Imbricate scales - illustration

This is a diagram of imbricate scales.

There are three basic scale structures that make up the cuticle-coronal (crown-like), spinous (petal-like), and imbricate (flattened). Combinations and variations of these types are possible. The imbricate or flattened scales type consists of overlapping scales with narrow margins. They are commonly found in human hairs and many animal hairs.

Image courtesy of Microscopy of Hair Part 1: A Practical Guide and Manual for Human Hairs; Forensic Science Communications.