Saturday 13 April 2013

Your Crowning Glory


A human hair consists mainly of a protein called keratin. It also contains some moisture and minerals.

The visible part of the hair (the shaft) is composed of dead tissue.
The living part of the hair is its root (dermal papilla). The dermal papilla is made up of cells which are fed by the bloodstream.

Each hair consists of 3 layers:
1. Cuticle (outer layer)
-is the hair's protective shield and has tiny overlapping scales. When the cuticle scales lie flat and neatly overlapping, the hair looks glossy and feels silky smooth/soft.

2. Cortex (under cuticle)
-made up of fibre-like cells that give hair its strength and elasticity.
-also contains melanin, that gives hair its natural colour.

3. Medulla (at the centre of each hair)
-consists of keratin cells.

Sebum gives an excellent protective coating to the hair shaft, smoothing the cuticle scales and helping hair retain its natural moisture and elasticity.

Collagen is a major component in hair growth, because it fights off free radicals that can affect hair's texture, growth and thickness. Collagen supplement strengthen hair and increase the diameter of individual hairs, giving your hair an overall fuller appearance.

Your hair health depends on what you eat. The hair depends on good diet to ensure it is supplied with all the necessary nutrients for sustained hair health and growth.

It is essential to have adequate protein in the diet. Protein is the main component of hair. So, a lack of protein in your diet will result in weak hair that can break and fall out more easily.
To have a healthy hair, also consume food rich in essential fatty acids such as salmon, walnuts or canola oil.
Also make sure enough intake of foods containing Zinc.
Vitamin C is essential to the production of Collagen, which assists bind hair together and keeps it from splitting.
Other nutrients that are important for hair growth and health include the B vitamins, iron, vitamins A and E, copper and sulfur.

Regular exercise is also vital as it promotes good blood circulation.

No comments:

Post a Comment