From Roots to Rest: Is Hair Dead?
Sometimes you may look at your hair and think, “Oh, they look so dead!”
Your hair might look dry and dull and probably needs a haircut.
But have you ever wondered whether your hair is really dead or alive?
How about I tell you that your hair is mostly dead?
Yes, it’s true! Only a tiny part of your entire hair is alive.
Continue reading to learn more about dead hair in this article.
What is dead hair
All the hair you see on your body’s surface is lifeless or dead. However, beneath the skin is where the hair is alive.
To get a detailed answer to this complex question, we have to understand the structure of hair.
Each strand of hair consists of two main parts:
- Hair shaft
- Hair root
The hair shaft is the visible part above the skin’s surface, while the hair root resides beneath the skin.
Let’s know them in detail to understand dead hair.
Hair root
The hair root extends deeper into your skin and is surrounded by the hair follicle.
It is a small opening on the surface of the skin through which hair grows.
The hair root has a complex structure with different layers, including the dermal papilla, matrix cells, etc.
The dermal papilla contains blood vessels that supply nutrients to the hair follicle, promoting growth.
The hair root widens to a round hair bulb at the base of the hair. The papilla is found inside the bottom of the hair bulb.
Within the hair bulb, matrix cells are present. These are the actively dividing cells that produce the hair shaft.
Thus, the hair bulb is part of the hair where living hair is formed.
Hair shaft
The hair shaft refers to the visible part of the hair that extends above the skin’s surface. It is the part of the hair that we typically see and style.
It is composed mainly of a protein called Keratin, which is produced by the cells in the hair follicle’s matrix.
As the hair cells in the matrix divide and grow, they gradually move upward, pushing older cells along the hair shaft.
As these cells move upward and away from the follicle, they lose their nucleus and other organelles, essentially becoming lifeless.
Conditions that can make the hair dead
Hair follicles can become inactive or non-functional due to various conditions. Here are a few examples:
Androgenetic Alopecia
It is a hereditary condition that can cause the hair follicles to miniaturize, and it may eventually become dormant.
It is the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women.
Alopecia Areata
This is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
The hair follicles may become non-functional in severe cases, resulting in permanent hair loss.
Cicatricial Alopecia
This type of hair loss occurs when inflammation or scarring damages the hair follicles, making them incapable of producing new hair.
It is also known as Scarring Alopecia.
Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is a psychological disorder characterized by the compulsive urge to pull out one’s hair.
Frequent and intense hair pulling can cause trauma to the hair follicles, leading to their destruction and subsequent hair loss.
Radiation or Chemotherapy
Cancer treatments like radiation therapy and certain chemotherapy drugs can damage actively dividing cells, including those in the hair follicles.
This can result in temporary or permanent hair loss, depending on the dosage and duration of treatment.
The conventional meaning of dead hair
When people say, “My hair is dead,” they use the term metaphorically to describe hair that is damaged, unhealthy, or lacking vitality.
It is a way of expressing that their hair appears lifeless, dull, or in poor condition.
What can make your hair appear dead
Several factors can contribute to hair becoming “dead” in the metaphorical sense. These may include the following:
- Excessive heat styling
- Chemical treatments (such as dyeing or perming)
- Environmental factors (such as exposure to harsh sunlight or pollutants)
- Overuse of hair products
- Improper hair care routines
- Nutritional deficiencies
In such cases, you may seek remedies and take steps to improve the condition of your hair.
You can do it through proper care, nourishment, and using suitable hair products to restore moisture, repair damage, and promote overall hair health.
Takeaway
The visible part of the hair, known as the hair shaft, is composed of lifeless cells.
However, the hair root, residing beneath the skin’s surface, is where the living portion of the hair lies.
That portion is known as a hair bulb. It contains living cells, such as matrix cells, that actively produce the hair shaft.
These cells divide and push older cells upward, resulting in the visible growth of hair.
The older cells become lifeless when pushed toward the hair shaft making the hair dead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hair dead or alive?
Hair is primarily composed of dead cells. The visible part of the hair, called the hair shaft, is composed of non-living cells. However, the hair follicle beneath the skin’s surface is alive and responsible for producing new hair growth.
Why my hair looks dead?
There can be several reasons why hair may appear lifeless or “dead.” Common factors include excessive heat styling, chemical treatments, environmental damage, nutritional deficiencies, etc. These factors can lead to dryness, damage, and lack of luster in the hair’s appearance.
Does the hair have DNA?
Yes, hair contains DNA. The hair follicle, located beneath the skin’s surface, contains cells with DNA. While the hair shaft itself is composed of dead cells and lacks DNA, the follicle, which produces the hair, contains genetic material that can be used for DNA analysis and identification purposes.
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