Let’s delve into the fascinating world of hair, shall we? Hair is primarily composed of Keratin, making up approximately 95% of its structure. Hair on the scalp, known as terminal hair, consists of three essential layers: cuticle, cortex, and medulla.
Let’s begin with the Cuticle- it’s the outermost layer of the hair. If you were to examine it closely under a microscope, it would appear like overlapping scales.
Caucasian hair typically has 4-7 layers of cuticle scales, while Asian hair boasts 11 layers. On the other hand, African hair usually falls within the 7-11 layers of cuticle scales. Interestingly, finer hair tends to have fewer cuticle scales compared to coarser hair.
Next up is the Cortex – the largest of the three layers. This is where the real magic happens; it’s home to the hair’s natural colour, harbouring pigments like pheomelanin for red and yellow hues, as well as eumelanin for brown and black shades.
And finally the Medulla – residing in the inner core of the hair shaft, its most commonly found in medium to coarse hair.
Now, let’s explore the five chemical elements that make up the hair: Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, and Oxygen.
Understanding these fundamental aspects of hair can lead to healthier and more vibrant locks. So here’s to a deeper appreciation of our crowning glory!