Reimagining Hair Science: A New Approach to Classify Curly Hair Phenotypes via New Quantitative Geometric and Structural Mechanical Parameters

May 2023 in “ Accounts of chemical research ”

Michelle Gaines, Imani Page, Nolan A. Miller, Benjamin R. Greenvall, Joshua J. Medina, Duncan J. Irschick, Adeline Southard, Alexander E. Ribbe, Gregory M. Grason, Alfred Crosby

curly hair phenotypes quantitative geometric parameters structural mechanical parameters hair curl patterns straight hair wavy hair curly hair kinky hair hair fibers hair care products hair treatments hair products

Studysummary This study aimed to identify new quantitative geometric and mechanical parameters for curly and kinky hair using various microscopy and mechanical analysis methods, revealing correlations between hair fiber geometry and mechanical performance to enhance personal care product development and promote cultural inclusion. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The study introduces a novel method to classify curly hair phenotypes using new quantitative geometric and structural mechanical parameters. The research, conducted by a team from Spelman College and the University of Massachusetts, aims to provide a more precise and scientific approach to understanding hair curl patterns. The classification system includes definitions for various curl patterns such as straight, wavy, curly, and kinky, based on the shape and diameter of the hair fibers. This new approach could lead to better hair care products and treatments tailored to specific hair types.

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