If you’re serious about grooming, it helps to understand what you’re actually working with. Most guys know what looks good and what doesn’t, but few really understand the structure of hair and how it responds to the products they use every day.
At Ortahaus, we know hair. As seasoned veterans of the barbering craft, we take pride in being home to the number one barbershop in Houston and the best barber brand in the state of Texas. Our work speaks for itself.
So let’s break it down: the basics of how your hair works, what it’s made of, and why the right product can make a big difference, not just in how it looks, but in how healthy it stays.
The Three Main Parts of a Hair Strand
Your hair isn’t just a dead fiber sticking out of your scalp, it’s a layered structure with very real function. Each strand of hair is made of three key parts:
1. Cuticle (Outer Layer)-This is the part you see. The cuticle is made up of overlapping cells that look kind of like roof shingles. Its job is to protect the inner layers of the hair shaft and control moisture. When the cuticle lies flat, your hair looks shiny and smooth. When it’s raised or damaged, your hair looks frizzy or dull.
Pro tip: Ingredients like argan oil in our products help smooth the cuticle and lock in hydration.
2. Cortex (Middle Layer)-This is where most of the action happens. The cortex gives your hair strength, structure, and color. It’s where keratin proteins and melanin (your natural pigment) live. This layer also determines your hair’s texture (straight, wavy, curly, coarse, or fine.)
The cortex is what most styling and coloring products are targeting. That’s why things like color safe conditioners (like our Merino Moisturizer) are so important. They preserve the health and balance of this layer.
3. Medulla(Core)-Not all hair has this layer, especially finer hair. When it’s present, the medulla is the inner core of the strand but its role in hair health is still kind of a mystery. It’s more common in thicker or coarser hair types.
Hair Growth Starts Below the Surface
The part of your hair you style every day is technically “dead” but it grows from a living structure beneath the skin. Here’s what’s happening under the hood:
- Hair follicle: The pocket in your scalp where the strand begins.
- Hair bulb: The root at the bottom of the follicle, where nutrients and proteins are fed into the strand.
- Dermal papilla: The blood supply that delivers oxygen and nutrients to the growing hair.
This whole system is powered by your scalp health, which is why we include ingredients like tea tree oil in Shepherd’s Lather (our shampoo) to keep that environment clean and balanced.
If you want to learn more about how the scalp and follicle function together, Harvard Health has a solid breakdown.
Why Your Products Matter to Hair Anatomy
Once you understand how hair is structured, it’s easier to see why some products work better than others. For example:
- Dryness? That’s likely your cuticle layer being stripped. Use a hydrating conditioner like Merino Moisturizer.
- Limp or flat styles? You may need volume at the root. reach for a styling base like our Corriedale Powder.
- Rough texture or breakage? That’s damage to the cortex. Switch to something with argan oil or a soft wax like Shepherd’s Clay.
When we formulated our line, we built every product to support the full structure of hair, from scalp to strand, not just make it smell good or look trendy.
Different Hair Types = Different Needs
All hair shares the same structure, but different textures behave differently. For example:
- Straight hair lies flat and shows oil quickly, you’ll want lightweight, matte products like our Texturizing Sea Spray.
- Wavy or curly hair needs moisture and flexible hold, Merino Cream or Merino Moisturizer are your best friends.
- Thick or coarse hair often benefits from heavier clays with softening oils, like Herdsman Cement.
Knowing your hair’s makeup helps you choose what works and avoid what doesn’t.
Conclusion
Hair isn’t just hair, it’s a smart, layered structure that reflects how you treat it. From the cuticle to the cortex, everything you apply matters. That’s why we’ve crafted our products to do more than just style, they support the health, texture, and strength of your hair over time. Whether you’re dealing with dry ends, scalp irritation, or just trying to nail that perfect style, it all starts with understanding how your hair works. So after learning all of this, are you giving it what it really needs?
