Did you know…? Fascinating Facts for Hairdressers Part 1.
Ever wonder what makes hair tick? From its surprising strength to its ability to hold clues about your health, hair is more than just strands on your head. In this first installment of our "Did you know?" series, we'll be diving deep into the fascinating world of hair, more specifically the strength of hair, uncovering incredible facts you can share with your clients and expand your knowledge as a hairdresser. Get ready to be amazed by the science and secrets hidden in your everyday work!
Human Hair is Almost as Strong as Steel
Did you know that a single strand of hair can hold up to 100 grams in weight? When multiplied by the average number of hairs on a human head (around 100,000), it means a full head of hair could theoretically support the weight of two elephants!
The Strength of a Single Strand
A single strand of human hair can hold an impressive weight, typically around 100 grams. This strength comes from its composition. Hair is made primarily of a protein called keratin, which also makes up our skin and nails. Keratin contains strong chemical bonds called disulfide bridges that link together hair's long, chain-like molecules. These bridges act like tiny anchors, giving hair its remarkable tensile strength.
Hair vs. Steel: The 'Almost' Part
It's important to note that the strength comparison between hair and steel is based on tensile strength, which refers to the force required to pull something apart. Steel does have a much higher tensile strength overall, but when you consider the weight of each material, hair comes surprisingly close. Steel is much denser than hair, so a thin strand of hair can hold a significant amount of weight relative to its size.
A 3-D render of a microscopic closeup view of strands of textured hair rooted in skin on a scalp.
Full Head of Hair: Not Quite Elephant-Proof
While the idea of hair supporting the weight of two elephants is fun, it's important to understand the limitations. The 100 grams per strand is an estimate, and hair strength can vary depending on factors like hair thickness, condition, and even age. Secondly, the way hair is rooted in the scalp limits its ability to hold weight distributed across a whole head.
So, while a full head of hair won't be replacing elephant saddles any time soon, the strength of a single strand is definitely impressive!