Hair Basics

Let’s get down to the basics and learn about the complicated, yet truly fascinating, anatomy of the hair. Croda is here to help you with the hair necessities, so that you can focus on creating great hair!

Surrounding Dermis

Hair Variance

Hair Length

Hair Follicle

Hair Necessities

Hair Follicle Hair ShaftThe hair shaft is the fully formed hair that protrudes up through the epidermis and stratum corneum layers.

Matrix & PapillaThe matrix surrounds the papilla, which is made of connective tissue and a capillary loop. This is where the production of new hair fibres begins.

Root SheathComprised of inner and outer sheaths, the root sheath is rounded in form and cells are soft in character. The cells move outwards into the hair shaft and harden.

Why a hair necessity?Here are the main consumer factors the hair follicle will influence...

Strength Growth cycle

Colour Shape

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The only “living” part of a hair is found in the follicle as it grows. The hair strand above the skin has no biochemical activity and so is considered “dead”

Surrounding Dermis EpidermisComposed of proliferating basal keratinocytes, the epidermis is the outer most layer of skin and acts as the body’s barrier against the environment.

Hypo-dermisHair follicle roots begin within the hypodermis, which is mainly used for fat storage, providing insulation for the body. Collagen and elastin fibres attach this layer to the dermis.

DermisComprising of mostly collagen and elastin and surrounded by an extrafibrillar matrix, the dermis cushions the body from stress and strain.

Why a hair necessity?Here are the main consumer factors the surrounding dermis of the hair will influence...

Support Itchy/flakyNutrition Hair fall

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Next to bone marrow, hair is the fastest growing tissue in the human body

Hair Necessities Next Back

Hair Variance

Caucasian Curly hair mostly paracortical with some orthocortical cells (oval circumference)

Asian Straight hair paracortical cells (circular circumference)

Dry to oily Average fibre diameter range (µm) 29 – 96 (70 avg.)

Average fibre diameter range (µm) 36 – 125 (92 avg.)

Oily Dry Average fibre diameter range (µm) 46 – 120 (90 avg.)

African Very curly hair 50/50 ortho and paracorticle cells (oval or dented oval circumference)

Hair Basics

Hispanic HairThere is a huge degree of variation when it comes to Hispanic hair across the Latin American region. Many shapes, sizes and levels of oiliness can be found.

The information below highlights the average attributes of different hair types. The fact that hair of different ethnicities has different attributes is a coinicidence; for example, the cortical cell distribution in curly hair can be the same regardless of regional origin.

GenderIt is impossible to distinguish the gender of a person from a strand of their hair.

Hair Basics

Hair Length CuticleFormed from keratinized cells the cuticle acts as a protective barrier for the softer inner structure and regulates moisture content of the hair fibre.

CortexComprised of long fibrous chains of hard keratin, the cortex makes up the bulk of the hair fibre.

Cuticle LipidsComprised of fatty acids, ceramides, triglycerides and cholesterol, the cuticle lipids coat the hair fibre to keep hair hydrated and in optimum condition.

Why a hair necessity?Here are the main consumer factors the hair length will influence...

Overlapping Cuticular Cells

StrengthShine Colour Style

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91%of hair is protein

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