How Hair Works

Guest: Duane P. Harland, PhD, Senior Scientist, AgResearch New Zealand Hair is one of those things we don’t think much about beyond how well it’s cooperating on a given day. But it’s kind of amazing and mysterious: Is it made of living or dead cells? Why does it curl? Why does it turn gray as we age? Why does its texture differ from person to person and even from place to place on our bodies? Why is it greasy for some people and dry for others? When you bleach or color it, what exactly is happening to the hair?