rough brushing or towel-drying

In Grand Rapids, dry winter air and indoor heating can make hair more brittle, increasing the risk of breakage. To protect your hair:

  • Use conditioner regularly
  • Limit heat styling and chemical treatments
  • Wear hats or scarves in harsh winter weather
  • Avoid very tight styles that pull on the hair

Excess Hair (Hirsutism) in Women

Hirsutism is excess, male-pattern hair growth in women, often on the:

  • Chin
  • Upper lip
  • Chest
  • Abdomen

A common cause is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal condition that may also cause:

  • Irregular periods
  • Acne
  • Weight changes

Women in Grand Rapids with new or worsening facial or body hair should see:

  • Their primary care provider
  • A gynecologist or endocrinologist
  • A dermatologist for cosmetic and medical management options

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids, MI

Seek medical advice if you notice:

  • Sudden or patchy hair loss
  • Rapid thinning of scalp hair
  • Scarring, redness, or pain on the scalp
  • Excess facial or body hair (especially in women)
  • Hair loss after starting a new medication
  • Hair loss affecting your mood, confidence, or daily life

Local options include:

  • Your primary care physician or family doctor
  • Dermatology clinics affiliated with:
    • Spectrum Health
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health (regional network)
  • Community resources via the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health for general health support and referrals

Key Points About Hair and Hair Loss

  • Hair is made of keratin and grows from follicles in repeating cycles.
  • It is normal to lose some hair every day; problems arise when shedding is excessive or follicles are damaged.
  • Chemotherapy often causes hair loss, but hair usually grows back after treatment is completed.
  • Scalp cooling during chemotherapy can reduce hair loss and is available in some oncology centers in and around Grand Rapids.
  • Androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) is common in both men and women and is influenced by genetics and hormones.
  • Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that can cause patchy or complete hair loss and may require medical treatment.
  • Scarring alopecia can cause permanent baldness and requires prompt specialist care.
  • Many hair and scalp conditions are treatable. Early evaluation by a Grand Rapids dermatologist or primary care provider can improve outcomes and help protect your hair health year-round.