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Hair talk sometimes tends to be as technical as aerodynamics! It is important that you know what exactly the various terms mean. It helps you keep your hair on.

Given below is a glossary of the more common terms used in the world of hair.

Ammonia

It is a colouring agent. It`s used along with hydrogen peroxide to colour hair.

Cationic Agent

Cationic Agent is a substance found in hair conditioners. It helps the moisturising agent in conditioners cling to their hair and make it soft and hydrated.

Coal Tar

A substance used in anti dandruff therapy. It also helps alleviate flaky and dry skin conditions.

Conditioner

It is used after shampoo has been rinsed off. It helps moisturise hair, smooth down cuticles and keep the hair glossy and soft.

Dry Hair

Hair that doesn`t produce too much vital oils. Such hair will need to be conditioned regularly. Or it will get brittle and get damaged easily.

Hair cortex

It is the middle layer of the hair shaft. It lies between the cuticle and the medulla.

Hair cuticle

It is the outermost layer of hair. It comprises flat, over lapping cells.

Hair follicles

They are found in the epidermis. Hair follicles are pore like structures that house the hair shaft.

Keratin

Protein from which hair shaft is made. Keratin consists of nitrogen, hydrogen and sulphur.

Melanin

Pigment that gives hair its colour. The amount of melanin in each shaft will determine the shade of hair.

Papilla

The root of the hair that produces hair cells.

Sebum

A natural moisturising oil that is produced by the sebaceous gland that is at the root of the hair.

Shampoo

A hair cleaning agent that foams well.

Shaft

The length of the hair from the roots till the tips.

Trichology

The medical study and treatment of hair.

Oily hair

Hair that produces excess of sebum or natural oils. Such hair needs to be washed often. Or it will look lank and oily. Natural oils, however, keep hair healthy, as they are the best-known hair conditioners.

Medulla

It is the innermost layer of hair. It is very soft in texture.

Hydrogen Peroxide

It is a colouring agent that is used along with ammonia to colour hair.

Combination Hair

It`s like a combination skin. Combination hair is dry is some places and oily in some. More often than not, such hair tends to be greasy at the root and dries out towards the end.

Split Ends

Damaged hair shafts that break and split. Usually happens near the hair tips.