Human Hair Extensions – Busting The Jargon #2
In our last blog we looked at the different origins of human hair extensions. We discovered that real hair extensions fall into several categories; Asian hair (Chinese and Indian), and Caucasian hair (e.g. Russian). In this blog we’ll be looking at how human hair is made up. Understanding the science behind human hair will help you to have a better understanding of the hair extension process.
Every human hair is made up of 3 parts: the medulla, the cortex, and the cuticle. Once you know the purpose of each of these aspects of human hair you’ll have a better understanding of which hair extensions to choose.
The Medulla
It is also known as the medullary canal and is situated in the centre of the hair fibre. The medulla commonly measures between 10 and 20 microns (0.01mm to 0.02mm) in diameter, and the cells that make up the medulla seem to degenerate leaving behind air bubbles. The medulla is often not present throughout the entire length of the hair shaft and its purpose in humans is still unknown. In animal fur the medulla plays a part in regulating the body temperature of the animal.
It is also known as the medullary canal and is situated in the centre of the hair fibre. The medulla commonly measures between 10 and 20 microns (0.01mm to 0.02mm) in diameter, and the cells that make up the medulla seem to degenerate leaving behind air bubbles. The medulla is often not present throughout the entire length of the hair shaft and its purpose in humans is still unknown. In animal fur the medulla plays a part in regulating the body temperature of the animal.
The CortexThis is the main body of the hair fibre, representing 90% of the total weight of each hair strand. The cortex is made up of cells filled with keratin. On their journey from the root matrix these cortical cells become elongated, around 100 microns long and 3 to 6 microns in diameter. The cortical cells are held together with an intercellular cement composed of a flexible keratin solution. The cortex contains the grains of melanin which give hair its colour. The only natural protection that the delicate cortex receives is a fine layer of sebum and the hair cuticle.
The CuticleThe outer layer of the hair fibre is made up of cells called scales. They overlap each other like slates on a roof and are help together with an intercellular cement made up of keratin and lipids. The role of the cuticle is to protect the cortex so it takes quite a beating when subjected to extensive heat styling.
In our next blog – We’ll be looking at the different grades of human hair used in extensions and explaining some of the terminology used in the extensions industry!
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