Hair Structure

• Hairdressing
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

There are 3 main parts to the hair structure 

Cuticle 

This is the outer layer 

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 be prevent damage?

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?

Medulla 

Not always present 

has no use in hairdressing 

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

Which way does the cuticle lay?

What do you remember about the cuticle?

What do you remember about the cortex

Does everyone have a medulla?