Have you ever wondered why some people have naturally straight hair. While others wake up with curls every day? Why hair curls: unexpected facts – it’s not just a coincidence. The structure of hair depends on genetics, the structure of the follicles. The level of proteins in the hair and even the humidity of the air.
Genetics: one of the main facts
Hair shape is inherited. If parents have curly hair, the likelihood that their child will have it is very high. The main culprit is the TCHH (trichohyalin) gene, which affects the structure of the hair shaft. In people with wavy and curly hair, this gene works a little differently than in those with straight hair.
The structure of hair follicles
The root of the hair, or follicle, also plays a key role. In people with straight hair, the follicles are round, while in those with curly hair, they are oval or even flattened. The more this shape deviates from a circle, the more curled the curls will be.
Protein balance: keratin and disulfide bonds
Hair is made up mainly of a protein called keratin. It is this protein that gives hair its strength and flexibility. Disulfide bonds also play an important role – these are chemical bridges between keratin molecules. The more of these bonds there are, the more the hair bends, creating waves and curls.
The influence of moisture and weather
Have you ever had straight hair start to curl after a rain? This happens because the hair absorbs moisture from the air, changing its structure. Moisture weakens the hydrogen bonds in keratin, and the hair starts to curl.
Age and hormones
Hormonal changes can also affect hair texture. Sometimes, hair starts to become frizzy after adolescence, pregnancy , or even menopause. This is because hormones can alter the production of proteins in the hair, affecting its structure.
Why do some people’s hair stay straight?
If someone has perfectly straight hair, it means their follicles are round and there are few disulfide bonds between proteins. Even increased humidity or changes in the body cannot make such hair curly.
Unexpected facts: is it possible to change hair texture?
Temporarily, yes. Curling irons, perms, and keratin straightening treatments can temporarily change the structure of your hair. But it’s impossible to completely change your natural shape without chemical or thermal treatment.
So the shape of the hair depends on many factors. These are genetics, the structure of the follicles, the chemical bonds in keratin, and even weather conditions. It is these features that make each person unique – someone is lucky with magical curls, while someone enjoys perfectly straight strands. And in any case – it is beautiful.
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