Properties of the Hair and Scalp Flashcard

Front

Measures the number of individual hair strands on one square inch of scalp

Back

density

Front

The ability of the hair to absorb moisture

Back

porosity

Front

The ability of the hair to stretch and return to its original length without breaking

Back

elasticity

Front

Outermost layer of the hair consisting of a single overlapping layer of transparent, scale-cells that look like shingles on a roof

Back

cuticle

Front

middle layer of the hair, a fibrous protein core formed by elongated cells containing melanin pigment

Back

cortex

Front

innermost layer of the hair that is composed of round cells, often absent in fine and naturally blonde hair

Back

medulla

Front

Thickness or diameter of the individual hair strand, measured as course medium or fine

Back

texture

Front

The shape of the hair strands, described as straight, wavy, curly, and extremely curly (coiled)

Back

wave pattern