What is Hair Exactly?
Hair is a filamentous biomaterial that grows from follicles found in the dermis. The human body, apart from the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, is covered in follicles which produce thick terminal and fine vellus hair. Most common interest in hair is focused on natural hair growth, hair types and natural hair care.*
Getting Down to the Root of the Matter
Hair is an important biomaterial primarily composed of protein, notably keratin. Keratin assembles into rope-like intermediate filaments. The structure of these filaments provides strength to the natural hair shaft.
Natural hair growth begins under the skin in a hair follicle. The only "living" portion of the hair is found in the follicle. The hair that is visible is the hair shaft, which exhibits no biochemical activity and is considered dead. The base of the root is called the bulb, which contains the cells that produce the hair shaft. Other structures of the hair follicle include the oil producing sebaceous gland which lubricates the hair.
Hair Colors and Pigment
All hair colors are the result of two types of hair pigment. Both these pigments are types of melanin produced inside the hair follicle and packed into granules found in the fibres. Eumelanin is the dominant pigment in dark-blond, brown and black hair colors, while pheomelanin is increased amounts in red hair colors .Blond hair colors are the result of having little pigmentation in the hair strand. Gray hair colors occur when melanin decreases or disappears.
A Single Strand
Each strand of hair is made up of the medulla, cortex, and cuticle. The innermost region, the medulla, is not always present and is an open, unstructured region. The highly structured and organized cortex, or middle layer of the hair, is the primary source of mechanical strength, water uptake. The cortex contains melanin, which colors the fiber based on the number, distribution and types of melanin granules.
The shape of the follicle determines the shape of the cortex, and the shape of the fiber is related to how straight or curly the hair is. Asian hair typically has a round fiber and is quite straight. Oval and irregularly shaped fibers are generally wavier or even curly. The cuticle is the outer covering. Its complex structure slides as the hair swells and is covered with a single molecular layer of lipid that makes the hair repel water.
The diameter of human hair varies from 17 to 180 µm (0.00067 to 0.0071 in), depending on the color. Flaxen hair is the thinnest and black hair is the thickest.*
If Hair is Dead, Does it Really Matter What I Do to it?
Absolutely. If we care about our hair, it doesn’t have to be dull, dry and lifeless. We can choose to have naturally beautiful and healthy hair. Caring for and protecting our scalp is essential for hair growth and beauty. Therefore, avoiding synthetic chemical dyes will prevent potential skin irritation and severe allergic reaction.
Read real customer testimonials.
Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous Henna® user.)
©2011. L.J. O’Neal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Do not copy or reprint this article without the consent of the author or Saba Botanical of USA.
================================================================
*Even though our herbal ingredients have been used in natural medicine for centuries, we must add the following disclaimer: The herbs, formulas, and recipes contained within this web site are not to be considered substitutes for proper medical and health care. As with any other medicine, if you are sick, you should consult a physician to find out if the herbal preparations listed here are right for you. Saba Botanical does not make any medical claims nor warranties regarding the use of the products listed on this site. No matter how natural a product is, it may have a potential of causing side effects and allergic reaction on certain individuals. You should consult your physician before taking any medication.
Comments