The human hair: from anatomy to physiology

Abstract Background Hair is a unique character of mammals and has several functions, from protection of the skin to sexual and social communication. In literature, there are various studies about hair that take into consideration different aspects within many fields of science, including biology, dermatology, cosmetics, forensic sciences, and medicine. Methods We carried out a search of studies published in PubMed up to 2013. Results In this review, we summarized the principal anatomical and physiological aspects of the different types of human hair, and we considered the clinical significance of the different structures and the distribution of the hair in the human body. Conclusion This review could be the basis for improvement and progression in the field of hair research.