To effectively care for your hair, it is essential to understand its structure and the factors that ensure its vitality and strength. Hair has a complex structure, consisting of different layers and specific proteins that give it strength, elasticity, and natural beauty. Understanding this structure helps us better grasp the mechanisms that protect the hair shaft from external aggressors and appreciate the importance of proper care in maintaining its vitality and shine every day.
The Structure of Hair
Hair is a complex structure composed mainly of keratin, a fibrous protein that accounts for about 95% of its composition. This protein gives hair its strength, elasticity, and resistance to external stressors.
Hair is made up of three main layers:
- The cuticle: an outer layer composed of flat, overlapping cells, it acts as a protective barrier against physical and chemical damage. Responsible for the hair’s texture and flexibility, the cuticle also protects against moisture. Its integrity is essential to the quality of the hair, as it is particularly vulnerable to external aggressors (UV rays, pollution, chemical treatments).
- The cortex: a middle layer composed of keratin fibers, the cortex is responsible for the hair’s strength, elasticity, and texture. It is also in the cortex that melanin pigments are found, which determine the hair’s natural color.
- The medulla: the central layer found mainly in thick hair.
Keratin: Your Secret to Strong Hair
Keratin, the main component of the hair shaft, is a highly resilient protein composed of amino acids that is essential for the formation of disulfide bonds, which ensure the hair’s cohesion and strength. Any alteration to its structure—caused, for example, by chemical or heat treatments—can weaken the hair, making it more susceptible to breakage and damage.
When it comes to hair coloring, its action involves opening the hair cuticles to allow the colorants to penetrate, thereby ensuring an even result. It is therefore essential to use a suitable treatment after each coloring session, such as our treatment enriched with plant-based keratin, which helps strengthen the hair shaft and close the cuticles by providing this essential protein to the hair.