We all know that hair is a major part of our daily lives. It’s not just something that grows out of our heads, but it’s also something we use to express ourselves and our identity. But what exactly is hair made of? In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into the science of hair and answer the question, “What is hair made of?”
What Is Hair Made Of?
At the most basic level, hair is made up of proteins, specifically a type of protein called keratin. Keratin is a tough and resilient protein that makes up the structure of hair, nails, and skin. It’s also the same protein that makes up the horns of animals like cows and rhinoceroses.
But there’s more to the story than just protein—there are also a range of other elements that make up hair. The most common are lipids, which are fats and waxes that help give hair its structure and shine. Additionally, hair contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron, which help strengthen hair and give it a healthy, glossy look.
All of these elements combine to form the structure of a single strand of hair. However, there’s still a lot more to learn about the science of hair, so let’s take a closer look at some of the key components.
Disulfide Bonds and Hair
One of the most important elements of hair is the disulfide bond. Disulfide bonds are chemical bonds that form between sulfur atoms, and they’re responsible for giving hair its strength and resilience. In other words, they’re what makes hair strong enough to withstand brushing and styling without breaking.
Disulfide bonds are also essential for maintaining the shape of curly or wavy hair. Curly hair is formed when the disulfide bonds form in a zig-zag pattern, which causes the hair to curl. If the disulfide bonds are weakened or broken, the hair can become straight and lose its curl.
The Hair Follicle
The hair follicle is the structure that houses the hair. It’s made up of a combination of cells, including stem cells, keratinocytes, and melanocytes. The stem cells are responsible for the growth of new hair, while the keratinocytes are responsible for producing the keratin that makes up the hair shaft. Finally, the melanocytes produce melanin, which is the pigment that gives hair its color.
The hair follicle is also responsible for the growth cycle of hair. As the follicle grows, it pushes the hair out of the scalp, which is why you can see new hair growing out of your head.
Hair Structure
Now that we know what the hair follicle is and what it does, let’s take a look at the structure of a single strand of hair. A single strand of hair is made up of three layers: the inner layer, the middle layer, and the outer layer.
The inner layer, or cortex, is the thickest layer and is made up of proteins and lipids. This layer gives hair its strength and elasticity. The middle layer, or medulla, is made up of air pockets and is responsible for giving hair its shape. Finally, the outer layer, or cuticle, is made up of overlapping cells that help protect the hair from damage.
What Is the Role of the Hair Matrix?
The hair matrix is the area at the base of the hair follicle where new hair is formed. It’s made up of a combination of cells, including stem cells, melanocytes, and sebaceous glands.
The stem cells in the hair matrix are responsible for the growth of new hair. They divide and multiply to form new cells, which are then pushed out of the matrix and up the hair follicle to form new hair.
The melanocytes in the matrix are responsible for producing melanin, which is the pigment that gives hair its color. The sebaceous glands are responsible for producing sebum, which is an oily substance that helps keep the hair and scalp moisturized.
The Maturing Process of Hair
Once the new hair is formed in the matrix, it begins to undergo a maturing process. During this process, the proteins and lipids in the hair shaft are modified to give the hair its strength, flexibility, and texture.
The maturing process also involves the formation of side bonds, which are chemical bonds formed between the protein molecules in the hair shaft. Side bonds help give the hair its strength and elasticity, and they also contribute to the shape of curly and wavy hair.
Hair Composition
Now that we’ve taken a look at the structure and the maturing process of hair, let’s take a look at the composition of a single strand of hair. A single strand of hair is made up of approximately 85% protein and 15% lipids.
The proteins in hair are made up of amino acids, and the most common amino acid is cysteine. Cysteine helps give hair its strength and elasticity, and it’s also essential for the formation of disulfide bonds.
The lipids in hair are made up of fatty acids, and the most common fatty acid is oleic acid. Oleic acid helps give hair its shine and prevents it from becoming brittle and breaking.
Side Bonds in Hair
Side bonds are chemical bonds formed between the protein molecules in the hair shaft. They help give the hair its strength and elasticity, and they also contribute to the shape of curly and wavy hair.
Side bonds form when the sulfur atoms in cysteine molecules link up with one another. This creates a strong bond that is resistant to heat and styling, which helps keep the hair strong and resilient.
The Outermost Layer of Hair
The outermost layer of hair is the cuticle, which is made up of overlapping cells that protect the hair from damage. The cuticle helps keep the hair from drying out and becoming brittle, which helps prevent breakage.
Additionally, the cuticle helps give hair its shine and luster. When the cuticle is intact, it reflects light, which gives hair its glossy appearance. When the cuticle is damaged, it can become dull and lifeless.
Hair Is Made of Keratin
At the core of it all, hair is made of keratin, a tough and resilient protein. Keratin is the same protein that makes up the horns of animals like cows and rhinoceroses, and it’s also the same protein that makes up our nails, skin, and hair.
Keratin is made up of amino acids, and the most common amino acid is cysteine. Cysteine helps give hair its strength and elasticity, and it’s also essential for the formation of disulfide bonds. Disulfide bonds help give hair its shape, and they also help keep it strong and resilient.
Conclusion
We hope this blog has helped to answer the question, “What is hair made of?” Hair is made up of proteins, lipids, minerals, and side bonds, and all of these elements combine to form the structure of a single strand of hair.
At the core of it all, though, hair is made of keratin, a tough and resilient protein that makes up the horns of animals and the structure of our nails, skin, and hair. By understanding the science of hair, we can better understand how to take care of our hair and keep it looking its best.