Why Is African Hair So Thick? Understanding the Science Behind It
African hair is often characterized by its thickness and unique texture. But why exactly is African hair thicker than other hair types? There’s more to this than just aesthetic appeal – the science behind it is fascinating. In this article, we’ll dive into why African hair is thick, how it’s different from other hair types, and how you can care for it to keep it looking healthy and beautiful.
The Structure of African Hair
One of the key factors that contribute to the thickness of African hair is its structure. African hair, typically referred to as type 4 hair, has a unique curl pattern that affects its density and appearance.
The Shape of the Hair Follicle
The shape of the hair follicle plays a significant role in determining the thickness of hair. African hair follicles are generally more oval-shaped or asymmetrical, as opposed to round follicles that are common in straight hair types. This oval or asymmetrical shape leads to tighter curls, which gives African hair its characteristic thickness and volume.
Curly Hair vs. Straight Hair
Straight hair tends to lay flat, which can make it appear finer and less dense. However, curly hair, especially African hair, naturally creates more volume due to the way it coils. These tight coils make each strand of hair appear thicker because they are compacted together, creating more noticeable volume.
Genetic Factors Influencing Hair Thickness
Genetics play a huge role in determining the texture and thickness of hair. The genes inherited from our parents dictate the size, shape, and density of our hair follicles.
Why African Hair is Thicker Than Other Types
African hair tends to have a higher number of follicles per square inch of the scalp. This means that not only are the individual strands thicker, but there are also more of them. The texture and thickness can vary, of course, but it’s generally much denser compared to hair from other ethnic backgrounds.
Variations Among African Hair Types
It's important to note that not all African hair is exactly the same. Some people with African heritage may have finer hair, while others have extremely thick, coarse hair. This variation is influenced by factors like genetic diversity and geographic region.
The Role of Evolution and Environment
African hair evolved in response to the environmental conditions that early African populations faced. Over thousands of years, hair textures have adapted to provide protection against the harsh sun and hot climates.
Sun Protection and Heat Regulation
One of the primary functions of thick, curly hair is to protect the scalp from the sun's harmful UV rays. The coils in African hair act as natural barriers, helping to keep the scalp cooler and reducing the risk of sunburn. In hotter climates, the dense hair texture offers a form of protection, regulating body temperature more effectively.
How to Care for Thick African Hair
Thick African hair is beautiful, but it can require more care and attention compared to other hair types. Luckily, with the right hair care routine, you can maintain the health and beauty of your hair.
Moisturizing and Hydration
Because African hair tends to be naturally drier than other types of hair, keeping it moisturized is essential. Regular deep conditioning treatments, oils like coconut oil, and leave-in conditioners can help maintain moisture and prevent breakage.
Gentle Detangling and Styling
Curly hair is more prone to tangling, so it’s important to detangle gently. Using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers while the hair is damp can prevent unnecessary breakage. Styles like braids or twists are not only stylish but can also help protect hair from damage while allowing it to grow thicker.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Natural Beauty of African Hair
In the end, African hair's thickness is a beautiful and unique trait. Whether you have tight curls or looser waves, the thick texture is part of what makes African hair so special. By understanding the science behind it, embracing the natural texture, and maintaining a good hair care routine, you can keep your hair healthy, vibrant, and full of life.
So, next time you admire the thickness and volume of African hair, remember that it's a combination of genetics, structure, and evolution – all working together to give you those gorgeous curls!
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Is 172 cm good for a man?
Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.