Final answer:
Hair with cuticles aligned in one direction is less prone to breakage since the cuticles form a smoother and protective surface. The health of the cuticle is crucial for protecting the hair shaft and maintaining its integrity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristic of hair with cuticle "turned" in one direction is that it is less prone to breakage. When the cuticle layers of the hair shaft overlap neatly and all face the same direction, they form a smooth and protective outer surface. This allows the hair to better resist damage and breakage because the cuticles are not catching on one another, which can lead to tangles, knots, and ultimately breakage.
The hair shaft has three zones: the cuticle, the cortex, and in some hairs, the medulla. The cuticle is the outermost layer of keratinocytes and acts like shingles on a roof to protect the inner structures of the hair. Properly aligned cuticles not only help to protect the hair shaft but also give the hair a shiny, healthy appearance.
Hair texture and strength are largely determined by the cortex, which is covered by the cuticle. Straight or curly hair can be a result of the cortex structure, which is influenced by the shape of the hair follicle. The cuticle's health is crucial to prevent damage and maintain hair integrity.