The Ethnic Behavior of Hair
ByA further complication in the understanding of hair’s physiology and behavior patterns are the variations in ethnic hair types. Ethnic differences in hair are quite distinct. For example, Caucasians suffer the highest percentage of male pattern hair loss, Blacks have the second-highest incidence, while Orientals suffer the least. In American Indians male pattern hair loss is almost non-existent. On the other hand, Black women have the highest rate of traction hair loss (due to pulling and straightening), exceeding all other races combined. Caucasians are the only group with a large variation in hair color, and there is an association between hair color and baldness -the blonder the hair, the greater the susceptibility.
Evolutionary nuances together with nutritional and climate changes have all had their effect on human hair. In pre-human times an animal’s coat color, and the thickness and pattern of its fur, acted as a camouflage against enemies and protection against climate and sun. But human hair no longer has biological or protective functions: it is merely decorative. The shape, size and configuration of hair differ with each race, affecting handling and grooming requirements, although intermarriage does blur ethnic distinctions.
There are three basic ethnic groups, each having distinct hair characteristics. But there are also subgroups. For example, Caucasian hair can have a similar appearance to Black (African/American) hair, often called ‘Afro’ Hair, which is usually frizzy and fine. This occurs mostly amongst Semitic races (Jewish and Arabic) who may be viewed as Afro-Asiatic anyway. An interesting feature in this sub-group is that males seem to be more prone to curly, frizzy hair than females – particularly at the sideburns.
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