Hair is a filament that grows from the scalp and contains keratin. Hair is an important symbol of social status and it plays a role in the expression of identity. It is also a source of beauty, as well as an indication of one’s health and well-being. Some people may even consider their hair as a “fingerprint” of their body, and thus, they try to maintain it in a healthy state.
Hair consists of the follicle, bulb, dermis and cuticle. It is the most prominent visible part of the human body, especially when it is long. It is thick and consists of tightly packed, keratin-filled cells. Hair is the result of a cyclic process and every mature hair goes through an anagen, catagen and telogen phase. The anagen phase is when the follicle enlarges to form hair shafts and reaches the surface of the skin.
The length of hair depends on genetic and environmental factors. Some genes regulate the growth of hair, whereas others control the rate at which the hair follicles mature and shed. The anagen phase is controlled by the production of cellular signaling proteins such as cytokines, which are produced by the cells surrounding the hair follicle. Hair follicles are sensitive to the environment and to stress hormone levels, which can affect the cyclic process.
Some cultures and societies have specific rules regarding the hairstyle of men or women. For example, Muslim women wear a headscarf and Sikh men cover their hair with turbans. In addition, the style of a person’s hair can indicate a societal group and can be used to denote one’s heritage.
Forensic and archaeological studies use hair as an identifier, particularly when the identity of a victim or suspect is unknown. Hair morphology can help identify the race of the individual and is often more reliable than facial or dental records. Hair is an excellent tool for determining the age of a person, as it is easy to measure and can be compared to other people.
If you have curly hair, a scrunchie will protect your strands from tangles and frizz during the day. It will also keep your curls bouncy by preventing moisture from getting trapped under the scrunchie. Another great trick is to use the “pineappling” method. This involves piling your strands on top of each other and securing them with a scrunchie. This will help prevent your hair from stretching out and getting matted while you sleep or during a workout. The best time to do this is right before you go to bed, because if you sleep with wet hair it will be more susceptible to damage while you’re asleep and in the morning. Even the soundest of sleepers will move their head a bit during slumber, and that movement can cause your strands to get tangled up in wet hair. You can also apply a leave-in conditioner to your braid before you tie it. This will also give your hair a soft hold and a smooth finish.