* Hair Root: This is the part of the hair that is embedded in the scalp. It's where the hair grows from.
* Cuticles: These are overlapping scales that form the outermost layer of the hair shaft (the visible part of the hair). They lie on the hair shaft and run from the root to the tip.
Think of it like shingles on a roof. The cuticles overlap to protect the inner layers of the hair and give it its shine and smoothness. They also play a role in how easily hair absorbs moisture.