Hair loses visible shine when its surface becomes rougher, coated, dry, weathered, or uneven. Light reflects most evenly from relatively smooth fibres, so cuticle changes can make previously glossy hair look dull. Washing habits, heat, chemical processing, product residue, hard water, sunlight, friction, and natural hair shape can all alter appearance. However, shine alone does […]

The medulla is the central region found inside some hair shafts. Under a microscope, it may appear as a continuous line, scattered segments, or no visible structure at all. Its presence varies naturally, and a missing medulla does not mean that hair is unhealthy. Researchers have identified possible effects on a fibre’s optical, thermal, and […]

Hair weathering describes the gradual deterioration of a hair strand as grooming, styling, chemical treatments, and environmental exposure wear it down. It often appears first as rough ends, tangles, dullness, or breakage. Although careful care can reduce further damage and improve how hair feels, the visible strand cannot heal itself. Knowing how weathering progresses helps […]

Hair fibres face small stresses every day through washing, drying, brushing, styling, clothing contact, wind, and repeated handling. Individually, these actions may seem minor, yet their effects can accumulate along older lengths and vulnerable ends. Appropriate oil use can help by improving lubrication, reducing friction, and making strands easier to handle. However, oil cannot make […]

The hair shaft contains several structural regions, and the cortex forms a major internal part of most human scalp hair fibres. It sits beneath the protective cuticle and contains organised keratin-based structures as well as melanin pigment. Its architecture contributes substantially to tensile strength, flexibility, elasticity, shape and other mechanical properties. Because the cortex lies […]

Normal hair shedding occurs as individual follicles move independently through their growth cycles. Telogen effluvium involves a noticeable increase in diffuse shedding after more follicles than usual shift away from active growth and progress towards the resting and shedding stages. A significant physiological event or another trigger may precede this change, yet visible shedding often […]

The scalp naturally supports communities of microorganisms as part of normal skin ecology. Collectively, these organisms and their interactions form what is commonly called the scalp microbiome. Their presence does not mean that the scalp is dirty, infected or unhealthy. Sebum, moisture, skin cells, sweat, pH and environmental conditions all influence the habitat in which […]

Sebum is a normal oily substance produced by sebaceous glands, helping lubricate the scalp and hair. Problems can arise when oil accumulates noticeably or combines with dead skin cells, sweat, styling products, dry shampoo, and environmental debris. The resulting residue may leave roots greasy, hair flat, or the scalp uncomfortable. However, visible oil does not […]

Washing, detangling, and styling place tension on individual strands. Hair elasticity describes how a fibre stretches under that tension and moves back towards its earlier length or shape when the force stops. It affects how hair handles everyday grooming, but it does not determine how quickly hair grows. Wetness, natural fibre variation, and accumulated damage […]