Let’s talk about hair…what is hair anyway?

Hair is a thin fiber that grows from the scalp called follicles. They are mainly composed of proteins called keratin and are part of the skin system. The scalp has many hair follicles which they produce new hair that then grows through the skin.

Each hair has three main layers:

Cortex – this is the inner layer of the hair, consisting of keratin fibers that give the hair strength and elasticity. Hair color is determined in the cortex.

Cuticle – this is the outer protective layer of the hair, consisting of several layers of thin scales. The cuticle protects the inner layers of the hair from damage and moisture loss.

Medulla – this is the middle layer of hair that some hairs have while others don’t. The medulla is often airy and does not contribute much to the structure of the hair.

On the surface of the hair is the hair cuticle, which is made up of flat, overlapping cells directed towards the hair tip. The cuticle consists of six to ten layers of cells arranged in this way.

In healthy hair, the cuticle is smooth and transparent, giving the hair a shiny appearance in the light.

In an alkaline environment, the cells expand, while an acidic environment closes them.

Hair has many functions, including protecting the scalp from sunlight, heat loss and damage, and sensing touch and other stimuli. In addition, hair is an important aesthetic element that can affect an individual’s self-confidence.

Hair care is therefore important to maintain healthy and attractive hair.

Anthropologists believe that long hair is the result of secondary natural selection and its function is to make the individual more attractive.

Long, healthy hair is also said to indicate the health of the individual.