hair follicle

noun

: the tubular epithelial sheath that surrounds the lower part of the hair shaft and encloses at the bottom a vascular papilla supplying the growing basal part of the hair with nourishment see hair illustration

Examples of hair follicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Demodex mites Demodex is a specific genus of microscopic mite that lives in hair follicles and sebaceous glands. —Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2024

Keep in mind that for hair growth shampoos to be effective, the active ingredients must penetrate the skin and enter the hair follicles. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2024

Alopecia areata's inflammatory immune response triggers a premature telogen or late catagen stage within the hair follicles. —Heather L. Brannon, Md, Verywell Health, 27 Jan. 2024

In addition, lips lack other skin features, such as hair follicles, sweat glands and sebaceous glands that provide extra moisture or oils. —Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, CNN, 7 Apr. 2024

When massaged onto the scalp, these oils increase blood flow and stimulate the hair follicles, which can help hair grow. —Jenn Barthole, Glamour, 29 Mar. 2024

Genetics | Stress | Tight hairstyles | Styling habits | Dandruff | Inflamed hair follicles | Hormone fluctuations | Autoimmune disorders 1. —Krissy Brady, SELF, 5 Mar. 2024

But Vaughn said hair loss can even result from a scar, which destroys the hair follicles. —Journal Sentinel, 16 Feb. 2024

Theirs can precisely target the hair follicle, eliminating hair at the root without damaging skin. —Stepfanie Romine, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hair follicle

noun

: the tube-shaped sheath surrounding the lower part of a hair shaft

Medical Definition

hair follicle

noun

: the tubular epithelial sheath that surrounds the lower part of the hair shaft and encloses at the bottom a vascular papilla supplying the growing basal part of the hair with nourishment