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The hair on our scalp can be divided into two
parts, the root and shaft. The root part of hair is in the
skin (epidermis)of scalp. The hair root is surrounded by a
pouch like structure called follicle. The base of hair root
is in the shape of a bulb. This bulb is indented by
capillaries and nerve fibers. The cells in the center of
bulb divide. The newly divided hair cells push the previous
cells up. The cells which move upwards die slowly forming
hard hair shaft.
The
hair shaft has three layers the cuticle, medulla and cortex.
Cuticle is the
outer layers and protects the inner layers. It is
transparent. Healthy cuticle gives a shiny appearance for
hair and unhealthy cuticle gives lifeless look
Medulla is the
innermost layer composed of large cells.
Cortex is the
layer between cuticle and medulla. This contains pigment and
keratin. Cortex determines the bulk and strength of hair.
The
hair follicle contains oil secreting glands which make the
hair shiny .Stress and illness diminish secretion of oil and
pigments causing graying of hair.
According to Ayurveda the hair is considered as a tissue
which uses the same nutrients of bone and considered as a
tissue which is formed as bi-product of bone tissue.
Normal hair growth cycle:
Each hair on our scalp grows
approximately at the rate of 1 centimeter per month. This
growth continues for 2-6 years.When
the hair attains full growth it rests for 2-3 months and is
later shed.
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