Shashicka Tyre-Hill Speaks: What is Your Hair Type?

Every day, you see people with all colors and styles of hair. Pink hair, green hair - pretty much every color in the rainbow. In today's world, they have left the natural colors of black, blonde and brown behind.

What many people do not know is that depending on your hair type, you could be doing some major damage. Not all tresses are the same. There are different textures and types of hair, and none of them have been created identically. We may all think we fall into the same category as our relatives and ancestors because of our genes - but that is not true. Just like no one person is the same, neither is our hair.

Let us begin by looking into the basic structure of each strand:

1. Hair grows from the follicle, which is long and bulbous. If you were to pull out a strand, you would see the bulb at the tip that came from your scalp. The cells at the base of the follicle divide rapidly. That's where you get your hair growth.
2. Each strand of hair consists of three layers, with the first being the innermost layer called the medulla. This is only present in thick hair.
3. The middle layer is known as the cortex. This layer provides the strength, color and texture of your hair.
4. The outermost layer is called the cuticle, and this is what protects the cortex. It is completely colorless.
5. The entire strand of hair is made up of a protein called keratin. And that is hair!

There are two basic kinds of hair:

1. Terminal hair is the hair that grows thick and long, and it's found on the head, armpits and pubic area (and the face and chest for men). Some women do grow facial or chest hair in varying amounts, typically because of medical conditions or hormonal imbalances.
2. Vellus hair is soft, short hair that you will find over most of the rest of your body. It's also known as peach fuzz and helps maintain your temperature by keeping in warmth or wicking away sweat to cool down. Like the terminal variety, it can be affected by health conditions.
   
   

The type of hair you have has a lot to do with geography.

1. If you are of Asian descent, then the hair strands are round and thicker than all other types of hair. The exception is redheads, who have the thickest hair of all.
2. If you are of European descent with blonde or dark hair, then your hair strands are thinner. The strands are round- to oval-shaped.
3. If you are of African descent, then the hair strands are flat and that is the reason for the waves and curls.
   
   

Look for dyes and treatments that factor in these unique hair types, reaching for all-natural formulas for an extra-pampering beauty routine. Our burgundy dye is just one example that suits all types and comes in brown and black for a foundational variety. Look through gentle hair tools to get your ideal look and try alcohol-free styling gel or finishing spray to work into your regimen.

It is interesting to see different hair types and textures when you blend cultures and challenge family members to see who got their hair from whom. Some of your family may have pretty straight tresses or gorgeous curly hair, while others may have a beautiful flow of wavy strands.

Try forming a family tree and find the origin of your ancestors, and you may be amazed at what you find. Some may think they are from one place and culture, when they just might be from some region that they never knew of.

Your hair holds more than the story of your life - it holds the history of who you truly are. Try exploring and doing some research to find out just what type of hair you truly have. Start with our hair quiz to see how you should take care of your tresses (and get a discount on your order). Free shipping on qualifying purchases makes it even simpler to get essentials and extras for your hair.

Get more insights on success, everyday life and spirituality with my books that include memoirs and prayer journals to help guide you on your path. Follow me on social media to stay current with beauty and wellness in your day-to-day routine.

Enjoy!

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/vellus-hair

https://www.verywellhealth.com/terminal-hair-1069284/

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2008/mar/01/hair-composition-reflects-geography/