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,
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,
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,
July 2016 in “Cosmetics” Future hair cosmetics will be safer and more effective.
203 citations,
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,
June 2021 in “Scientific Reports” Hair fiber shape and curvature are not significantly linked when ancestry is considered.
53 citations,
July 2016 in “Cosmetics” Future hair cosmetics will be safer and more effective.
8 citations,
November 2022 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science” Human hair varies widely and should be classified by curl type rather than race.
28 citations,
November 2018 in “Journal of structural biology” Different populations have distinct hair structures related to their ancestry.
12 citations,
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.
