Final answer:
Hair processes faster at the scalp base due to body heat and the activity of stem cells in the hair matrix, where cell division rates are higher, promoting quicker hair growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hair processes faster at the base of the scalp due to body heat and the high concentration of stem cells in the hair matrix. These stem cells continually divide, producing new keratinocytes that form the hair shaft. As a result, heat from the scalp accelerates the metabolic processes here, leading to faster hair growth near the base. The proximity of the hair follicles to the warmth of the scalp also contributes to faster processing, as the heat encourages more rapid cell division and hair growth.