We grow hair primarily for protection and temperature regulation.
The Vital Roles of Hair
Hair plays several crucial roles in our survival:
-
Protection: Hair acts as a physical barrier. The hairs in our nose and ears, for example, help filter out germs and foreign objects, preventing them from entering our bodies. [Reference: Even the hairs in our nose and ears help to keep out germs and other foreign objects.]
-
Temperature Regulation: Body hair helps maintain a stable body temperature. When it's cold, the hairs stand on end, trapping a layer of warm air close to the skin, acting like natural insulation. [Reference: Body hair helps to regulate our body temperature: The hairs stand up when it's cold, keeping the air that is warmed by the body close to the body – like a warming layer of air.]
-
Sensory Perception: Hair follicles contain nerve endings, contributing to our sense of touch. This allows us to detect even subtle changes in our environment.
-
Sun Protection: Hair on the scalp protects the skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. This is especially important for preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of skin cancer.
-
Other Functions: While less prominent, hair also plays roles in social signaling (e.g., attracting mates) and wound healing.
While these are the most significant reasons, the exact purpose and function of hair can vary across the body, with different types of hair serving distinct purposes. For example, the thick hair on our heads provides significantly more insulation than the fine hairs covering much of our body.
