Hair shape refers to the form or curvature of individual hair strands. This is primarily determined by the shape of the hair follicle from which it grows.
Follicle Shape and Hair Shape
The shape of your hair follicle dictates whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or coily. A round follicle produces straight hair. The more oval or asymmetrical the follicle, the curlier the hair will be. This is a genetic trait; your basic hair curl pattern is determined by your DNA. While treatments can temporarily alter your hair's shape, the underlying follicle shape remains constant.
- Straight hair: Round follicles.
- Wavy hair: Slightly oval follicles.
- Curly hair: Oval or asymmetrical follicles.
- Coily hair: Significantly asymmetrical follicles.
Factors Influencing Hair Shape (Beyond Genetics)
While genetics play the largest role, other factors can influence the appearance of hair shape:
- Hair health: Damaged hair can appear less defined, regardless of its natural shape.
- Styling products: Gels, mousses, and other products can temporarily alter hair shape.
- Heat styling: Flat irons and curling irons can drastically change the appearance of hair shape, although this is temporary.
This inherent shape is largely determined at a genetic level by the shape of the follicle.
