An introduction to your hair
A Cross Section Of A Strand Of Hair
You may look at your hair and think, it's just hair. However, your hair, regardless of length, natural colour, straight or curly, thick or fine, loads of it, or not so much, it is all made up of the same protein, which is Keratin, and all hair types share the same characteristics. And this is that they all comprise of an outer and inner section, and in some cases, a very inner section.
These are the Cuticle, and these are like roof tiles, gently overlapping one another. It is the cuticle that makes hair appear shiny as when the hair is well maintained, the cuticle will lie flat making the light reflect off of them. Should the Cuticle be damaged however, the hair colour will appear dull and lifeless.
The centre is the Cortex, which is where your hair colour, strength and elasticity is determined. Almost like the hairs backbone, should this become damaged beyond repair, the hair is completely dead and no amount of help will save it.
In some people, although quite rare, there is the Medulla, which has no actual use that we know of as of yet, but it does tend to appear in people of African origin or those with very thick hair.
These are the Cuticle, and these are like roof tiles, gently overlapping one another. It is the cuticle that makes hair appear shiny as when the hair is well maintained, the cuticle will lie flat making the light reflect off of them. Should the Cuticle be damaged however, the hair colour will appear dull and lifeless.
The centre is the Cortex, which is where your hair colour, strength and elasticity is determined. Almost like the hairs backbone, should this become damaged beyond repair, the hair is completely dead and no amount of help will save it.
In some people, although quite rare, there is the Medulla, which has no actual use that we know of as of yet, but it does tend to appear in people of African origin or those with very thick hair.
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE SCALP
A Cross Section Showing An Individual Follicle
The Scalp is more than just the skin you see on someone’s head, for it is in here, and for the most part the skin all over the body, that hair is produced thanks to the Papilla Vessels, Follicle and Sebaceous gland. These all play key parts in ensuring that hair grows. The Follicle is where the Bulb of the hair rests, and grows. The Papilla vessels provide nutrients through the blood and the Sebaceous Gland produces oil called Sebum, which is the body's natural protective oil for the hair. However, when the gland is overactive, this causes the hair to become greasy. Also, during puberty it is common for these glands to become overactive, along with many others due to the sudden influx of hormones. This will usually begin to subside between the ages of around 16-21. For more information on hair care during puberty and the teenage years, check out Hair And Skin Changes During Puberty
As you can see, there is quite a lot at work to ensure that your hair grows, and as such, you need to care for your scalp, as you would any other part of the body to ensure that your hair is growing healthily, this includes using proper product which is designed for your hair and scalp type, laying off the backcombing, extensions and the "poor man’s face lift" ponytail, as all of these can nick the scalp, and can also cause some pretty unsightly problems ranging from alopecia to hair breakage or even keloid scarring see Hair Problems and Possible Solutions
As you can see, there is quite a lot at work to ensure that your hair grows, and as such, you need to care for your scalp, as you would any other part of the body to ensure that your hair is growing healthily, this includes using proper product which is designed for your hair and scalp type, laying off the backcombing, extensions and the "poor man’s face lift" ponytail, as all of these can nick the scalp, and can also cause some pretty unsightly problems ranging from alopecia to hair breakage or even keloid scarring see Hair Problems and Possible Solutions