A person’s ethnic background typically affects their life in a multitude of ways, including the way their hair looks. Genes not only determine the coif’s color, but also the texture and thickness of the strands, and the shape of the hair follicle, as well.
The type of hair a person has is largely dependent on their ethnicity. For example, people of Asian descent tend to have straight hair, whereas African-Americans typically have tightly-coiled hair.
In order to understand why certain heads of hair are curly, while others are straight, you must take a look at the hair follicles. Tiny pockets on the scalp from which hair grows out, hair follicles determine the texture of your hair. Large follicles produce thick hair, while small follicles form thin hair.
The shape of the hair follicle determines the texture of your hair. Oval-shaped follicles produce curly hair, while round follicles form straight hair.
Your ethnicity and genes determine what shape and size your follicles are, which could explain why the majority of people from specific ethnic backgrounds all have the same types of hair.
African-American Hair
People of African-American descent typically have ribbon-like, flat follicles that form tightly-coiled hair. And although African-Americans produce a high amount of sebum—a protective oil—the curls prevent the oil from spreading to the strands throughout the hair. The result is often hair fibers that become dry and brittle, and rough to the touch.
Hair treatments may benefit the strands by making them more hydrated and ultimately, healthier and more manageable.
Asian Hair
The hair follicles of people of Asian descent are typically round and large, often creating a mane that is comprised of thick and coarse straight hair. And although the strands are thick, there aren’t many of them. In fact, Asians average about 150 strands of hair per square centimeter, or about 80,000 follicles covering their heads.
This can cause many to look like they have thin or thinning hair, as the strands may not fully cover the scalp. Fortunately, hair treatments are available to help with the appearance of a less than full mane.
Caucasian Hair
Caucasian hair can come in a variety of textures, including straight, curly and wavy. The thickness of the strands is also variable, as is the amount of hair on the head. Caucasians commonly have the highest hair density, with about 200 hairs per square centimeter. This can create the illusion of having thicker hair.
South Asian and Hispanic Hair
People of South Asian descent typically have dark, straight hair that is thick and often frizzy. Their strands require lots of moisture, and can appear unruly if they don’t get what they need.
Hispanic hair is also usually thick and dark, but is often curly or wavy. Again, large amounts of moisture are needed to keep the hair smooth and healthy.
Get the Hair of Your Dreams
No matter your ethnicity, having fabulous hair can improve your self-esteem and give you the appearance you’ve always wanted.
Parker Trichology Centre offers hair treatments in Carrollton, TX, that can help you reach your hair goals. Call (214) 307-6200 or visit https://hairlosscentreandsalon.com/ for more information.
[osky-citation keyword= ‘Hair Treatments Carrollton, TX’]
