Extractable Substances From Human Hair: A Discussion About The Origin Of The Holes.

Abstract

The existence of holes in the endocuticle, in the inter-macrofibrilar matrix and in the cell membrane complex of hair fibers is described. In this paper, we show that these holes are absent in the hair follicle. However, cell remnants found in young hair inside the follicle are located in the same regions and are of the same dimensions as the holes observed in mature fibers. Since holes in the endocuticle have been described to appear as a result of daily care actions, it is probable that the development of holes in the inter-macrofibrilar matrix and in the cell membrane complex is related to the removal of extractable substances. We discuss hole formation in terms of the nature of the extractable substances and the presence of cell remnants in the young fibers.