Hair 101: The Science of Healthy Hair (1)

In order to achieve healthy hair you must first seek to understand what your hair is made of, what it needs and how it reacts under differing circumstances.

In this instalment, you’ll learn about the structure of hair.

Hair consists of three layers.

The innermost layer is called the medulla. The medulla is filled with air. It may or may not be present in the hair, and is largely found in thick hair.

The layer surrounding the medulla is the cortex. This layer gives the hair its strength and colour. It contains fibres of a special protein called keratin, water, lipids and traces of minerals. It also contains pigment molecules known as melanin that determine the colour of the hair.

The outer layer is a protective layer called the cuticle. The cuticle is several layers of overlapping, translucent sheets organised much like tiles on a roof. The cuticle can open and close.

Now that you know what hair is made of you know what it needs: protein for strength and moisture for elasticity. You can give your hair the protein and moisture it requires from the inside via your diet, or from the outside via hair products. Finding the right balance between protein and moisture is crucial. Too much protein and not enough moisture will lead to dry, brittle hair that breaks. Too much moisture and not enough protein will lead to mushy hair that stretches and snaps when manipulated. If your hair is breaking, it appears not to be growing.

Part two of the science of healthy hair will explore the hair growth cycle. Learning about the cycle will help you figure out why your hair seems not to grow. That’s the first step to growing healthy hair!