Hair is a
protein filament that grows from
follicles found in the
dermis, or skin. Hair is one of the defining characteristics of
mammals. The human body, apart from areas of glabrous skin, is covered in follicles which produce thick
terminal and fine
vellus hair. Most common interest in hair is focused on
hair growth, hair types and
hair care, but hair is also an important
biomaterial primarily composed of protein, notably
keratin. Attitudes towards hair, such as
hairstyles and
hair removal, vary widely across different cultures and historical periods, but it is often used to indicate a person's personal beliefs or social position, such as their age, gender, or religion.
