The Origin of Curly Hair: Exploring the Genetics and History Behind Those Bouncy Locks

Table Of Content

• Types of Hair Curls
• PTC Genetics of Bitter Taste
• Importance of understanding evolution and genetics
• What is the Rarest Curl Type?
• How can I care for my curly hair?

Anthropological and palaeontological theories of why fibres curl belong to the philosophical layer. Therefore, interaction between the philosophical and biological layers, especially the genetic sublayer, is expected. The diagnostic layer, which is mostly concerned with health or drug effects that cause otherwise straight hair to curl, is also likely to interact with the biological layer. In this case, interaction is mostly expected to be with the follicle and developing fibre sublayers, where the developing fibre is exposed to disease or drugs from the bloodstream.

Types of Hair Curls

This diversity is a testament to the adaptability and variety of human genetics. Globally, less than 15% of the population has naturally curly hair, making it a unique trait among humans. This rarity is due to the specific genetic combinations required to produce the curly hair texture. In essence, a single gene for curly hair from one parent is enough to result in curly hair, whereas straight hair only appears when the recessive gene is passed down by both parents. The genetics of curly hair is complex and not determined by a single gene. However, in simplified terms of classic Mendelian genetics, curly hair is often considered dominant over straight hair.

PTC Genetics of Bitter Taste

Microscopic behavioural studies focus on aspects such as biochemical composition, structural arrangement, mechanical properties, growth rate and drug/substance absorption. While factors like hormones and environment play a role, age itself can influence hair properties. This is due to changes in the hair follicles and a decrease in the production of natural oils, leading to hair that might be drier and less supple. It’s not just about whether curly hair is dominant or recessive; it’s about understanding the intricate interplay of genetics, natural selection, and cultural factors that shape our hair. Additionally, it’s worth noting that environmental factors, such as humidity and hair care practices, can also influence the appearance of curly hair. For example, someone with a genetic predisposition for curly hair might have straight hair if they consistently straighten it using heat styling tools.

Importance of understanding evolution and genetics

Recognizing the impact of external elements, such as weather, and internal choices, like nutrition, broadens our perspective on the beauty and adaptability of curly hair. In the grand tapestry of human evolution, hair type may have played a subtle yet significant role in adaptation. Theories suggest that straight hair might offer a practical advantage in warmer climates, promoting better heat dissipation. This perspective prompts us to consider the interplay between genetics, environmental pressures, and the subtle ways in which our hair may have evolved to suit the challenges of different regions on our planet. Back then there was a gene that came in two versions, straight and curly. People with straight hair had two copies of the straight version, people with curly hair had two curly versions and people with wavy hair had one of each.

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What is the Rarest Curl Type?

This genetic blueprint is inherited from both parents, with each contributing vital pieces that create the final look. So, even if your parents do not have curly hair, if someone in the previous generations did, there’s a chance of you having curly hair. Not just hair, but many aspects of your skin, from the risk for premature wrinkles and acne to your ideal skincare routine, are influenced heavily by your genes!

Tasting is dominant, meaning that if you have at least one copy of the tasting version of the gene, you can taste PTC. Other genes and the environment influence freckle size, color, and pattern. For example, sun exposure can temporarily cause more freckles to appear. For example, with something simple like whether earlobes are attached or not, there are two versions (or alleles) of the ear lobe attachment gene.

Is curly hair rarer than straight?

Exposure to sunlight can also affect the texture and color of the hair. Sun exposure can sometimes cause the hair to become drier and brittle, altering its natural curl pattern. This representation helps to promote diversity and challenge traditional beauty standards.

Several genes have been implicated in determining hair texture, but a prominent one that has been studied in relation to hair curliness is the TCHH (trichohyalin) gene. Simply put, a follicle is the organ of the body responsible for producing hair. Quite predictably, the attributes of a hair follicle directly affect the shape and texture of the hair it produces. The shape of the follicle, in turn, is affected by the genes you inherit from your parents.

How can I care for my curly hair?

One way for the couple you describe to have a straight haired child is if the curly headed parent actually has wavy instead of curly hair. It may seem like a minor distinction but from a genetic point of view, the difference is critical. The presence of certain genes influences not only the texture but also the color and changes in response to different conditions. Understanding these genetic factors sheds light on the diversity of curly hair across various ethnicities and its ties to human migration and evolution. Curly hair is often inherited from biological parents and is influenced by the presence of specific genes.

The model offers researchers a tool to obtain an overview of the available relevant research focus areas; it also assists with comparative studies on curly hair and highlights areas in which more research is required. While the explanation for the observed phenomenon is important, it is not the focus of this paper, but is described elsewhere as part of a larger research project described in [9]. Different populations around the world have evolved over time with unique genetic variations that influence hair type.

This natural shift highlights the intricate connection between our body’s hormonal balance and the way our hair expresses itself, adding another layer to the fascinating journey of hair transformations over time. Scientists have pinpointed the HR gene on chromosome 2 as the orchestrator of curly hair patterns. It’s a case of dominance; the curly hair trait asserts itself over the straight hair alternative. In simple terms, if the HR gene is present, your locks are destined to twirl with curls, revealing the fascinating simplicity of our genetic blueprint for something as intricate as hair texture. The genetic code behind curly hair involves a single gene known as the HR gene.

Curly hair types are extensive, so discovering what type yours is, is an essential step in figuring out the best routine for your locks. Caring for your tresses begins with identifying your curly hair type, and what it needs. Our expert guide walks you through each type to help you make the most of your curls. As we unravel the intricacies of hair evolution, the once-binary notion of dominant or recessive traits expands. Curly hair, it seems, is not bound by strict genetic rules but is responsive to the diverse influences it encounters.

Since the matrix protein KAP.8.1 is evident in IF packing in OC/PC/MC macrofibrils, it has also been implicated as a causative reason for fibre curvature [59]. Considering the available characterization studies, several data gaps became evident through the described trends. As noted in [44], experimental design and result interpretation of comparative characterization studies demand at the very least the use of an objective classification scheme. The other data gap, with regard to the previous, is the seeming unawareness of experimental challenges relating to the curved fibre as an interracial or race-independent phenomenon.

Acknowledging the rich history and genetic variations of curly hair supports a greater acceptance of all hair types, promoting inclusivity and self-assurance among diverse communities. Curly hair has been underrepresented in the media, often overshadowed by straight hair. However, recent years have seen a positive shift in embracing natural hair types, including curly hair, in mainstream media.

Is Curly Hair Dominant Or Recessive Gene? Science Explains

Table Of Content

• PTC Genetics of Bitter Taste
• Curly Hair And Straight Hair Have Different Compositions
• What Are the Genetic Factors of Curly Hair?
• Dominant gene for curly hair
• The Role of Hair Care

However, certain genetic health conditions with hair-related symptoms might be influenced by specific genes or mutations. Some reports say that less than 20% of the world’s population have proper curly hair, making it rarer than straight or wavy hair. However, it’s essential to understand that the presence or absence of this variant doesn’t guarantee straight or curly hair but rather influences the odds.

PTC Genetics of Bitter Taste

In hair texture, this principle is evident where curly hair often follows a dominant pattern, meaning if you inherit the curly hair gene from even one parent, you are likely to have curly hair. Straight hair is considered “recessive.” To put that in simple terms, that means that if one parent gives you a curly-haired gene and the other parent gives you a straight-haired gene, you’ll be born with curly hair. If you have 4B hair you typically have a zigzag pattern to your curls.

Curly Hair And Straight Hair Have Different Compositions

The science delves into the roles of specific genes, like TCHH and KRTAP6-1, which contribute to hair texture. Scientists have identified several genes that contribute to the formation of curly hair. One such gene is the FGFR2 gene, which plays a role in hair follicle development. Variations in this gene, along with other genetic factors, contribute to the wide range of hair textures we see in people. In this blog post, we explored the genetic factors that contribute to curly hair.

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What Are the Genetic Factors of Curly Hair?

There’s no magic food or vitamin that you can consume that will make your hair look a certain way. But pursuing and prioritizing your health by eating a varied, well-balanced diet and meeting all of your nutritional needs can make a difference in how your hair looks.

Dominant gene for curly hair

4A hair forms an "S" shape pattern with a defined curl definition that is typically soft and displays many small curls closely together. Those with 4A hair typically have a lot of hair, with curls that sit close together and give the appearance of darker strands until stretched. This pattern is usually the easiest out of all type 4 hair to straighten. 4A hair experiences less shrinkage than the other type 4’s—though 4A strands retain moisture well, it can also be the driest of all the type 4’s. 3B hair is springy in a curl pattern with slightly smaller curls than 3A. If your curls are about the width of a Sharpie you’re likely to have 3B hair.

(a) What is the structure of a curly fibre?

When styling, use a leave-in conditioner to add slip to help with detangling, along with a hair and scalp oil for shine. This light alcohol-free formula controls frizz and locks in moisture after shampooing with no fuss or flaking after your hair is dry. This hair oil reduces hair breakage while encouraging curl definition perfect for those with type 2 hair who want their curls to be more prominent. This hair typing chart celebrates the unique differences in every texture. They learned that all types of hair gave some protection from the sun, but tightly curled hair gave the best protection and minimized the need to sweat—a significant finding, says Lasisi.

What Are the Benefits of Knowing Your Type?

This kind of hair was common in sub-Saharan Africa and helped protect their scalps from the hot sun. The packing of the IFs inside the cell contributes to the shape of the cortical cell (adapted from [52,53]). The arrangement of proteins, primarily keratin, within the hair shaft also plays a role. These proteins contain sulfur atoms, and when two sulfur atoms pair up and bond, they form a disulfide bond.

The Role of Hair Care

CMC material is composed of cell membrane proteins, sandwiched in endogenous lipid layers. These are different from surface lipids exuded from the sebaceous gland in the follicle sac. Primary endogenous lipids include fatty acids, cholesterol, ceramides and 18-methyl eicosanoic acid (18-MEA) [39,40]. Cuticle–cortex CMC material has a covalent thioester, polar and salt linkage hybrid character. A 2009 study identified a genetic variant in the TCHH gene that is responsible for 6% of the variance in curly, wavy, and straight hair.

Let’s discover the intricate beauty and diversity that our genes bring to our hair. We’ll explore why curly hair has evolved differently across various regions and cultures. Hormones can influence your hair follicle structure at different points of your life. Researchers still don’t completely understand all of the scenarios that can cause this to happen. Formulated specifically for dry hair this intensive deep conditioner helps dry type 4 hair by providing instant, intense moisture to soften and restore shine to hair. Protective styles are great for 4C hair to minimize manipulation to the strands and help lock in moisture, and a silk pillowcase is a must to minimize losing natural oils.

Your ancestry test DNA data includes 700,000 markers, which can be used to learn in-depth about your skin aging and skin health. This report will help you understand your skin requirements better and aid in graceful aging. Curly hair does need to be washed regularly, but the frequency depends on various factors like scalp condition and hair porosity. While over-washing can dry out curly hair, not washing enough can lead to scalp problems and buildup.

Follicle characterization studies commonly interweave structural and biochemical observations, whereas these topics are often separated in shaft characterization studies. The described model presents a simplistic interpretation of current research topics on curly hair. Application of the curvature fibre model (with references to case literature) is depicted in figure 7. As a first research step, applicable literature reviews typically guide experimental planning or theory development. Being able to distinguish between apples and pears in publications that intersperse them may be challenging, especially for younger researchers. Micro-characterization of curvature focuses on the follicle, structural units of the shaft, their interrelationships and multidimensional interactions.

The amount of cysteine (more or less than 30 mol.%) dictates the difference between HS and UHS KAPs, whereas HGT proteins have a glycine or tyrosine content of approximately 35–60 mol.% [59]. Cuticles are cysteine and glycine rich [61], with the outer layers comprising highly cross-linked UHS-type proteins and the endocuticle mostly composed of low-sulfur residues and acidic and basic proteins. Cuticular KAPs are high in cysteine, serine, glycine and proline content [13,33–35]. Biochemically, cortex KPs are low-sulfur structures, with a high concentration of basic and acidic residues when compared with cuticular proteins [62]. KPs are also low in proline [63], which is detrimental to the α-helix structure. In wool fibres, concentrations of cysteine, cysteic acid, threonine and proline were shown to be higher in PCs than in OCs, whereas tyrosine, glycine, phenylalanine and leucine were dominating in OCs [64,65].

22 Dirty Blonde Hair Color Ideas

Table Of Content

• Which Blonde Hair Color Are You Gonna Try?
• What color is dirty blonde hair?
• #9. Dirty Blonde with Subtle Red Highlights
• Choosing A Flattering Dirty Blonde for Major Skin Tones

Hollywood actress Sydney Sweeney was seen sporting a deep butterscotch blonde hue at the premiere of her film Reality. Actress Elsa Hosk is often seen with a creamy champagne blonde color that looks dreamy. When properly cared for, the shade can have a mirror-like shine, which can give the hair a metallic sheen at times. It often evokes images of wintry landscapes, frost, and snow, giving it a distinctly cold and crisp aura. Margot Robbie recently epitomized the allure of Barbie blonde in the 2023 Barbie movie, which amplified the unapologetic beauty and boldness that this hue symbolizes.

Which Blonde Hair Color Are You Gonna Try?

Incorporating icy babylights around the face can create a halo effect, while an icy ombre at the ends can result in a faded, ethereal appearance. Depending on the hair stylist’s approach and the client’s desire, the intensity of balayage can range from subtle to more dramatic. Due to its natural transition, balayage may not require frequent touch-ups, making it a lower-maintenance choice for many. The fusion of spice and gold offers a less commonly seen blend, standing out in the sea of blonde variations. This hue might evoke feelings of autumn, given its warmth and spice association, making it unique to certain seasons or moods.

What color is dirty blonde hair?

The emphasis is on creating a soft, sun-kissed appearance with delicate highlights transitioning seamlessly from root to tip. Rather than a flat, all-over bleach blond, sun-washed blonde incorporates a variety of warm golden highlights in shades such as peach, honey, and amber. These sunny tones look like the sun’s kissing rays have been artfully painted on them for a silky, blended look with lots of natural variation. Balayage blonde involves hand-painting highlights onto the hair, creating softer and more natural-looking gradients and dimensions.

#9. Dirty Blonde with Subtle Red Highlights

Butterscotch blonde is well-suited to complement warm or neutral skin tones. This warm blonde shade can flatter cool and warm complexions by adding a rich pop of color. Strategic butterscotch highlights around the face can create a striking yet balanced look.

These long, cascading waves are kissed with the softest whisper of pink, creating a dreamy rose gold effect that’s as romantic as a sunset. It’s a versatile look that flatters most face shapes, adding warmth and dimension to the overall appearance. It’s a soft, dimensional highlight with a flattering dimension and a great transitional grow-out.

She has been interested in esthetics since childhood, and has tried every hair, skin, and makeup product ever produced (more or less). This style is the epitome of effortless chic with its bronde layers that fall softly around the face, creating a look that’s as casual as it is elegant. It’s a versatile look that transitions smoothly from a professional daytime to an elegant evening style. Changing your color doesn’t need to be extensive—just a few strategic pieces of slightly different color can make all the difference.

Rather than flat platinum, champagne blonde utilizes refined hues like pale gold, ivory, and beige highlights swept throughout. When blended with light ash blonde, these glinting tones evoke the bubbly golden color of champagne. The overall effect is multidimensional blonde hair that catches the light beautifully. Balayage blonde utilizes a variety of subtly blended hues like beige, sand, and pale gold to add dimension to blonde locks.

Ashy Dirty Blonde

Mae Whitman's blonde waves incorporate a great mix of neutral tones. Rez uses a demi-permanent hair color when depositing a lowlight, opting for the most neutral tone. "I want the depth of the base color to carry through,” he says, often looking to the client’s natural tone (which often ranges in the neutral to neutral-cool category). In terms of skin tone, dirty blonde hair goes quite well if you have warm skin tones.

Beige Blonde Face-Framing Highlights

These warm red lowlights strike a balance with the brighter blonde pieces to create dimension. From the soft blend of beige and honey tones to the relaxed texture, sandy beige blonde embodies effortless beach glamour. It’s a gorgeous neutral blonde option for those who want a multidimensional yet natural sun-kissed blonde look. Sandy beige blonde is luminous, breezy, and as lovely as a day spent relaxing on the seashore.

The brunette version of dirty blonde, dirty bronde still features tones of both blonde and brunette but focuses on the latter. Use L’Oréal Paris Excellence Créme Permanent Triple Care Hair Color in Light Ash Brown to get the look. For those who aren’t too keen on bleaching their hair multiple times, this kind of dirty blonde won’t be too harsh on your tresses. It won’t take a lot of lifting to get to this shade especially if you’re already a light brunette. I love how the dark shadow root transitions smoothly to the lighter ends.

The platinum highlights illuminate your hair for a striking contrast with the darker, more natural dirty blonde for a stunning type of depth and dimension. What if you’re a natural blonde who wants to give dirty blonde hair a try? If that’s the case, reverse ombré is the dirty blonde hue for you, aka lighter on top and darker at the ends. It’s a beautiful, slightly unexpected gradient of dirty blonde tones. This golden sandy, dirty blonde will require your stylist to work on a darker base to create this multidimensional blonde shade in varying tones. It’s a natural blonde shade perfect if you’re planning a lot of beach trips in the summer.

Dirty blonde in a messy hairdo or one that’s left free and is easy to wear day in, day out. Those free-falling straight locks will look perfect even after they’re soaked in salty ocean waves. The shimmering lights of this look are captivating to look at – especially thanks to the waviness of the hair. The balayage technique is the best way to achieve this look or personalize one in your colors of choice. We’re thrilled that they’re so versatile and can be applied on any type of hair while still looking glamorous. All textures and lengths shine with some blonde streaks, regardless if they’re wispy or chunky.

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We love the contrast between Laverne Cox's brown roots and sandy blonde ends. Give curls additional body (without unwanted frizz) by using Ouidad Botanical Boost Curl Energizing & Refreshing Spray ($20, sephora.com). If you want blonde streaks to really pop like Rita Wilson's, wash hair with John Freida Sheer Blonde Highlight Activating Shampoo for Darker Shades ($7, target.com). If you’re all about that chic and sophisticated look, you need a silvery sheen on dirty blonde. The dirty and silvery blondes make an eye-catching that creates a smooth style with a futuristic flair. A subtle purple tint on dirty blonde is the perfect simple twist to help you capture that mystical vibe without sacrificing your dazzling dirty blonde.

This shade often combines hints of buttery yellows with soft whites, creating a multi-dimensional and creamy appearance. Subtle Ombre Blonde has a gentle transition between shades for a natural, understated look. Ombre Blonde typically has a more pronounced and stark difference between the root and tip colors. Subtle Ombre Blonde focuses on softness and gradation rather than high contrast.

30 Dirty Blonde Balayage Ideas for A Low-Maintenance Color

Table Of Content

• Reddish Dirty Blonde
• #18. Dirty Blonde with Copper Undertones
• Dark, dirty blonde hair
• Blonde Hair with Lowlights
• Sun-Kissed Curly Fro with Blonde Highlights
• Face-Framing Blonde Highlights on Brunette Hair

It’s fundamentally a blonde shade, but its uniqueness lies in its cool silvery undertones. Just as pearls reflect light, so does pearl blonde hair, creating a captivating shine and shimmering effect. Some variations have subtle streaks of a lighter blonde hue for added dimension. A gentle warmth can be seen in certain lights, differentiating it from cooler blondes.

Reddish Dirty Blonde

Hair with caramel highlights requires a toner at the salon every 8-12 weeks. The balayage will also need to go up higher as your hair grows longer, usually in a timeframe of weeks. If you thought blonde highlights on red hair might look tacky, this image goes to prove the contrary.

#18. Dirty Blonde with Copper Undertones

It’s not merely a color but a statement of confidence and a nod to blonde bombshell glamour. Blonde hair, often called the golden crown of tresses, has an undeniably alluring charm. The more texture, the chunkier the lowlights—so as not to lose them within the silhouette. Karlie Kloss looks exceptional no matter what, but her lowlight-toned waves are a particular favorite of ours.

Dark, dirty blonde hair

Dark strawberry blonde celebrates dimensionality with its exciting light and bright warmth blend. Dirty blonde, also referred to as “dishwater blonde, is a distinctive hair color that sits halfway between brown and blonde, often a medium ash blonde to light brown shade. While dirty blonde hair is not a pure blonde or brunette shade, it contains elements of both. If you want to stand out from the crowd and still maintain a natural look, dirty blonde hair is for you. Dirty blonde pairs well with warmer skin tones as it has light brown undertones that complement other warm colors such as oranges or yellows. Warm strawberry waves are given new life with subtle blonde highlights that create an ambience of soft lightness throughout the hair.

Blonde Hair with Lowlights

There’s a full head of Blondor Freelights Powder in this mane, topped with a blend of Color Touch formulas that gradually get brighter through the tips. Verging on a light brown, this dark dirty blonde hair hue maintains plenty of radiance, created with a combination of BlondorPlex and Koleston Perfect. BlondorPlex is perfect for hair-strengthening lifting, because it combines our bond-reinforcing WellaPlex No1 formula with our cult-classic Blondor Multi-Blonde Powder. Are you dreaming of making your brown hair more voluminous and adding dimension to your natural color? Here’s a fascinating trend to make these two dreams come true at once! Ask your hairstylist to cut your locks in long layers and add stylish blonde highlights to create this stunning and mind-blowing look.

Sun-Kissed Curly Fro with Blonde Highlights

This shade of blonde exudes a warm, bright, multi-tonal color with a soft, diffused finish, creating a casual, relaxed vibe. The foundational hue of honey blonde is often in the mid-range of blonde shades, perfectly balancing light and dark. Gwyneth Paltrow is known to keep her hair pretty simple and low maintenance, but that doesn't mean she doesn't let her blonde hair take center stage. An ever so subtle mix of ash blonde roots that cascade into lighter yellow blonde waves has become Paltrow's signature look.

Face-Framing Blonde Highlights on Brunette Hair

Warm highlights on dark brown hair are one of those trends you must try once in your life! Brown and blonde balayage locks add elegance to your angelic face while jazzing up your long mane and flattering your skin tone. Dark hair with blonde highlights results in a dimension you need to upgrade your style!

Gigi Hadid's deep blonde hair borders on brown, but strategically placed highlights around her face lighten up the look. Use John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Controlled Lightening Spray ($12, ulta.com) to brighten blonde highlights. At first glance, Jodie Foster's sleek lob looks like it's all one shade. Get closer, and you realize her hair moves almost imperceptibly from cool-toned grey-blonde at the roots to a slightly warmer honey shade near the ends. Keep a color like this from going brassy with Living Proof Blonde Ale Brightening Shampoo ($27, ulta.com).

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15 Strawberry Blonde Hair Color Ideas - Pictures of Strawberry Blond Celebrities.

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#3. Honey-Infused Dirty Blonde

The honeyed streaks running through add a touch of sweetness to the style, making it versatile for both a day at the office or a night out on the town. Most of the blonde in this photo is balayage, while only a few highlights go to the roots. If you want to brighten your balayage, you could ask your stylist for bright babylights. The foils are extremely fine and back to back to create a seamless color that doesn’t look “liney.” Plus, it avoids harsh regrowth when you grow out your hair. Dare to spice up your style by adding a strong contrasting color underneath the top of your hair!

The cool blonde and pastel lavender contrast is eye-catching yet still soft and feminine. The base for lavender blonde should be a clean, pale blonde to prevent muddiness and allow the lavender tones to shine through. Throughout this, pastel lavender tones are added to create a soft, blended effect.

Lowlights actually bring down the depth of the base so when new roots come in, the color is more broken up and regrowth is less eye-catching, Rez says. Get ready for an envy-inducing vacation glow with this easy beauty hack. Just add some lowlights and texturizing spray to your locks for a sun-kissed dirty blonde hair look in minutes. If you’re worried about your hair being overly glossy or oily, dirty blonde hairdos paired with matte styling products can help you get rid of the extra sheen.