- What is our hair made of?

Definition:

Hair is 95% made up of keratin, a fibrous protein that protects our hair. Hair has no regenerative property since it is dead material, only the hair bulb is alive.

The hair is made up of 3 layers:

• the cuticle, the hair's outer layer , its role is to protect the hair and give it shine and suppleness.
• the cortex , an intermediate layer made up of pigmented cells which gives the hair color and gives solidity, resistance and elasticity.
• The marrow, inner layer, composed of an amorphous, soft and fatty substance. It has no real function.

What are the different types of hair?

The shape of the follicle that produces the hair is a genetic and climatic characteristic, it influences the distribution of the different layers of keratin in the hair:

1- The African type: Represents very dense and dry hair to protect the scalps from the strong sun. It is an elliptical follicle and not at all perpendicular to the surface.

2- The European type: Represents smooth and fine hair. It is a slightly twisted oval follicle that forms flat hair.

3- The Asian type: Represents smooth and thick hair. It is a round follicle, elongated and perpendicular to the surface of the skin.

* The hair is therefore naturally rather smooth or thick (Asians), smooth or fine (Europeans), curly, frizzy (Africans). However, the mixture of DNA, genetics… gives birth to a certain type of hair: wavy, curly…

In figures, what does that give?

• The number of hairs: 100,000 to 150,000.
• The diameter: between 50 µm. at 100 µm.
• Growth: 1 to 1.5 cm per month.
• The maximum length: 90 to 100 cm.
• Weight: A full head of hair weighs about 100 g.
• The lifespan of a hair: 2 years to 7 years.
• Daily hair loss: 50 to 100.

The life cycle of a hair:

Hair has a life cycle made up of 3 stages:

• Anagen : during this period, the hair is growing. (2 to 6 years old)
• Catagen : transition period that interrupts hair growth (3 to 4 weeks)
• Telogen : elimination period, which will result in the expulsion of the dead hair after 3 months, this will give way to a new hair which will grow.

* The information communicated may vary from one individual to another. It can be influenced by many factors such as genetics, hormones, nutrients and emotions. In addition, external factors such as the change of season ...

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