Hairs. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a hair shaft. Two other hair shafts are partly seen on either side. The outer layer of the hair shaft (the cuticle) can be seen, with overlapping scales of dead cells. The scales are thought to be important in preventing matting of the hair. Hair is made up of dead cells containing the protein keratin, which is provided by the living root embedded in the skin. Hair grows from this root; as the bulb produces more keratin, the hair is pushed upwards. Magnification: x530 when printed 10cm high.