Girls with Curls The Origins of Curl Patterns and

Textures around the World

What do we know

about curls?

More often than not we’re

born with hair similar to that

of a family member’s.

However, the texture of our

hair may change over time for

specific reasons.

Learn what causes those

curls, and determine what

classification of hair you

have.

The Role of Genetics

Born Wild

Scientists have identified

specific genes that determine

if your hair will be curly,

straight, or somewhere in-

between. This sort of

variance is referred to as a

“continuous trait.”

Baby, those soft curls are

nature-made.

Travel Back to Your Roots

The Origins of Curls Variance within a

multitude of genes is

apparent when looking

at hair textures around

the world.

For example, while curly hair is

prominent among people of black

African descent, it is rarely seen

among Asian populations.

These gene variations also explain

the diverse textures of hair across

Europe.

The Role of Hormones

Stages of Life

Women go through several bodily

changes throughout a life time due

to hormones – and the texture of

your hair is one change most

women readily noticed.

Puberty, pregnancy, and

menopause are “the big three” in

terms of making a curly-haired girl

go straight, and vice versa.

Hair Classification

Systems

There are many systems

used to classify hair types

and textures.

3 Popular Methods

include:

+ Andre Walker Hair

Typing System

+ L.O.I.S. Hair Typing

System

+ F.I.A. Hair Typing

System

Got you curious?

Discover your hair type.

The Straight Ones

1a. Stick straight

1b. Straight but with a slight body wave

1c. Straight with body wave and one or

two visible S-waves

The Wavy Ones

2a. Loose, stretched out S-waves

throughout the hair

2b. Shorter, more distinct S-waves

3c. Distinct S-waves and the odd spiral curl

forming here or there

This is the

F.I.A. Hair Typing

System.

Not straight or wavy?

You’re probably one of these.

The Curly Ones

3a. Big, loose spiral curls

3b. Bouncy ringlets

3c. Tight corkscrews

The Really Curly Ones

4a. Tightly coiled S-curls

4b. Tightly coiled hair bending

in sharp angels (Z-pattern)

Love Your Hair Texture

Whether You Were Born with It or Not

While you may be grateful for a lot of things

your parents gave you, your hair might not be

one of them! Also, environmental and medical

factors may have changed your hair over time,

too.

For those not loving their hair texture, consider

these innovative options:

+ Fine Human Hair Wigs

+ Hair Extensions

+ Custom Hair Additions

+ Invisible Hair Grafting

Contact Us

Invisible Hair Studio is San Diego’s

leading specialist in innovative hair loss

solutions for women.

Services include a multitude of high

quality hair options, such as extensions,

100% human hair wigs, and custom hair

additions, as well as their exclusive

Invisible Hair Grafting treatment.

Please visit invisiblehair.com for more

information.

Slide 1: Image courtesy of Nate Steiner through Flickr Creative Commons

https://flic.kr/p/93piYi

Slide 9: Before and After images courtesy of Invisible Hair Studio

http://invisiblehair.com/hair-loss-salon-san-dieg/womens-hair-loss/

Images Attributions

Sources

Slide 3, 4: Hair genetic factors

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/inheritance/observable/

Slide 5: Hair hormonal factors

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102074149

Slides 6, 7, 8: Hair classifications, including F.I.A. Hair Typing System

http://healthyhairdimensions.com/?page_id=71

Summary

A head full of beautiful curls has long been a subject of talk

and envy. Learn the origins of curly hair and find out what

type and texture hair you have.