As a dermatologist with a keen interest in the intricacies of hair growth, I can provide an insightful explanation on why armpit hair appears to grow at a rapid pace. Hair growth is a complex process that involves multiple biological factors, and understanding these can shed light on the phenomenon of armpit hair growth.

Firstly, it's essential to recognize that hair growth occurs in cycles. The three primary phases of the hair growth cycle are the anagen (growth) phase, the catagen (transition) phase, and the telogen (resting) phase. The anagen phase is when the hair is actively growing, and this phase can last for several years for scalp hair, but for armpit hair, it is typically shorter, ranging from a few weeks to a couple of months. This shorter anagen phase contributes to the perception that armpit hair grows quickly, as it spends more time in the growth phase compared to the resting phase.

The rate of hair growth is influenced by several factors, including genetics, hormones, and age. Genetic predispositions can determine the length of the hair growth cycle and the density of hair follicles in a particular area, such as the armpits. Hormones, particularly androgens like testosterone, play a crucial role in hair growth. They stimulate the hair follicles to grow more rapidly and can lead to thicker and darker hair. This hormonal influence is one of the reasons why armpit hair may grow faster in some individuals, especially during puberty when androgen levels rise.

Another factor to consider is the hair's location on the body. Armpit hair is often more noticeable due to its contrast with the skin and the fact that it is in a region that is frequently exposed during daily activities. This visibility can create an illusion of rapid growth, as any increase in length is more easily observed.

The statement that "Pubic and axillary hair grows almost as fast as scalp hair at 15 but slows with age and has a much faster follicle turnover time" is not entirely accurate. While it is true that hair growth can slow with age due to a decrease in the production of certain hormones, the rate of hair growth is not solely dependent on age. The turnover time of hair follicles refers to how quickly a hair follicle moves from one phase of the growth cycle to another. A faster turnover time could theoretically lead to more frequent shedding and regrowth, but this does not necessarily correlate with the speed of hair growth.

In conclusion, the perception of armpit hair growing quickly is a result of its shorter growth cycle, genetic and hormonal influences, and its visibility. It is not solely due to the rate of growth but rather a combination of factors that contribute to the overall hair growth experience.

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The rate or speed of hair growth is about 1.25 centimetres or 0.5 inches per month, or about 15 centimetres or 6 inches per year. Pubic and axillary (armpit) hair grows almost as fast as scalp hair at 15 but slows with age and has a much faster follicle turn over time.read more >>