Curly hair is a type of Hair that has a distinctive curly pattern. The fibres of curly hair are primarily made up of keratin, which is not found in straight Hair. This type of hair tends to be drier than straight Hair, which is why it requires special care.
Cortical cell types B and C dominate in curly hair
Curly hair has a particular ultrastructural arrangement. It contains four different types of cells, with the majority of OC cells located on the concave side. This arrangement helps produce the curly texture of Hair. However, it is unclear whether the presence of the medulla is related to the curliness of the hair.
The bi-directional arrangement of OC and PC cells is a mechanism that determines the curvature of a Hair fibre. The cells are longer on the convex side of a curly fibre than on the concave side. This is a result of the geometric arrangements that are accommodated in the cortical cell pattern. Interestingly, the authors also distinguish between appearance and causation.
Cortical cells are composed of two major types of keratin-rich tissue: the cortex and the matrix. The cortex is the main component of a fibre and is made up of several layers. The cortex is surrounded by a hydrophobic matrix, consisting of keratin-rich molecules called keratin-like proteins (KAPs). The cortex is also known as the “curly head” because it is associated with curliness.
While the follicle is highly complex, curly hair fibres display distinct cellular distributions. Cells in the matrix of curly hair are more prominent than those of straight hair, and their expressions extend over the Auber line. In contrast, cell expression in straight Hair is symmetrical and homogeneous.
Keratin is the primary component of curly hair fibres
Hair fibres are made up of a protein called keratin. This protein comprises up to 95% of hair’s content. Keratin is a chain of amino acids bonded together in a specific order. Hair contains two types of keratin, namely pheomelanin and keratin, the latter of which produces red or blonde hair. The absence of either type results in white or gray hair.
Hair fibres are made of two main components: dead cells and keratin. Keratin contains cysteine, an amino acid that has a sulfur-containing chemical group. This amino acid can form strong bonds with other sulfur-containing molecules. The higher cysteine concentration, in turn, causes hair to curl. These cysteines are positioned further down the shaft of the hair, which contributes to its curly appearance.
Curly hair fibres from people of African descent vary in curliness. There are distinct correlations between fibre curliness and certain features, but no universal standard exists. Therefore, practical taxonomy should be simplified and flexible. The six-point scale and modified-STAM scale are recommended for this purpose. In the absence of a universal definition, descriptions such as ‘near straight’ or ‘wavy’ might be appropriate.
Research on hair fibres has been carried out on a variety of topics, including hair growth, hair loss, corrective practices, follicle morphology, genetic controls, and clinical pathology. Research on curly hair is an addendum to these studies. It has emerged from tensile studies of hair of different degrees of curlyness.
The complexity of curly hair biology results in uncertainty in correlations between different aspects of investigation. There are thousands of research items relating to this topic.
It is drier than straight hair
Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair because the natural oils from the scalp do not travel down the strands as well. To combat this problem, you may need to add more natural oils to your hair. Curly hair also tends to be frizzier.
One of the first ways to combat this problem is to dry your hair properly after every shower. Because wet hair is super fragile, do not rub it vigorously. Friction will break the strands. Curly hair can also easily be damaged by blow drying. Always use a soft cloth to dry hair. You can use hair oil to add shine and protect against breakage.
Curls need more moisture than straight hair, so you should avoid using products that contain silicones or sulfates. The sulfates can strip the hair of natural oils, leaving it more vulnerable to damaging environmental conditions. Another way to combat this problem is to avoid using hot tools and chemicals on your hair. Instead, use styling products that have heat protectants.
Keeping your hair moisturized is also essential if you want to avoid frizz and dry hair. Choosing the right cleanser for your hair is crucial to keeping the moisture in your hair. Choosing a gentle formula will not strip your hair of its natural oils, which are essential to keeping it looking beautiful. When choosing a cleanser, consider your hair type and frequency of washing.
It is better at keeping mammals warmer than straight hair
Curly hair is a good insulator for mammals. It prevents the body from losing heat in the cold. It is more resistant to water than straight hair, which makes it great for keeping warm. It also resists absorbing water the same way duck feathers do.
It is prone to frizz
Curly hair is naturally prone to frizz, and the main cause is a lack of moisture. When hair is dry and frizzy, it reaches out to the air for moisture. Lorraine Massey famously said that frizz is just a curl waiting to happen. However, there are some things you can do to minimize frizz and keep your hair looking great!
The first step is to use a lot of conditioner every day. Start with a palmful and add more as you go. At first, you may need to add more conditioner than usual, but as you become accustomed to using the Curly Girl Method, you’ll be able to reduce the amount you use. Another great tip is to condition your hair at the beginning of your shower, and leave it in until the end. Then, after you’ve rinsed it, you can add even more conditioner if your hair is still feeling frizzy.
A good way to prevent frizz is to learn about your hair and how to handle it. Try different styling techniques and products to see what works best for you. Once you understand your hair’s needs and preferences, you’ll be able to find the perfect product to get the desired results.
Another way to minimize frizz is to avoid over-brushing your hair. Using a brush too often can cause damage and raise the cuticle. Using a soft brush and blotting hair afterwards will help reduce frizz and keep your hair hydrated. Also, be sure to trim your hair every six to eight weeks to get rid of split ends and damaged hair.
While the main cause of frizz is not genetic, it is often aggravated by humidity. Humidity can cause frizz because the water molecules in the air penetrate the hair cuticle. Those water molecules can make your hair reassemble itself, making it less defined.
