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Hair

Hair is a protein filament that grows from follicles found in the dermis. Hair is one of the defining characteristics of mammals. The human body, apart from areas of glabrous skin, is covered in follicles which produce thick terminal and fine vellus hair. Most common interest in hair is focused on hair growth, hair types, and hair care, but hair is also an important biomaterial primarily composed of protein, notably alpha-keratin.

Attitudes towards different forms of hair, such as hairstyles and hair removal, vary widely across different cultures and historical periods, but it is often used to indicate a person's personal beliefs or social position, such as their age, gender, or religion.

The word "hair" usually refers to two distinct structures:

Hair fibers have a structure consisting of several layers, starting from the outside:

The word "hair" is derived from Middle English: heer and hêr, in turn derived from Old English: hǽr and hér, with influence from Old Norse: hár. Both the Old English and Old Norse words derive from Proto-Germanic: *hēran and are related to terms for hair in other Germanic languages such as Swedish: hår, Dutch and German: haar, and Old Frisian: her. The now broadly obsolete word "fax" refers specifically to head hair and is found in compounds such as Fairfax and Halifax. It is derived from Old English: feax and is cognate with terms such as Old Norse and Norwegian: fax.

Each strand of hair is made up of the medulla, cortex, and cuticle. The innermost region, the medulla, is an open and unstructured region that is not always present. The highly structural and organized cortex, or second of three layers of the hair, is the primary source of mechanical strength and water uptake. The cortex contains melanin, which colors the fiber based on the number, distribution and types of melanin granules. The melanin may be evenly spaced or cluster around the edges of the hair. The shape of the follicle determines the shape of the cortex, and the shape of the fiber is related to how straight or curly the hair is. People with straight hair have round hair fibers. Oval and other shaped fibers are generally more wavy or curly. The cuticle is the outer covering. Its complex structure slides as the hair swells and is covered with a single molecular layer of lipid that makes the hair repel water. The diameter of human hair varies from 0.017 to 0.18 millimeters (0.00067 to 0.00709 in). Some of these characteristics in humans' head hair vary by race: people of mostly African ancestry tend to have hair with a diameter of 60–90 μm and a flat cross-section, while people of mostly European or Middle Eastern ancestry tend to have hair with a diameter of 70–100 μm and an oval cross-section, and people of mostly Asian or Native American ancestry tend to have hair with a diameter of 90–120 μm and a round cross-section. There are roughly two million small, tubular glands and sweat glands that produce watery fluids that cool the body by evaporation. The glands at the opening of the hair produce a fatty secretion that lubricates the hair.

Hair growth begins inside the hair follicle. The only "living" portion of the hair is found in the follicle. The hair that is visible is the hair shaft, which exhibits no biochemical activity and is considered "dead". The base of a hair's root (the "bulb") contains the cells that produce the hair shaft. Other structures of the hair follicle include the oil producing sebaceous gland which lubricates the hair and the arrector pili muscles, which are responsible for causing hairs to stand up. In humans with little body hair, the effect results in goose bumps.

The root of the hair ends in an enlargement, the hair bulb, which is whiter in color and softer in texture than the shaft and is lodged in a follicular involution of the epidermis called the hair follicle. The bulb of hair consists of fibrous connective tissue, glassy membrane, external root sheath, internal root sheath composed of epithelium stratum (Henle's layer) and granular stratum (Huxley's layer), cuticle, cortex and medulla.

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protein filament that grows from follicles found in the dermis, or skin

The Complete Guide to Healthy Hair: How to Grow Strong, Shiny Hair Naturally

Healthy hair is more than just good genetics — it’s the result of proper care, balanced nutrition, and the right daily habits. Whether your goal is faster growth, less breakage, or shinier strands, understanding how hair works is the first step toward achieving long-term results. This guide covers everything you need to know about maintaining healthy hair naturally. Understanding How Hair Grows Hair grows from follicles located in the scalp. Each strand goes through three main phases: Anagen (growth phase) – lasts 2 to 7 years Catagen (transition phase) – lasts a few weeks Telogen (resting phase) – lasts about 3 months On average, hair grows about 1–1.5 cm per month, depending on genetics, health, and lifestyle. The Most Common Causes of Hair Problems Many people experience hair issues due to: Poor diet Stress and hormonal imbalance Excessive heat styling Chemical treatments (bleaching, relaxers, perms) Scalp conditions (dandruff, buildup, inflammation) Tight hairstyles and friction Identifying the root cause is essential before choosing treatments. How to Grow Stronger Hair Naturally 1. Eat for Hair Growth Your hair is made mostly of protein (keratin). A lack of nutrients directly affects growth. Best foods for healthy hair: Eggs (protein + biotin) Salmon (omega-3) Spinach (iron) Nuts and seeds (zinc + vitamin E) Avocados (healthy fats) 2. Keep Your Scalp Healthy A clean, nourished scalp equals better growth. Tips: Wash 2–3 times per week (not daily) Massage scalp to improve blood flow Exfoliate monthly to remove buildup Avoid heavy product residue 3. Reduce Heat and Chemical Damage Heat weakens the hair shaft. If possible: Air-dry instead of blow-dry Use heat protectant Limit straighteners and curling irons Space out chemical treatments 4. Use the Right Hair Oils Natural oils strengthen and moisturize: Castor oil – promotes thickness Coconut oil – reduces protein loss Argan oil – adds shine Rosemary oil – improves circulation Apply to scalp 1–2 times per week. Choosing Quality Hair and Beauty Products When selecting beauty and wellness products online, always look for: Clear ingredient information Verified suppliers Professional guidance Transparent customer support Some online platforms, such as Weight Loss Online Pharmacy, provide educational resources and curated wellness products that help consumers make more informed choices about beauty and personal care. 👉 https://weightlossonlinepharmacy.com [https://weightlossonlinepharmacy.com]

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