Last Updated: September 1, 2026
Introduction
Curly Hair – Specific physical attributes of a person cannot be artificially changed, at least not permanently, and it can be a good or bad thing. For example, height cannot increase after a certain age, skin color cannot change, and straight hair cannot become curly without extensive treatments. In this article, we will talk wholly about the latter.
This Article Belongs to Hair Styling
Genes Control Whether you Have Straight or Curly Hair
Curly hair is influenced by multiple genes rather than being controlled by a single dominant gene. Hair texture is a complex genetic characteristic, and the traits inherited from both parents can influence whether your hair is straight, wavy, or curly.
Genes can affect the shape of the hair follicle and the structure of the hair shaft, which in turn influence the natural curl pattern. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), hair characteristics are influenced by genetic factors and the structure of hair follicles.
As already mentioned, it is an autosomal leading trait, meaning one parent has straight hair though the other. So you get a genetic factor of both types. But the dominant curly hair gene trumps the straight hair gene and is express in the offspring, that is, in yourself. In some cases, if there are changes in gene strength and type, your hair falls somewhere in between, a little straight and a little curly.
How do Genes Affect Hair Texture?
Research has shown that genetics plays an important role in determining hair texture. Genes influence characteristics such as the shape of the hair follicle, the thickness of the hair shaft, and the way the hair grows.
It has also been found that the structure of the follicles directly affects the curvature of individual hair strands. When the follicles are more symmetrical, the hair tends to grow straighter. When the follicles are more curved or asymmetrical, the hair is more likely to develop waves or curls.
The appearance of curly hair can also vary between individuals. For example, people with naturally curly hair may use different styling methods to define or protect their curls. A hair muff may also be used as a protective accessory in certain outdoor conditions to help shield hair from dust, wind, and cold.
Curly hair then Straight Hair, Take Different Compositions.
The composition and structure of the hair strand also influence hair texture. Research examining human hair with different shapes and textures has investigated structural elements associated with different curl patterns.
Using microscopy to compare curly and straight hair, researchers have observed differences in the distribution and structure of keratin within the hair fibers. Keratin is an important structural protein and a major component of human hair.
Straight hair tends to have a more symmetrical structure, while curly hair can have differences in fiber structure that contribute to its curved shape.
There are ways to temporarily or permanently change the appearance of naturally curly hair. Some methods, such as curlers and heat styling, have temporary effects, while chemical straightening treatments can produce longer-lasting changes. However, these treatments may damage the hair if they are not used correctly.
If you are interested in different hair textures and celebrity-inspired styles, you can also explore Ross Lynch’s brown hair and Morgan Wallen’s short hair for examples of different hair looks.
