Hair is so personal to an individual. You wear it on your head everyday, making it a permanent part of every outfit. Hair (hair style) is probably one of the first things people notice. Because of its inconspicuousness, hair plays a huge role in bringing one's self image into focus. Whether you choose to fuss over your hair or not though, I think it's important to know a little more about your hair that covers your whole body.
First, let's look at hair structure - each strand is composed of strong structural proteins called “Keratin”. This Fibrous protein is present in other cells too. Besides hair cells, it is also found in skin cells as a protective layer. As you probably know, Keratin is what our finger nails are made from. That goes along with claws, horns and feather too.
Looking at a strand closely, there are three layers which are Medulla, Cortex, and Cuticle. The Medulla is in the center, though sometimes this is not present at all. The middle layer is the cortex, which is responsible for strength, color and texture of the hair.
The third or outer most layers is cuticle. Cuticle is a thin part and colorless that protects the cortex from damage. The length of the hair is called the shaft. If we go closer toward the scalp, we'll meet up with hair root, embedded within a hair follicle. If you pluck a hair close to the skin, you'll pull out the root from the follicle. (see it has a little bulge at the end.)
Here at the root, hair cells get nourishment from small blood vessels beneath the skin. It is within this region of the hair root as well, where receptors for hormones that regulate hair growth are present. Hair is constantly growing, though not all hairs are at the same stage of growth. Each strand grows independently of each other. The follicles grow in cycles. Each cycle can be divided into three phases:
- The “Anagen Phase” is the growth phase. This phase can last from 2 to 6 years, and approximately 85% of all hairs are currently in the growth phase. The hair thickness, shape, texture and color are determined at this stage.
- The “Catagen Phase” is the transitional phase. Lasting only a week or two, the hair does not grow and the follicle starts to retract from the base of the root, though there is some cell activity there.
- The “Telogen Phase” is the resting phase, and normally for 5-6 weeks. The hair is not growing at this stage while the cells at the base of the follicle rest. The hair either falls out, or gets pushed out by a new strand at the end of the phase, when the cells are done resting and kick starting to re-enter the Anagen Phase.
The growth cycle repeats itself over and over again, to the cells capacity. What influences this? Well, besides genetic hereditary factors; general health, diet, hormonal balance and physical condition play a huge factor in hair follicle too. So, your hair style should go with care too.
