Hair is the characteristic threadlike outgrowth of the epidermis (skin) that makes up an animal’s pelage. It is present in all mammals, but to varying degrees on different parts of the body. Hair is an important part of a person’s appearance, and it may also be used to express a sense of style or cultural identity. Hair has long been associated with social and psychological status, and in some cultures it is worn as an expression of religious devotion.
Hair grows from cells in a pit called the hair follicle, situated under the surface of the skin. The cells composing the hair are filled with and surrounded by keratin, a protein. Hairs are often colored, and they come in many shades of blond and brown. These colors are created by a process of oxidation that changes the structure of the keratin molecules.
The hair follicle produces a special oil called sebum, which helps the strand of hair retain its moisture. The hair follicle also contains a pigment called melanin, which gives some animals their coloration. Hair cells that are not needed for growth are shed and replaced by new ones. This cycle is known as a telogen phase, and it can be disrupted by stress, illness, or medication.
When you write about your character’s hair, it is important to know how to describe its color and texture. A well-done description can bring your character to life and convey a lot about his personality.
In addition to describing the color and texture of hair, you can also show your reader how the character moves his head, and how that relates to his emotions. For example, if your character is anxious or nervous he might touch his hair compulsively or play with it. He might pull his hair back tightly or comb it through with his fingers.
The way a character moves his hair can tell the reader a lot about him, and it’s an excellent opportunity to set a scene or create tension. Your character might scratch an itch with his scalp, or he might brush his hair to get it to stand up straight. These actions can be a clue about your character’s emotional state and give the reader an idea of his inner world.
While the characteristics of hair vary among mammals, they all contain the same basic elements. Hair is composed of the follicle, or pit, the medulla, or core, and the cortex, or shaft. The follicle contains a hair bulb that contains a sebaceous gland, and it is connected to the root of the hair with nerves. As the hair grows, blood vessels supply the hair bulb with nutrients, and the old cells are pushed outward by the new ones, producing the strands that we see as hair. As the strands grow, they become more and more twisted as the melanin in them is oxidized. This is why hairs can be seen as being kinky, wavy, curly, or frizzy.