Hair is the filamentous biomaterial that grows from follicles in the skin. It consists mainly of tightly packed, keratin-filled cells. Hair has a number of structural functions: it protects the body against UV radiation and insulates the head from heat loss. It is also a social signal of biological sex, age and ethnic ancestry. The colour of hair is determined by the melanin pigment, which is produced in a variety of structures called follicles. Each follicle contains a sebaceous gland that produces oily substance (sebum) to lubricate and waterproof the hair. There is also a tiny muscle (arrector pili) attached to each follicle that can make the hair stand up when it is triggered by a nerve impulse.
Hair has a unique structure and can be characterized by three distinct morphological components: the medulla, the cortex and the cuticle. The medulla is a loosely packed region near the center of the hair fiber, which consists of protein and structural lipids. The cortex is a dense region that forms the bulk of the fiber mass and consists primarily of keratin proteins. The cuticle is the outer layer of the hair fiber and is composed of overlapping, dead cells that are protected by the medulla and cortex. Hair also has a vascular system that carries nutrients to the follicles.
Human hair is one of the most important trace evidence encountered by forensic investigators. It is important to the crime-solving process as it can provide information on many aspects of a person, such as gender, race, age and socioeconomic status. It is often used to determine a suspect’s place of origin.
In addition, forensic investigators use hair to distinguish between a similar person and another individual. This can be done by comparing the cellular composition of the hair to that of the victim or other witnesses. The hair also helps to identify a perpetrator and establish whether the crime was committed by a single person or by multiple people.
Hair is a common form of body decoration and can be styled into many different shapes and styles. Some people are even willing to sacrifice their bodies to achieve the look they desire, a process known as body modification. However, it is important to understand the health implications of these changes before deciding on an appropriate hairstyle.
During the process of styling the hair, it is essential to ensure that the strands are tangle-free and that the desired appearance will be achieved. For this reason, it is recommended that one consults an expert. There are experts who have a lot of experience in this field and they will be able to advise the client on the best style for them.
Hair can be difficult to style for beginners as it requires patience and a lot of practice. To prevent the hair from becoming tangled, it is advisable to start with clean, freshly washed strands. In addition, it is advisable to apply some cream or spray before beginning the process of styling.