hårstråene

Hårstråene, commonly referred to as hair strands, are the filamentous structures that grow from follicles in the skin of mammals. These strands are primarily composed of a protein called keratin. The visible part of a hair strand is known as the shaft, which extends above the surface of the skin. Beneath the skin lies the hair root, which is embedded within the follicle. The follicle is a complex structure responsible for the growth and development of the hair.

The structure of a hair strand is typically divided into three layers: the cuticle, the cortex, and the medulla. The cuticle is the outermost protective layer, consisting of overlapping scales. The cortex, located beneath the cuticle, is the thickest layer and contains pigment granules that determine hair color. The medulla is the innermost core, which may be absent in finer hairs.

Hair growth occurs in cycles, which include an anagen (growth) phase, a catagen (transitional) phase, and a telogen (resting) phase. The duration of these phases varies depending on the individual and the location of the hair on the body. Factors such as genetics, hormones, nutrition, and environmental influences can affect hair growth and the characteristics of hair strands, including their thickness, texture, and color.