Hair Structure

• Hairdressing
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

There are 3 main parts to the hair structure

• Cuticle
• Cortex
• Medulla

Cuticle 

This is the outer layer 

 for Protection

Scales lay form roots to tips

Scales are like tiles on a roof 

Translucent 

If the scales are raised the hair is porous 

What could damage the Cuticle ?

How can we prevent damage to the Cuticle?

Cortex 

Main body of the hair 

strength & elasticity 

keratin fibres

polypeptide chains 

natural hair colour(melanin)

most artificial colour 

How can the Cortex be damaged?

How can we prevent damage to the Cortex?

Medulla 

Not always present 

It is formed of loose keritinised cells that have air pockets surrounding them.

The medulla reflects light therefore making the hair look shiny

 

What is the outside layer called?

1. cortex
2. cuticle
3. medulla
4. keratin

What is the purpose of the cuticle?

1. protect the medulla
2. make the hair strong
3. protect the cortex
4. allow the hair to be blow dried

Where do you find keratin in the hair?

1. cuticle
2. cortex
3. medulla

What do you remember about the cuticle?

What do you remember about the cortex

There are 3 main stages of the hair growth cycle, what are they known as?

Catagen

Anagen

Telogen

Return to Anagen

Early Anagen

Anagen

Telogen

Catogen

Drag the correct image to the correct hair growth stage