Hair structure – Insight

Kevin September 17, 2020 How to

Each hair consists of 3 layers - medulla, cortex and cuticle. What sounds simple at first is actually really complex. Therefore, it’s best to zoom in on selected characteristics of the hair that are key for the creation of innovative cosmetics and healthy hair structure.

Insight Hair - how hair is actually structured

The cuticle encloses the hair fibres like a coat. It consists of dead cells lying on top of one another like tiles on a roof. Up to ten layers of this cell arrangement form the cuticle.

The outer cuticle is a key element for an attractive look. When well-groomed, the scales of the cuticle lie flat and form a smooth surface that reflects light and creates a shiny hairstyle. Hairdressers focus on restoring this optimum when they use intensive care for the external hair structure in the event of a dull appearance.

Cuticle - a reflection of the intact or damaged hair structure

The cuticle can become a challenge when the inner hair structure needs to be strengthened. Due to its protective function, it is designed to be water-repellent. At the same time, however, the 10% water content in the hair fibres ensures desirable properties such as elasticity. Hair care for the regeneration of the moisture balance must therefore overcome the barrier function of the cuticle without impairing its structure. This problem can be transferred to many care goals and illustrates how much know-how is required for the development of professional hair care cosmetics.

Cortex - filigree layer in the hair structure made of keratin and bridge elements

Amino acids are bonded together in a specific sequence to form the specific keratin protein.

The fine fibres are twisted and bundled together and linked by bridging elements. The keratin and other components are used to create the fibre layer called the cortex, that makes up eighty percent of the hair. The complex hair structure results in the advantageous combination of tear resistance and flexibility, which is essential for styling.

Chemical treatments and environmental influences such as sunlight can cause gaps in the amino acid chains and other damage. Brittle hair is an excellent example that you can see when you look in the mirror and it cannot be fixed by superficial cosmetics. That is why the NEWSHA RESCUE SYSTEM focuses on repositioning the ensemble of amino acids, keratin and bridge elements in such a way that a healthy hair structure with strong fibres is created.

The spiral-shaped cortex is wrapped around the innermost layer of the hair shaft, which is called the medulla. In it, for example, waste products are stored that arise when the fibre layer is built up. Otherwise, no functions of the medulla that are important for the attractive hair structure are known to date.

The professionals' secret to success: Using scientific knowledge combined with keratin for a beautiful hairstyle

Renowned stylists use a professional treatment to care for the stressed cuticle and make the hair appear shiny and supple. However, when it comes to lasting changes and the implementation of unusual looks a specialist’s knowledge about the cortex and keratin is required. The pigments have to be integrated into layer of the fibre that a coloration can be enjoyed for a long time. With a permanent wave, a different arrangement of the proteins is provoked and fixed. The structure of the cortex is temporarily influenced by the competent use of moisture, heat and mechanical force when styling with a straightening iron or curling iron. When the most unusual styling wishes can be realised without causing any damage to the hair structure, it usually means that real professionals are at work or you are using first-class cosmetic products.