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The visible part of hair is commonly referred to as the hair shaft. The hair shaft is the portion of the hair that extends above the skin's surface. The structure of a hair follicle can be divided into three main parts: the hair bulb, the root, and the shaft.
The visible part of hair is commonly referred to as the hair shaft. The hair shaft is the portion of the hair that extends above the skin's surface. The structure of a hair follicle can be divided into three main parts: the hair bulb, the root, and the shaft.
To understand the hair shaft in more detail, let's break down its components and the structure of the hair:
1. Hair Bulb: This is the base of the hair follicle, located below the skin's surface. It contains the cells that produce the hair fibers and the dermal papilla, which supplies nutrients to the growing hair.
2. Hair Root: The hair root encompasses the part of the hair that is anchored to the scalp within the follicle and lies below the skin's surface.
3. Hair Shaft: This is the part of the hair that is visible above the scalp. The hair shaft is composed of three layers:
- Medulla: The innermost layer, which may be absent in fine hair.
- Cortex: The middle layer, which provides strength, color, and texture to the hair.
- Cuticle: The outer layer, which is made up of overlapping scales that protect the inner layers of the hair.
The hair shaft is primarily made of a protein called keratin, which is also found in nails and the outer layer of skin. The hair shaft does not contain living cells; it is composed of dead cells that have been keratinized and pushed up through the skin by new cells forming at the base of the hair bulb.
Hair growth occurs in cycles, which include the anagen (growth phase), catagen (transitional phase), and telogen (resting phase). The length of the hair shaft is determined by the duration of the anagen phase, which can last from two to six years or more.
The hair shaft can be affected by various factors, including genetics, nutrition, and environmental conditions. Proper hair care, such as regular washing, conditioning, and protection from damage, can help maintain the health and appearance of the hair shaft.
In summary, the visible part of hair, known as the hair shaft, is the portion that extends above the skin and is composed of dead, keratinized cells. It is the part of the hair that we style and treat with hair care products.
To understand the hair shaft in more detail, let's break down its components and the structure of the hair:
1. Hair Bulb: This is the base of the hair follicle, located below the skin's surface. It contains the cells that produce the hair fibers and the dermal papilla, which supplies nutrients to the growing hair.
2. Hair Root: The hair root encompasses the part of the hair that is anchored to the scalp within the follicle and lies below the skin's surface.
3. Hair Shaft: This is the part of the hair that is visible above the scalp. The hair shaft is composed of three layers:
- Medulla: The innermost layer, which may be absent in fine hair.
- Cortex: The middle layer, which provides strength, color, and texture to the hair.
- Cuticle: The outer layer, which is made up of overlapping scales that protect the inner layers of the hair.
The hair shaft is primarily made of a protein called keratin, which is also found in nails and the outer layer of skin. The hair shaft does not contain living cells; it is composed of dead cells that have been keratinized and pushed up through the skin by new cells forming at the base of the hair bulb.
Hair growth occurs in cycles, which include the anagen (growth phase), catagen (transitional phase), and telogen (resting phase). The length of the hair shaft is determined by the duration of the anagen phase, which can last from two to six years or more.
The hair shaft can be affected by various factors, including genetics, nutrition, and environmental conditions. Proper hair care, such as regular washing, conditioning, and protection from damage, can help maintain the health and appearance of the hair shaft.
In summary, the visible part of hair, known as the hair shaft, is the portion that extends above the skin and is composed of dead, keratinized cells. It is the part of the hair that we style and treat with hair care products.
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