Yes, the hair you see on your body is composed of dead cells. This is why cutting your hair doesn't hurt.
Understanding Hair Structure
The visible part of your hair, the hair shaft, is made up of dead cells filled with and surrounded by keratin, a strong protein. While the cells are dead, they retain their structural integrity, giving hair its strength and flexibility. However, the hair follicle, where hair growth originates, contains living cells. These cells produce the keratin that forms the hair shaft. Once the hair emerges from the follicle and is exposed to oxygen, the cells become biologically inert, meaning they no longer function as living cells. They do however remain chemically active and can absorb products like oils and conditioners.
Why doesn't cutting hair hurt?
The lack of pain when cutting hair directly results from the fact that the visible hair shaft consists of dead cells. There are no nerve endings in this part of the hair.
The Role of Keratin
Keratin is a fibrous structural protein that provides strength and resilience to hair. This explains why hair can be styled, colored, and otherwise manipulated without causing pain in the hair shaft itself.
Hair Care and Dead Cells
Even though the hair shaft is made of dead cells, hair care products such as oils and conditioners still affect it. These products work by coating the hair, improving its appearance and manageability by moisturizing the keratin and reducing friction. The porosity of hair allows it to absorb these products effectively.
Living vs. Dead Cells in the Hair Growth Cycle
It's important to distinguish between the living cells within the hair follicle, responsible for hair growth, and the dead cells composing the visible hair shaft. Damage to the living cells within the follicle can impact hair growth and overall health, but cutting the hair shaft itself does not affect the living parts of the hair system.
Several sources confirm this information: Healthline, Nemours KidsHealth, Visible Body, and K18 Hair. These sources consistently emphasize that while the hair follicle contains living cells, the hair shaft itself is made of dead cells.
