Is Curly Hair Genetic? How DNA Affects Your Hair Type

The curly girl method took the internet by storm and became a much-needed blessing for all those flaunting their gorgeous curls. It has helped enhance the look of the natural curls for many. But curls are more than just a style statement; it’s a genetic code embedded in your DNA. But is curly hair genetic, or does the environment play its tune?

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What Aspects of Hair are Genetic in Nature?

Hair type, including its curliness, thickness, and color, has genetic roots.

Numerous studies have shown that genes influence not just the texture but also the predisposition to baldness and graying.

Is Curly Hair Genetic?

Delving deep into the science of our locks, researchers have unearthed a strong genetic component to hair type.

While many physical features are the product of several genes, hair texture, especially curliness, has been found to be particularly influenced by our genetic blueprint.

What Gene is Responsible for Curly Hair?

The genetics behind hair curliness is complex and multifactorial.

Several genes have been implicated in determining hair texture, but a prominent one that has been studied in relation to hair curliness is the TCHH (trichohyalin) gene.

The protein produced by the TCHH gene plays a role in the development of the hair shaft.

It is localized in the inner root sheath of hair follicles.

Variations or differences in this gene have been associated with the difference in hair curliness across populations.

A 2009 study identified a genetic variant in the TCHH gene that is responsible for 6% of the variance in curly, wavy, and straight hair.

However, it’s essential to understand that the presence or absence of this variant doesn’t guarantee straight or curly hair but rather influences the odds.

Other genes like EDAR and FGFR2 have also been linked to hair texture.

The interplay between multiple genes, each with its variants, determines the final hair phenotype, making the genetics of hair curliness a complex trait.

Is Curly Hair Dominant or Recessive?

Curly hair, from a genetic standpoint, tends to be a dominant trait.

Dominant traits are those that overpower recessive ones. Dominant traits need only a single copy from either biological parent to be expressed.

On the other hand, recessive traits need 2 copies, one from each biological parent to be expressed.

Straight hair is a recessive trait.

However, like many genetic traits, hair type isn’t a straightforward dominant or recessive game.

If both parents have a combination of genes (one for straight and one for curly hair), their offspring can exhibit a range of hair textures.

Even within families with a strong prevalence of curly hair, hair type could vary significantly, emphasizing the complex interplay of genes.

Can I Have Curly Hair If My Parents Don’t?

While genetics favor curly hair offspring, if one or both parents possess curly hair, it isn’t absolute.

Genes can sometimes skip generations.

So, even if your parents do not have curly hair, if someone in the previous generations did, there’s a chance of you having curly hair.

Which Parent Gives Curly Hair?

Both parents contribute genes, so neither parent singularly determines curly hair.

It’s the combination of genes from both that paints the final picture.

Can Two Straight-haired Parents Have a Curly-haired Child?

Absolutely. The mystery of genetics means that if both parents carry the recessive curly hair gene, their child could very well sport a curly mane.

Is Curly Hair Rarer Than Straight?

Some reports say that less than 20% of the world’s population have proper curly hair, making it rarer than straight or wavy hair.

What is the Rarest Curl Type?

The hair spectrum includes rare types like Type 1c (straight and thick) and Type 4c (tight coils with zigs and zags).

The prevalence of these types varies by ethnicity and region.

What Race Has Curly Hair Genetics?

Many ethnic groups possess curly hair genetics, with prevalence differing.

Afro-textured hair is common among those of African ancestry.

Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and some Indigenous groups also often exhibit wavy to curly hair patterns.

Beyond Genetics: Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

Genetics lays the foundation, but environment and lifestyle choices build upon it.

Hormonal changes, nutritional choices, stress, and even hair care routines can shift hair texture over time.

For instance, prolonged exposure to humidity or salty water can influence hair’s texture.

Prolonged heat treatments or chemical applications can lead to a permanent change in hair type.

Additionally, hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy or menopause, can lead to hair texture modifications.

Summary

Our hair’s texture, whether curly or straight, often prompts the question: “Is hair type genetic?” Delving into the science behind our locks reveals that genes, such as TCHH, play a crucial role in shaping our hair’s form, confirming that curly hair is genetic. While genetics typically suggests that curly traits tend to dominate, it’s not the sole influencer. Environment and lifestyle choices weave into the narrative, adding depth to the story of every curl and strand.