Amounts of Fibrous Proteins and Matrix Substances in Hairs of Different Races

Abstract

Fibrous proteins (FPs) and matrix substances (MSs) were extracted as S-carboxymethylated (SCM) derivatives from scalp hair of five individuals each of the Mongoloid, Negroid and Caucasoid races. The ratio of the extracted SCM FPs to SCM MSs in dry weight was calculated for each hair specimen. The ratios obtained from the Mongoloid hair were 0.45 +/- 0.03; those from the Negroid, 0.18 +/- 0.02; and those from the Caucasoid, 0.29 +/- 0.02. It has thus been suggested that the ratios of FP to MS contents in the hair may be involved in the determination of the macroscopic racial variations in the form of hair.

Investigating the origins of nanostructural variations in differential ethnic hair types using X‐ray scattering techniques

“…This evidence points towards further investigation required into the supramolecular structures of differential ethnic hair types. The fibrous keratinous structures found in hair remain relatively constant between hair types which leads to the hypothesis that the amorphous materials or KAPs may be what causes the largest differences to be seen macroscopically which further supports previous literature [4,5].…”

‘Relaxers’ damage hair: Evidence from amino acid analysis

“…'African' hair for the purpose of this article refers to the former-typically black, tight curly hair. Notwithstanding reported differences in the distribution of high and low sulfur proteins, the amino acid analysis of different hair phenotypes [1][2][3][4] has proved to be similar. The latter proved to be similar despite significant differences in both appearance and behavior (eg, comb-ability and elasticity).…”

Human hair shape is programmed from the bulb

“…Few studies have been devoted to the biology of African hair even though its curly appearance is a characteristic trait. Published reports mainly focused on hair density and hair cycle, 1,2 chemical analysis 3–5 and scanning electron microscopy 6 . It was generally considered that hair shape was related to cross‐section of the hair shaft.…”