Hair is an integral part of fashion, and most of us have to deal with different hair issues throughout our life. Therefore, you need to know about hair to buy relevant products to avoid wasting money and damaging your hair in today’s world.

Here is our guide on anything and everything about the anatomy of hair. Let’s learn the basics every hair enthusiast should know about hair structure, hair condition, different hair types, hair growth cycle, thickness, density, different types of scalps, hair porosity and elasticity, etc.

Hair Structure

Hair is formed of three different structures: the cuticle, cortex, and medulla. The cuticle is the outermost and protective layer of hair, which is quite similar to a snakeskin or fish scale. This is often where the initial damage takes place. The cortex, in the middle, holds the color or melanin in the hair and is also prone to damage. Finally, the innermost part of the hair is the medulla.

Hair produces from follicles beneath the skin’s surface. Hair root lies inside the follicle, whereas the hair shaft is the part that protrudes from the scalp; thus, each hair shaft is a hair. The hair bulb is located at the base, which supplies blood, receives nutrients, and produces new cells along with baby hairs.

The sebaceous or oil gland is also part of the hair follicle and generates natural oils that moisturize, waterproof and protect both hair and skin. Finally, the Arrector Pili is a tiny little muscle attached to the follicle that regulates the hair and is found on every strand. We feel goosebumps because of the Arrector Pili.

Hair Growth Cycle

There are three stages in a hair growth cycle: Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen. The active growth phase is known as the Anagen phase, when hair grows about 1 centimeter or 0.5 inches a month on average. This will vary according to factors such as age, ethnicity, health, and medicine that influence the rate of hair growth.