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In summary, the prevalence of curly hair in different populations and regions is complex and ongoing, reflecting human diversity and adaptability. The same genes affecting curly hair in other populations, like TCHH, EDAR, KRTAP6-1, and PRSS53, also influence hair in Asian and Middle Eastern groups. However, the prevalence and distribution of these genes and their variants can vary. Curly hair is also present in European populations, especially in areas with a mix of genetic backgrounds like the Mediterranean, the British Isles, and Scandinavia.

Is curly hair rarer than straight?
The shape of the hair follicle determines whether our hair is straight, wavy, or curly. If the follicle is symmetrical, it produces round hair shafts that give you straight hair. However, an asymmetrical follicle produces oval or flattened hair shafts, resulting in curly or wavy hair. Curly hair is a beautiful and distinctive hair texture that has captivated people for centuries.
The Role of Hair Care
The ability to taste PTC is controlled mainly by a single gene that codes for a bitter-taste receptor on the tongue. Different variations, or alleles, of this gene control whether PTC tastes bitter or not. Freckles are small, concentrated spots of a skin pigment called melanin.
Factors That Influence Curliness
Currently, growth rate studies that relate to curly fibres are mostly comparative in nature. Furthermore, current comparative studies seem to use population/race as a comparison discriminant, and not degree of curliness. Negative growth rates (hair loss) do not appear to be studied from the perspective of curly fibres as a distinct phenotype. The final two layers on the behaviour level provide a platform to describe how the fibre changes microscopically after being subjected to certain stresses or environments.
How Often Should You Wash Your Curl Type?
The shape and texture of our ancestors’ hair were directly impacted by their environment. The cuticle acts as a protective fibre envelope and comprises several cellular layers that are meshed in cell membrane complex (CMC) material. Cuticle layers may be broadly divided according to main functionality (figure 2). The outer layers (A-layer, exocuticle, endocuticle) fortify the fibre against mechanical and chemical stresses; the lower layers (lower β-layer, δ-layer and upper β-layer) form cuticular CMC material. CMC material, although different in chemical composition, is also found at the cuticle–cortex junction and in the cortex itself.
The bulge area is also the attachment site of the erector pili muscle. However, hair texture is influenced by multiple genes and their interactions, making the inheritance pattern more intricate than a simple dominant-recessive relationship. There’s also a continuum of hair curliness, from straight to wavy to curly to coily, and various genetic factors can influence where an individual falls on this spectrum.
The Goddess Strength Shampoo and Conditioner are the key to keeping strands from becoming brittle or dry. Curly hair is not particularly rare, with approximately 90% of the world’s population having some curl. Up until now I have been implying that all 10 genes have the same effect. Lasisi says the next stages of the research will be to look for genetic evidence that may support the theory. The researchers then made a model of heat loss under different conditions and studied it under the typical conditions in equatorial Africa where early hominins are thought to have evolved. A new study—involving a mannequin wearing wigs in a wind tunnel—reveals how.
Is Curly Hair Dominant Or Recessive?
It holds historical significance and represents a connection to ancestral roots. Media representations have gradually begun to embrace diverse hair types, but there is still progress needed in promoting cultural appreciation for all types of curly hair. On the other hand, in colder climates, the evolution of curly hair may have provided insulation for the scalp and brain. This adaptability of curly hair to different environments showcases how genetic traits have evolved over time in response to varying climatic conditions.
Beyond Genetics: Environmental And Lifestyle Factors
Another gene, PRSS53, is involved in hair fiber formation and shape determination. A variant of this gene, the rs C allele, is linked to curly hair and is more prevalent in Europeans, particularly those of Celtic origin. In many African populations, particularly those from sub-Saharan regions, curly hair is quite common.
Certain populations display a higher frequency of curly hair, highlighting the intricate interplay between genetic inheritance and environmental factors. Ultimately, the rarity of curly hair depends on the specific demographics and genetic makeup of different communities, adding to the rich tapestry of human hair diversity. Genes choreograph our curly and straight hair genetics’ twists and turns. While straight hair usually prevails, curly locks hide in the genetic shadows.
If an individual possesses at least one copy of the curly hair variant of the KRT74 gene, their chances of having curly hair are increased. However, it’s important to note that the presence of this gene alone does not guarantee curly hair, as other genetic and environmental factors also come into play. Coily hair is often referred to as afro or kinky hair, as well as type 4. Coily hair can consist of very tight corkscrews or a ‘Z’ shaped pattern that starts right from the root. Due to its tight curls, this curly hair type often appears shorter than it actually is - this is referred to as shrinkage.

For example, height cannot increase after a certain age, skin color cannot change, and straight hair cannot become curly without extensive treatments. Dr. Sumeet is a seasoned geneticist turned wellness educator and successful financial blogger. GenesWellness.com, leverages his rich academic background and passion for sharing knowledge online to demystify the role of genetics in wellness.
Some have only a temporary effect (like hair curlers), while some treatments make the changes more permanent, although these have some side effects. So, if you’re wondering why your hair acts a certain way in different weather, or why it’s changed over time, it might be down to these environmental and lifestyle factors. Each of us inherits two versions (alleles) of every gene, one from each parent. When one allele is dominant over the other, it’s like having a louder voice in a conversation; it expresses itself even in the presence of another allele. This dominant allele masks the effect of the other, which is termed as recessive.
Why Are People Left-Handed? Scientists Find Clues In Hair Swirls and Snails - Newsweek
Why Are People Left-Handed? Scientists Find Clues In Hair Swirls and Snails.
Posted: Thu, 01 Feb 2018 08:00:00 GMT [source]
This lightweight styling mousse provides a curl-enhancing hold for curls with a finer texture. It’s perfect for combating frizz without the hard crunch that some mousse products can leave. Our team of hair care experts is passionate about providing you with the latest tips, tricks, and advice to help you achieve the luscious locks you deserve. A dominant gene is a gene that is able to express itself even when other genes are trying to express themselves in a particular organism.
Through Ancestral Attic, Ryan aims to empower others to embark on their own genetic journeys, providing expert guidance, resources, and support every step of the way. That’s why many of us have curls or waves in varying degrees today, thanks to our diverse heritage and migrations over time. Either environmental or sexual selective pressure began acting on hair after humans began dispersing out of Africa. It’s the combination of genes from both that paints the final picture. With no dyes, parabens, or sulfates this styling jelly helps control frizz without any harmful ingredients to compromise the health of your strands.
The interplay between nature and nurture becomes evident as we explore why and how curly hair may transition to a straighter form later in life. While the activities and fundamental roles of the different follicular components are not yet fully understood [23], the follicle morphology is reasonably well described. This synoptic overview (summarized from comprehensive descriptions in [24–28]) presents a basis for elucidations pertaining specifically to curly fibres.