The main ingredient of human hair is keratin.
Keratin is a fibrous protein that makes up the majority of hair, skin, and nails. It is made up of amino acids, which are linked together in long chains. These chains are then twisted and folded into complex structures, giving hair its strength, flexibility, and elasticity.
There are different types of keratin, and the type found in hair is called alpha-keratin. This type of keratin is also found in the skin and nails of mammals.
Human hair is made up of three main layers:
- Cuticle: The outermost layer of hair, which protects the inner layers from damage.
- Cortex: The middle layer of hair, which contains the keratin and gives hair its color and strength.
- Medulla: The innermost layer of hair, which is not present in all hair types.
The amount of keratin in hair can vary depending on factors such as genetics, age, and health. However, it is the primary building block of human hair.