Hair is a fascinating part of the human body. It protects us from the elements, helps regulate body temperature, and provides a medium for self-expression. It’s also surprisingly complicated, with a structure that includes specialized cells, glands, and a protein called keratin (kair-tih-nIZAH). Hair grows from follicles, which are tiny pores in the skin or scalp. Each follicle gets nutrients from a blood vessel that runs underneath it. Cells in the follicle grow, die, and then harden into a tough fiber called a hair. The follicle also contains a gland that produces natural oils, called sebum, to moisturize the strand and protect it from harsh conditions.
The color of hair comes from a pigment called melanin (MEL-eh-nin) that is produced by specialized cells, called melanocytes, in the follicle. There are two kinds of melanin, eumelanin and pheomelanin, and the ratio of the two determines a person’s hair color. As we age, our follicles produce less melanin, and we develop gray hair as a result.
When it comes to styling our hair, there are a lot of things that we can do. Shampooing, conditioning, brushing, combing, braiding, and even cutting our hair can affect the way that it looks and feels. However, how much do we really know about our hair? This article will explore the morphology of hair, how it grows, what it’s made of, and what gives it its color.
Hair morphology refers to the shape of the hair strand. There are three main types of hair: fine, medium, and coarse. Fine hair has a thin texture and may be translucent when held up to light. It’s easy to see shed strands of fine hair if they’re on a white background. Medium hair has a slightly silky feel and can be straightened or curled, and is often receptive to styles. It tends to have a slight body wave and one or more distinct S-waves that can be stretched or pulled out.
Coarse hair has a rough, wiry texture. It can be straight or wavy and has a definite S-pattern that is usually tight or tightly coiled. It’s not as easy to style and can be prone to frizziness. It can also be dry or greasy. This type of hair can be caused by environmental factors, stress, illness, or simply as a natural part of aging. In the past, some cultures used to wear their hair long, but these days it’s more common for people to keep their hair shorter, either for practical or aesthetic reasons. Some people choose to dye their hair or use a variety of other hair treatments to change the color and/or texture of their hair. Many people are also prone to thinning hair, and there are many shampoos and conditioners that can help to make the strands appear thicker. Many of these products contain a molecule known as hyaluronic acid that works to plump up the hair, making it look fuller and healthier. The aforementioned ingredients also work well to improve the condition of hair that has been damaged by heat, chemicals, or stress.