in cosmetology and barber programs. From a medical perspective, the structure of hair is better illustrated within a four-unit system, including all components of the upper, middle, lower, and lowest parts of the hair’s structure. Understanding the structure of the hair root from this perspective helps to better describe locations of disorders within the hair follicle that affect the production and
muscle tightens, causing the angled hair follicle to take a temporary straight-up position. Goosebump impressions on the skin surface and hair strands on different body parts standing straight up are evidence of the tightening (Milady, 2023). Deep into the hair root, at the bottom of the hair follicle and the lowest part of the hair strand, is the hair bulb. The hair bulb covers and protects the dermal papilla and the germinal matrix, fitting over the dermal pili like a stocking (Brannon, 2023; Milady, 2023). Milady (2023) explained the dermal pili as a cone-shaped elevation fitting into the hair bulb positioned at the base of the hair follicle. The hair bulb allows the hair follicle to fit over and surround the dermal pili. The connection of the hair bulb (hair follicle) to the dermal pili clarifies how hair production can end if the hair follicle is snatched out, damaged, or diseased, harming the dermal pili. The dermal pili contains blood capillaries and nerve endings, supplying all the nutrients necessary for hair production (Milady, 2023). Brannon (2023) presented another part and function of the hair root not often listed in beauty school textbooks, called germinal matrix cells. The germinal matrix is located directly underneath the hair bulb, also surrounding the derma pili, containing a population of transit-amplifying matrix cells (ScienCell, 2023). Brannon (2023) highlighted that the germinal matrix cells are composed of stem cells dividing and multiplying every 23 to 72 hours. The stem cells of the germinal matrix are the fastest-growing cells in the human body. They contain hormones affecting hair development and growth during the different stages of human life, such as the abundance of new hair production during puberty. According to ScienCell (2023), the germinal matrix is where hair growth and hair pigmentation originate. The hair strands’ elongated state is due to the facilitation of germinal matrix cells. As the derma pili produce hair cells, germinal matrix cells promote the rapid growth of cell lineages throughout the layers of the hair follicle. The germinal matrix works in conjunction with the dermal pili to support keratinization’s hardening process. Keratinization contributes to the production of cell lineages, causing the cells to anchor within the follicle and harden and develop HealthHype (2023) documented hair structure as more complicated than just the fundamental parts of the hair shaft and root, introduced within textbooks and courses Characteristics of hair Milady (2023) emphasized that knowing and understanding the characteristics of hair is vital to performing scalp analysis and critical in making decisions within client consultations. Professional hair care involves services essential to the stylist’s ability to properly analyze clients’ hair and scalp conditions. Competency in a wave pattern, texture, porosity, density, elasticity, and growth patterns are key issues in professional hair care. Ashraf (2024) agreed with the importance of confirming conditions of the cortex, being aware of any presence of chemicals from prior services and asking about sensitivities and allergies to products before beginning a service. Repairing damaged hair is a serious endeavor, demanding a broad scope of knowledge and experience. Hair’s characteristics help determine how to care for it and what type of treatment to perform. When repairing damaged hair, texture, density, porosity, and elasticity are the most severe areas of concern (Milady, 2023). thin, threadlike attributes. Hair’s four-part segment
healthiness of the hair shaft. Four segments of the hair
Figure 9: Four Parts of the Hair Structure: The Infundibulum, Isthmus, Suprabulbar, and Bulb
Note . Dermweb.com
Health Hype (2023) explained the structure of hair a little differently from Milady (2023); instead of separating the hair shaft from the hair root into a two-part system, the whole unit is composed of a four-part segment. The infundibulum consists of the upper parts of the hair structure, consisting of the entire shaft. The infundibulum areas begin just above the sebaceous ducts and protrude beyond the surface of the skin. According to Health Hype (2023), the middle area is a two-part unit: the isthmus and the suprabulbar. The isthmus begins at the bottom of the infundibulum. Parts of the hair structure within the isthmus are the sebaceous duct and the arrector pili muscle. The isthmus ends, and the supra bulbar begins near the budge of the arrector pili muscle, starting in the area near the sebaceous sac and ending directly above the bulb area. Hair texture The texture of hair refers to the size of the hair strands. Fine, medium, and coarse describe the size or texture of the hair strand. The size of the hair helps to interpret its degree of protein buildup and its ability to endure hair care services and remain healthy after chemical services and color treatments. Hair texture also contributes to color selections during hair coloring services because the results of color saturation, depth, and intensity will vary according to the size of the hair strand. Knowledge of hair textures is vital in the selection of conditioning aids that assist in restoring luster and types of treatments to administer supporting hair volume (Milady, 2023). Hair density Hair density is the number of hair strands on the skin surface within a square inch. Classifications for hair density are low, medium, or high. Thin, average , and thick describe hair density (Milady, 2023). Using these descriptions for hair density is often confused with hair texture. Hair density
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