Outermost part of a hair
Comparison of sheep (top) and human (bottom) hairs with different cuticle textures
The hair cuticle is the outermost part of the hair shaft .[ 1] It is formed from dead cells , overlapping in layers, which form scales that strengthen and protect the hair shaft.[ 2] [ 3]
Diagram of the hair shaft, indicating medulla (innermost), cortex, and cuticle (exterior)
While the cuticle is the outermost layer, it is not responsible for the color of the hair . Melanin is the pigment that gives hair its color and is found in the cortex .[ 4]
^ James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005) Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology (10th ed.). Saunders. Page 8. ISBN 0-7216-2921-0 .
^ "Hair!" . Worsleyschool.net. Retrieved 2016-06-13 .
^ "Hair". British Medical Association Complete Family Health Encyclopedia . Dorling Kindersley Limited. 1990.
^ "Hair biology - hair fiber" . Keratin.com. Archived from the original on 2020-08-01. Retrieved 2013-08-18 .