Hair is made up of protein named keratin which in turn contains 20 amino-acids including sulphur containing amino-acids such as cysteine and cystine. These amino acids are mainly responsible for making strong hair. This keratin protein is also present in the body parts of animals such as claws, nails, feathers, etc. Hair also contains minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, manganese, cobalt, iron, silicon, selenium, molybdenum, phosphorous, sulphur, iodine, zinc, etc. These minerals play a critical role in defining hair texture. It also contains water which plays a critical role in regulating physicochemical properties of hair such as elasticity, dryness, etc. Hair also contains pigment called melanin which gives color to hair. Hair diameter is 55 to 120 microns. |
The hair that we see above the scalp is made up of 3 layers. The outer layer is called as cuticle which acts as a protective barrier and is important for cosmetic properties of hair such as softness, smoothness, shine, ease with which hair can be combed, etc.
The next layer is called as cortex which is critical in giving strength and elasticity to the hair. If cortex gets damaged, it results in breakage of hair. It also contains melanin granules responsible for giving color to the hair.
The third or the innermost layer is medulla which is porous and does not play any role in human, but it regulates body temperature in animals. In between these layers, lies intercellular cement which plays an important role, that is to allow penetration of any substance inside the hair. |
As hair is a part of body, it too requires nourishment which largely depend on ingestion of the food by the body. A healthy diet results in healthy body which finally results in healthy hair. Proteins, minerals, vitamins, essential fatty acids and water provide nutritional components for hair. Deficiency of any of these results in not only health problems but also hair defects. Besides nutrition, grooming practices also play an important role in hair care.
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