Hair is a keratinous filament that grows from follicles in the dermis. It is one of the defining characteristics of mammals and it is usually viewed as an important symbol of personal style, along with facial features and body shape. Hair can be straight, wavy, or curly and it may be a single color or multi-colored. It is also a major focus of beauty and grooming and it can be manipulated in many ways to change a person’s appearance. Hair is a topic of fascination because it can be viewed as a window into someone’s personality, life experience, and lifestyle.
A person’s hair is the result of genetic and environmental influences. The type of hair that a person has is an indication of the health of their scalp and their diet. A person’s hair can indicate their social class or culture and a particular hairstyle can be a reflection of their mood or current activity. People tend to touch their hair in times of stress or anxiety and they can compulsively brush, braid, unbraid, pull, comb, and twist their hair. Some common hair cliches are bleached blondes that are dumb or gullible, and sexy, sassy redheads. People may also use their hair to express emotion and as a signal of their sexuality.
The most important factor in hair care is to prevent damage. This can be accomplished by not washing it too often, using the right products, and taking care when styling your hair. It is also important to avoid putting your hair up in tight or loose styles that cause strain and stress on the strands.
If you have wavy hair, consider using a gel or wax that is gentle on your hair and won’t harden it. If you have a lot of hair, layering it is a great way to show off your waves and add volume. It is also important to comb your hair with a wide-toothed comb or a brush designed for wet hair so that you don’t cause any breakage.
Most subcultures have a distinct look that is signified by their choice of hairstyles. For example, many punks have dyed or spiked hair, while emos and scene kids generally wear long stylized bangs. The hairstyle of a person’s parents can also give you clues about their personality and lifestyle. Having your character’s hair reflect this can create a sense of continuity and realism to your story.