Yes, the hair you see on your body is made of dead cells. While the hair follicle at the base of the hair is alive and produces new cells, once the hair emerges from the skin, the cells within the hair shaft are no longer living. This is why cutting hair doesn't cause pain – you're simply removing dead cells.
While the hair itself is made of dead cells, it's important to remember that the cells are filled with and surrounded by a protein called keratin. This protein gives hair its strength, flexibility, and texture. Hair care products like shampoo, conditioner, and masks work by interacting with the keratin in the hair shaft, helping to improve its appearance and manageability.
Here's a breakdown of hair structure:
- Hair Follicle: The living part of the hair, located beneath the skin's surface. This is where hair growth occurs.
- Hair Shaft: The visible portion of the hair that emerges from the follicle and is composed of dead cells.
- Cuticle: The outermost layer of the hair shaft, composed of overlapping dead cells that protect the inner layers.
- Cortex: The middle layer of the hair shaft, made up of dead cells that contain keratin, which determines hair color and texture.
- Medulla: The innermost layer of the hair shaft, not present in all hair types.
Although the hair shaft is composed of dead cells, it still requires care and attention to maintain its health and appearance.
