Everyday Chemistry - Why is your hair curly or straight?

We love many film stars for their hair and style. We may admire Johnny Depp for his dreads in the famous Pirates series and fall in love with our very own Priyanka Chopra's straight hair. But what is it exactly that makes our hair straight, curly or wavy?

Our hair has natural variations and is made up of a protein called Keratin. This protein forms a helical design, which gives hair its appearance. This protein has sulphur atoms and the more sulphur linkage between the rings of hair, the more tightly coiled design it will produce. This is that gives hair its curly appearance.

Having curly hair is also a genetic process. In some families, the sulphur linkage between the rings of hair is dominant and most people of the family have the same hair type. However, recently scientists have found that the shape of the hair follicle also determines curly or straight hair. Not just that, studies reveal that the amount of 'curl' in curly hair also depends on the shape of the hair follicle and shaft. The hair follicle below the scalp has a hooked end in people with curly hair. The more hook the follicle has, the curlier the hair gets. However, in people with straight hair, the follicles have no hooks.

Caring for your curls. It is not easy to maintain curly hair. You don't require a wash every day but you should deep condition it every time you have a hair-wash. People with dry curly hair should avoid styling products that contain alcohol. Using chemicals can leave your hair drier and more damaged. A good hair care routine will greatly improve the overall health and manageability of curly hair.

CAN you now answer the questions:

Does keratin play a role in type of your hair?

Does the shape of the hair follicle determine curly or straight hair?