What Is Hair Made Of?
Hair might seem like just something that grows out of your head, but it’s actually made of a strong protein called keratin. Keratin is the same material that makes up your fingernails and even animal claws! Every single strand of hair is made of keratin, but the way this protein is arranged changes the shape of the hair.
Hello my friends!
For a quick note, welcome to Tidbits with Titus, a podcast and newsletter where we tackle the big, curious questions kids ask every day in fun, bite-sized ways! I’m Alexander Titus, but I go by Titus. I’m a scientist, adventurer, and a huge fan of making science, technology, and life accessible to all ages. From “How does electricity work?” to “What are taxes?” and even “Why is the sky blue?” I’m here to dive into these wonder-filled questions with engaging stories and simple explanations that spark curiosity and make learning a joy. This effort is all about creating a space where families can learn together, discover the magic of the every day, and find thoughtful ways to explore the world’s big mysteries. Let’s make curiosity a family tradition—one tidbit at a time!
Just so you know, these podcast episodes are all AI-generated using Google’s really cool NotebookLM technology. That means there are some errors in how words are said, but that is part of the fun!
If your little ones have questions that you want help answering, shoot me an email at questions@tidbitswithtitus.com and I’ll see what I can do!
You can subscribe to the newsletter that has this information as well at tidbitswithtitus.com.
Also please share with anyone you think would be interested. The more the merrier!
Cheers,
-Titus
How Does Hair Grow?
Hair grows from little tiny holes in your skin called follicles. These follicles are found all over your body, but the ones on your head are what grow the hair we style and brush every day. The shape of your follicle is one of the biggest reasons why some people have curly hair and others have straight hair.
Round follicles make hair grow straight.
Oval or twisted follicles make hair grow curly or wavy.
So, the shape of your hair follicle helps decide whether your hair will be curly or straight before it even leaves your head!
The Role of Genetics in Hair Type
Have you ever noticed that family members often have similar hair types? That’s because hair type is mostly decided by genes, the tiny instructions in our bodies that tell us how we will look. You inherit your genes from your parents, so if your parents have curly hair, there’s a good chance you might too! However, genes can be mixed, so sometimes kids have different hair types than their parents.
Some people might have wavy hair, which is a mix between curly and straight. This happens when one parent has curly hair and the other has straight hair. Your hair type is a fun and unique part of who you are!
Why Does Curly Hair Curl?
Hair gets its curliness from the way proteins and bonds inside each strand of hair are shaped. Inside every hair strand, tiny structures called disulfide bonds hold the hair together.
If there are a lot of these bonds, the hair bends and twists, making curls.
If there are fewer bonds, the hair stays straight.
This means that the more bonds a person’s hair has, the curlier it will be!
Does Hair Change Over Time?
Yes! Hair can change over time for different reasons:
As babies grow, their hair might change from straight to curly or from curly to straight.
Hormones (which are chemicals in our body) can change our hair during times like puberty.
Aging can make hair texture different because hair gets weaker and thinner over time.
Certain hair products and heat tools can temporarily change hair shape, like curling straight hair with a curling iron or straightening curly hair with a flat iron.
Does Weather Affect Hair?
Have you ever noticed that curly hair can get even curlier in humid or rainy weather? That’s because curly hair absorbs water from the air, making it swell and bounce into tighter curls! Meanwhile, straight hair might look flatter or frizzier in humid conditions. This is why some people use special hair products to keep their curls or straight hair in place.
Curly vs. Straight Hair: Which One Is Better?
There is no “better” hair type—both curly and straight hair are beautiful! Each hair type has its own special qualities:
Curly hair is full of volume and can be styled in many fun ways.
Straight hair is smooth and shiny and can be easy to brush.
No matter what type of hair you have, taking good care of it is important!
How to Take Care of Your Hair
Wash your hair regularly but not too much. Washing too often can make hair dry.
Use a good conditioner to keep hair soft and easy to brush.
Brush gently, especially if you have curls that tangle easily.
Protect your hair from heat by not using too many hot tools like curling irons and straighteners.
Eat healthy foods because good nutrition helps hair grow strong.
Fun Hair Facts!
The average person has 100,000 to 150,000 hairs on their head!
Hair grows about half an inch per month.
Some people with curly hair have different curl patterns all over their head!
Hair is actually stronger than a piece of steel the same size!
Conclusion
So, why do some people have curly hair and others have straight hair? It all comes down to genes, hair follicles, and special bonds inside the hair! Whether your hair is curly, straight, wavy, or somewhere in between, it is a unique and wonderful part of who you are. No matter what type of hair you have, the best thing you can do is take good care of it and love it just the way it is!
Share this post