What characterizes a distorted hair follicle?

A distorted hair follicle is characterized by damage or bending, which can affect the growth and overall health of the hair. This distortion may result from various factors, such as trauma, prolonged tension on the hair, or certain skin conditions. When a follicle is bent or damaged, it may lead to abnormal hair growth patterns, such as ingrown hairs or irregular hair texture.

In contrast, a healthy and normal follicle would be intact and functioning properly, producing hair at a consistent rate without any distortions. Excessive oil production typically indicates an overactive sebaceous gland, which can lead to oily hair but does not necessarily mean the follicle itself is distorted. A newly formed hair follicle generally represents a normal stage in the hair growth cycle and would not be considered distorted. Thus, the defining characteristic of a distorted hair follicle is its altered shape due to damage or bending, aligning with the chosen answer.