[Statistical findings on scalp hair as observed by scanning electron microscopy]

The scalp hair of hundred, 20-year-old, healthy human blond and dark volunteers (50 males and 50 females) have been studied by means of scanning electron microscopy. On the photographs, taken at right angles to the length of the hair and always at the same magnification, some measurements have been performed: 1) the hair diameter, 2) the mean scale height, 3) the mean scale number, 4) the scale index and 5) the mean scale width. The obtained data were submitted to a statistical elaboration which gave the following results: a) the hair diameter and the cuticular scale patterns do not show statistically significant differences between males and females and blond and dark subjects; b) an inverse correlation exists between the height and the number of the scales; c) the hair diameter is correlated inversely with the mean scale height and directly with the mean scale number and width.