An individual's hair has a significant role in their look and is strongly linked to their identity. What causes hair to be straight or curly, and how has it been perceived throughout history? Does that still influence how we regard curls today?
What causes hair to be straight or curly? The strands' scientific basis
According to dermatologist and trichologist Dr. Chytra Anand of Bengaluru, "Nearly 98% of these variations in hair are determined by several genes and genetic polymorphisms. A combination of environmental and outside care factors can be blamed for 1%. She stated that since hair tends to curl more in hotter climates, South India has a higher prevalence of curly/non-straight hair.
According to Mumbai-based dermatologist Dr. Stuti Khare, curly or non-straight hair texture (Types 2, 3, and 4 according to Walker's classification) is a "dominant" gene feature. According to Dr. Khare, "Frizziness, a characteristic of curls caused by lack of moisture and hotter weather, also ends up being mistakenly equated to curliness."
Another important factor that affects how hair curls is the disulphide bonds on the hair shaft. The actual hair strand, or shaft, is what we see emerging from our heads as it grows. Keratin, a hard, fibrous protein, makes up each strand. We don't experience pain when having our hair trimmed since any hair that is above the skin's surface is dead. The disulfide and hydrogen bonds that hold the protein structures together are known as chemical bonds. Some of the strongest naturally occurring bonds in nature are thought to be disulphide bonds. Your curliness is determined by the form and location of your follicles, however once the hair is above the level of the scalp and exposed to the air, it retains its shape thanks to disulphide bonding.
The amount and location of disulphide bonds have an impact on how much curl there is. Disulphide bonds in straight hair are evenly dispersed throughout the hair shaft, but in curly hair—which has more bonds—they collect on one side, giving the hair lovely waves, curls, or kinks.
Are curl patterns malleable?
Simply put, absolutely. Curl patterns may progressively tighten or loosen with time. The structure of hair follicles can change as a result of hormones, particularly those produced during pregnancy, menopause, or puberty, certain drugs, and external environmental variables. This can impact the type and pattern of curls.
Changes in curl patterns are related to greying. Hair follicles begin producing less sebum (oil) at the same time that hairs lose melanin, the coloured pigment contained in hair, and as a result, strands become more wiry and less flexible. It could be more difficult to line up with other portions of your curl pattern because the hair is more wiry.
Curls can also be significantly impacted by damage, particularly heat damage. The structural integrity of your hair deteriorates the more you manage it. Despite the fact that heat styling has no effect on the hair follicle itself, once a curl has been harmed, it can only be repaired by cutting it off.
In addition to its fragility, curly hair is also more prone to knots and tangles. So while it’s tempting to rake a paddle brush through knots, it’s incredibly important to handle curls with extra care.
That's it!👩🦱🧑🦱
