TLDR Wool fibre curvature is due to longer orthocortical cells compared to paracortical cells.
The study investigated the cause of hair curvature in merino wool fibres using confocal microscopy to measure orthocortical and paracortical cells. It found that curvature was not due to a higher number of cells on the convex side but rather the longer length of orthocortical cells compared to paracortical cells. The study contradicted the theory that curvature correlates with the proportions of these cell types, suggesting instead that the difference in cell length is crucial. These findings have implications for understanding hair curvature in other types of hair, including human scalp hair.
18 citations,
November 2010 in “Journal of morphology” Antler velvet hair and body hair of red deer have different structures that help with protection and insulation.
62 citations,
December 2008 in “Journal of structural biology” Hair curvature in Japanese people is linked to specific cell types and filament arrangements in the hair cortex.
85 citations,
October 2007 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Curly hair shape is due to uneven growth patterns in the hair follicle.
22 citations,
September 1982 in “Journal of ultrastructure research” Wool follicle cells are more complex than previously thought.
90 citations,
January 1979 in “International review of cytology” Wool follicles are complex, involving interactions between different cell types and structures.
August 2020 in “Textile research journal” The model helps understand how wool fiber structure affects its strength and flexibility.
53 citations,
July 2016 in “Cosmetics” Future hair cosmetics will be safer and more effective.
18 citations,
November 2010 in “Journal of morphology” Antler velvet hair and body hair of red deer have different structures that help with protection and insulation.
4 citations,
July 2024 in “Animals” The KRTAP19-5 gene affects wool curvature in Chinese Tan sheep, with Variant B reducing curvature.
21 citations,
February 2019 in “Experimental Dermatology” Different fields of expertise must work together to better understand hair growth and create effective hair loss treatments.
