by 
The Curious Bag
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Most of us will admit that the tiny strands of protein we know as hair receive more care and attention than we want other people to know. Although hair has the ability to make or break a good day, we rarely pay attention to its biological composition.
Part of a Hair
Hair is made up of three main parts: the cuticle (the scaly, outer covering of a strand of hair), the medulla (the core) and cortex (the middle layer of a strand of hair that contains most of the protein and determines hair color).
Cuticle
The cuticle serves as a protective layer that prevents damage to the cortex and medulla. When the cuticle becomes damaged, hair appears frizzy and dull.
Cortex
The cortex is composed of a complex spiral of proteins that makes the hair strong and flexible. It contains mainly keratin.
Medulla
The medulla makes up the bulk of a strand of hair. The structures within the medulla determine both the color and texture of a person's hair. When hair is chemically permed or straightened, the medulla is the part that is affected.
Root
The root is the only living part of a stand of hair. It grows from the part of the pore known as the papilla, which receives blood from capillaries and oil from an adjacent sebaceous gland.
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