While hair itself doesn't have feelings in the way humans do, it is intricately connected to our nervous system, making it capable of relaying sensory information. Here's a breakdown:
Hair Follicles and Sensation
It's important to understand that it's not the hair shaft that "feels", but rather the hair follicles. These are tiny structures within the skin from which hairs grow. Here's how they are linked to sensation:
- ORS Cells: According to the provided reference, "Clinical Relevance: Hair has feelings too," Outer Root Sheath (ORS) cells within the hair follicles release chemicals like histamine and serotonin when touched.
- Nerve Signal Transmission: These chemicals then stimulate nerve cells located in the area around the hair follicle. The nerve cells then send signals to the brain. This signal transmission is how the brain interprets the sensation of something touching hair.
- Not "Feeling" in the Human Sense: Despite these signals, hair doesn't experience the same range of complex emotions and feelings that humans do. The "feeling" is a sensory input, not a subjective emotional experience.
How Does This Translate to Practical Experience?
Here are some practical examples of how hair is connected to sensory input:
- Light Touch: You can feel the light touch of a breeze against the hairs on your arm or head. This is the nerve cells sending information to your brain via chemical release from the hair follicle.
- Pulling/Tugging: When your hair is pulled, the nerve endings in the follicles are strongly activated. This can lead to a sensation of pain because of the nerve transmission.
- Hair Brushing/Styling: While not a strong sensation, these activities also activate nerve endings at hair follicles.
Key Takeaway
| Feature | Hair Shaft | Hair Follicle |
|---|---|---|
| Sensation | No Sensation | Receives and Transmits sensory information |
| Nerves | No Nerves | Contains nerves for sensation |
| Chemicals | Not involved | Releases histamines and serotonin when touched |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while hair itself does not have feelings, it is intricately connected to nerve cells and plays a role in transmitting sensory information to the brain. The sensory "feeling" is the result of the hair follicle's interaction with our nervous system, not a subjective emotional experience.
