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

Blocking androgens prevents excess sebum production and related changes in hair follicle growth that lead to thinning and hair loss.17 Research on female-pattern hair loss supports spironolactone’s ability to help prevent hair loss and increases the number of hair follicles on the scalp. —Mary Choy, Verywell Health, 6 Mar. 2025

Changes to other genes related to the development and structure of hair follicles also gave it a woolly hair texture, wavy coat and curled whiskers. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025

Boosting circulation, this promotes the activity of hair follicles and their oxygenation, improving the well-being of the scalp and stimulating the growth of strong, healthy hair. —Alice Nardiotti, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2025

It’s made with ingredients that help reduce inflammation, boost your body’s natural stress response, protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, and counteract the effects of DHT—a hormone that can shrink hair follicles and contribute to hair loss. —Megan McIntyre, Allure, 26 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hair follicle

• diabolical
• symbolical

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