Tag: Hair biology

Did you know that approximately 95% of a healthy hair strand is made of protein, primarily keratin? While the visible hair shaft is not a living tissue, its composition reveals a complex array of building blocks. Understanding what nutrients are in human hair is crucial for anyone looking to optimize their hair's health, strength, and appearance from the inside out.

Made primarily of a tough, fibrous protein called keratin, hair might seem like a potential source of nutrition. However, despite this protein content, the human body cannot properly digest or absorb any nutritional value from hair. This article explores why hair does not count as a dietary protein source and the reasons behind its indigestible nature.

Hair is composed of a protein called keratin, and as it emerges from the scalp, it is considered biologically 'dead'. Therefore, the visible hair shaft itself does not absorb nutrients, but its health is entirely dependent on the internal supply delivered to the follicle.

While commonly stated that hair is up to 90% protein, multiple scientific sources reveal the actual percentage can be even higher, with many citing figures of 95% or more. This protein, known as keratin, is the primary structural material that gives human hair its strength and resilience.