Our hair changes shape, texture, thickness, and color as we age. Our hair follicles also change shape. Hair with a rounder circumference is straighter than hair with a curly circumference. Genetics play a role in the shape of our hair, but these traits are subject to change throughout our lives. Some people’s hair grows longer than others, while others are bald and/or thinning. The following are some common hair types.
Hair has many functions. It serves as a biological advertisement and can reflect our genetics and health. Ancient myths describe the power of hair, including the story of Rapunzel, which relates to the ability of hair to connect and allure. In addition, hair serves as a social communication tool. Hair serves as a natural protective barrier to the skin and traps particles. Hair can be easily modified to express personal style and preferences. Hair can also regenerate without scarring.
Infections cause the scalp to become inflamed and scaly. Some people experience bald spots, or small, black dots on their scalp. Treatment will often clear the infection, and hair usually grows back. Fortunately, many hair problems are treatable. Infections tend to heal on their own, so they should not be a permanent issue. In some cases, hair may even grow back after the infection is gone. But the best thing about this treatment is that it will help you identify the underlying cause of your hair loss.
Hair growth depends on the health of the papilla, which is the ring of tiny blood vessels that surrounds the root of the hair. The germinal matrix, or hair bulb, is a rounded structure deep in the skin. In the bulb, there are several types of stem cells that develop into specific specialized cells. These cells can renew themselves for a long time. Hair is also very elastic, and its stem cells can divide thousands of times each day, much faster than any other cell in the body. The cuticle is also responsible for hair color and structure during puberty.
Under a microscope, hair looks like a thick tube, called the filament. The filament is primarily made of keratin, which is also found in skin and nails. The follicle is the location where the hair cells mature. These cells receive nutrients from the surrounding blood vessels, and they grow upward through the follicle to form a hair strand. Hair is also composed of cells called keratin, which lose their nucleus.
Several different subcultures have their own distinctive hairstyles. Hippies and metalheads, Indian sadhus, and older indie kids often have long hair, while punks, rockers, and tattoo artists have spiked or mohawked hair. Skinheads and other skinheads often have short hair and are called “skinheads”. For younger indie kids, long stylized bangs were popular in the early 2000s. Chinese people often tied their hair as a sign of filial piety.