Which part of the hair consists of shrunken cornified cells with soft keratin and air spaces in between?

The medulla is the innermost part of the hair shaft and is characterized by its structure, which consists of shrunken cornified cells filled with soft keratin and interspersed with air spaces. This unique composition of the medulla contributes to its characteristics, and while it is present in most types of hair, its prominence can vary depending on the specific type of hair.

The cortex, which surrounds the medulla, is the thickest layer of the hair and contains long keratin fibers that provide strength and resilience. The cuticle, the outermost layer, consists of flat, overlapping cells that protect the inner layers of the hair. The dermis is a layer of skin that contains hair follicles but is not part of the hair structure itself.

Understanding the composition and function of the different parts of hair aids in grasping concepts related to hair treatments and health, which is essential in the field of waxing and other hair-related practices.