Coils & Curls: A Mathematical Tapestry of Black Hair

December 2023

Richard F. Jordan, Kofi Oduro

hair follicle amino acids keratin protein

TLDR Black hair's diversity in patterns and textures is influenced by follicle shape and keratin, and it holds cultural, artistic, and mathematical significance.

The document discusses the diverse range of patterns and textures inherent in black hair, which is determined by the shape of the hair follicle and the bonding of amino acids in the protein keratin. The paper explores black hair from various perspectives, including its roots, historical significance, societal perceptions, and its role as a form of style and expression. It approaches black hair as an art form, a mathematical pattern, an algorithmic growth process, and an ethnomathematical entity, aiming to dispel myths and highlight the myriad of possibilities that black hair represents.

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