What Is Hair Made Of? - L'Oréal Paris

You don’t need us to tell you that hair can look and feel wildly different from person to person. But whether it’s pin-straight and oily or thick and dry, all hair is made of the same basic components. Understanding what hair is made of and how it’s structured can help you develop a haircare routine tailored to your unique needs, whether you’re addressing a specific concern or simply want to keep your strands in tip-top shape.

Ahead, we’ll break down the basic structure of hair and explain what it’s made of to help you better understand your strands. Then, we’ll share a few of our best haircare tips to support your hair from the inside out. Keep reading for your crash course on hair composition and structure.

What Is Human Hair Made Of?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, human hair consists primarily of keratin, a type of protein that’s also found in the nails and skin. Each strand also contains small amounts of natural lipids, water, minerals, and melanin—the latter of which is responsible for your natural hair color. The exact ratio of these compounds can affect how your hair looks, feels, and behaves.

What is keratin made of?

Nutrients in the foods we eat help our bodies produce keratin, and in turn, healthy-looking hair. There are several nutrients and micronutrients needed for healthy hair growth, but per Harvard Health, these are among the most important:

• Vitamin D: This essential vitamin, found in fatty fish, egg yolks, cheese, and fortified cereal, helps create the cells that develop into hair follicles. It’s also important for maintaining a healthy, functioning immune system.
• Iron: Iron helps your blood carry oxygen throughout your body and to your hair follicles. If you’re low in iron, your hair follicles may not get the oxygen they need to produce healthy, resilient hair.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C, which is found in citrus fruits and leafy greens, helps your body absorb iron from your diet. It’s also a powerful antioxidant that can help protect your cells against oxidative damage.

Other nutrients that can help support healthy hair growth include vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B7 (biotin), and zinc. As Harvard Health notes, most people can obtain the necessary nutrients for strong, healthy hair by maintaining a well-balanced diet.