It can also be said to be a thread like structure which is a living matter that grows from a sac found on the outer skin.
Hair is one of the defining characteristics of mammals. Each strand of hair is made up of the medulla, cortex, and cuticle.
Medulla which is the innermost is not always present and often situated in an open unstructured region.
The cortex which is highly structured and organized is the primary source of mechanical strength and water uptake. The cortex contains melanin, which colors the fiber based on the number of distribution and types of melanin granules. The shape of the follicle determines the shape of the cortex while the shape of the fiber is related to how straight and curly the hair is.
The cuticle is the out covering layer, it's complex structure slides as the hair swells and is covered with a single molecular layer of lipid that makes the hair repel water.
The glands at the opening of a hair produce a fatty secretion that lubricates the hair and prevents it from dying. The secretion is known as the sebum which is a natural oil that smooths the scales on the hair shaft and makes the hair nice and soft.
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| (Diagram of the human hair) |
Types Of Hair
Hair is basically classified into four types
Normal, Oily, Dry and Combination.
It is important to dictate the type of hair one has so as to easily maintain and care for the hair in a proper way, usually a person's skin type is found to have a felling effect on his/her hair type.
A close look at the hair can tell a lot about the hair types.
1.Normal Hair
This type of hair looks naturally healthy and shiny. Containing a balanced amount of sebum, it appears shiny but does not feel greasy.
It can stay nice between washes and it is very easy to care for and maintain. To maintain, shampoo, conditioner and oil are used at regular intervals.
2. Dry Hair
This type is usually lifeless, dull and fragile and it has split ends. It may at times feel itchy and will break down easily.
It is particularly common with curly hair and it's uneven surface makes it difficult to distribute natural oil.
If the hair is straightened a lot or lacks sebum, it becomes dry. It should be washed with a mild shampoo and olive oil and massage the dry scalp.
3. Oily Hair
This type of hair feels heavy on the head and is unpleasantly clamp to touch. It can be caused by perspiration, much sebum on the hair, excessive reproduction of hormones or not washing the hair as often as it should be washed.
It usually looks greasy and will often have dandruff problems. It should be washed frequently, preferably every alternate day so that the dirt can not accumulate.
4. Combination Hair
This type of hair will display characteristics of both dry and oily hair, this could be when the hair is oily at the roots and dry at other ends or vice versa.
Combination type of hair requires a separate attention to be given to the scalp and hair ends.The hair should be washed and conditioner should also be applied.
Care Of The Hair
For the healthiness of a hair, it is very important to give it an extensive care. There are several ways the hair can be cared for, they include ;
1. Washing the hair regularly to avoid build-up of debris which can lead to infections, shampoo should always be used while washing.
2. Application of conditioner.
3. Application of oil and other necessary hair food.
4. Ensure that your diet consists of every necessary nutrient that aids in hair growth.
5. Dry your hair as natural as possible, that is to air dry it or you can use equipment when necessary.
6. Avoid application of too many chemicals on the hair, only apply when necessary and should always be within three to four months interval.
7. Style your hair regularly, but be careful enough when, how and where you style it.
8. Brush and comb your hair often but avoid doing so when wet.
Exercises
1. What are the characteristics of the dry hair?
2. List five basic ways to care for the human hair
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