TLDR Mixed-race individuals have hair with varied shapes and more root damage.
This study investigated the unique hair properties of mixed-race individuals, particularly those of Brazilian descent, by analyzing hair shape, thickness, ellipticity, and damage. Hair samples from 9 mixed-race women showed a wide variety of hair shapes, with both straight and very curly hair on the same head. Curly hair fibers were thicker and more elliptical than loose wavy hair fibers. Damage was high near the proximal end due to entanglement and grooming practices but did not worsen beyond 60 mm from the scalp, likely due to the use of conditioning products. The study highlighted the complexity of mixed-race hair and suggested that conventional ethnic classifications are insufficient.
20 citations,
January 2015 in “Journal of cosmetic dermatology” Older people's hair cuticles get more easily damaged and lose protective oils, especially in their 40s and 50s.
42 citations,
April 2008 in “Acta materialia” Different ethnicities and treatments affect human hair strength and structure.
95 citations,
October 2007 in “International Journal of Dermatology” A new method accurately classifies hair types, showing global hair diversity.
6 citations,
December 2018 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science” Mexican women's hair is between Asian and Caucasian hair in thickness and shape, with varied strength and some damage.
28 citations,
November 2018 in “Journal of structural biology” Different populations have distinct hair structures related to their ancestry.
39 citations,
April 2020 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology” Asian hair is generally straight and thick, with unique disorders and properties, and more research is needed to understand it fully.
53 citations,
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4 citations,
April 2019 in “Cosmetics” Hair stiffness is higher when it has more para-like cortical cells.
