TLDR Quantifying hair shape is better than using racial categories for understanding hair characteristics.
The study introduced a high-throughput protocol for preparing and imaging human scalp hair to measure both longitudinal (curvature) and cross-sectional morphology. A new Python package was developed to process these images, segment them, and extract relevant measurements. The methods were applied to a sample of 140 individuals of mixed African-European ancestry, showing that quantifying hair morphology is more beneficial than using qualitative classifications or racial categories. The findings also challenged the belief that cross-sectional morphology can predict hair curvature.
2 citations
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January 2020 The document describes a method for preparing hair for microscopy by embedding it in plastic, cutting it, and storing it cold before imaging.
96 citations
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September 2017 in “Analytica Chimica Acta” Hair elemental analysis could be useful for health and exposure assessment but requires more standardization and research.
53 citations
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July 2016 in “Cosmetics” Future hair cosmetics will be safer and more effective.
203 citations
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June 2003 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Human hair, despite its different types, shares common traits that affect its structure and response to treatments.
4 citations
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June 2021 in “Scientific Reports” Hair fiber shape and curvature are not significantly linked when ancestry is considered.
53 citations
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July 2016 in “Cosmetics” Future hair cosmetics will be safer and more effective.
8 citations
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November 2022 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science” Human hair varies widely and should be classified by curl type rather than race.
28 citations
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November 2018 in “Journal of structural biology” Different populations have distinct hair structures related to their ancestry.
12 citations
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July 2016 in “Forensic science international” The research found that postmortem root bands in hair are likely caused by the breakdown of a specific part of the hair's inner structure after death.
