Can White People Have Curly Hair Naturally?

Curly hair is a trait that can occur in people of any race or ethnicity, including white people. While straight and wavy hair textures are more common among those of European descent, natural tight curls are also a possibility. In this article, we’ll explore the genetics behind curly hair and how white people can develop gorgeous natural curls.

The Genetics Behind Curly Hair hair comes in a wide variety of colors, textures, and shapes. Hair curl pattern is determined by many genes working together along with environmental factors. Research has uncovered some of the key genes involved:

• TCHH Gene – This gene encodes the protein trichohyalin which is involved in structuring and shaping the hair shaft. A variation in this gene explains around 6% of hair curliness in humans. Individuals of European descent with a certain variant of this gene are more likely to have straight hair. The ancestral variant codes for curly hair.

• EDAR Gene – A particular change in this gene emerged about 65,000 years ago and leads to the straight, thick hair typical of East Asian populations. The ancestral form of this gene codes for curly hair.

• FGFR2 Gene – Variants in this gene can lead to increased hair follicle growth resulting in thicker, straighter hair strands.

Overall, studies show curly hair is the ancestral trait in humans while straight hair developed more recently. Tight curls are dominant in Sub-Saharan African and Afro-Caribbean populations. Straight, thick hair is most common in East Asians. Caucasians fall somewhere in between with variation in curl pattern.

Curly Hair Variations in White People

When we talk about “white people” we’re generally referring to those of European ancestry. Within this population, a diversity of hair textures exist:

• Straight – About 45% of Caucasians have straight hair. This is associated with genetic variants leading to less curl.

• Wavy – 40% have a wave to their hair, from barely-there waves to looser S-shaped curls.

• Curly – 15% of Caucasians have proper curly or kinky hair with tight ringlets or coils.

Curly hair in white people can range from loose corkscrew curls to very tight zigzag curls or coils. Those with the tightest coil patterns often have ancestry from Northern Africa, the Middle East, or Southern Europe where kinky curly hair is more prevalent.

Examples of curly hair types seen in white people:

• 3A – Loose spiral curls
• 3B – Tighter corkscrew curls
• 3C – Tight corkscrews and coils
• 4A – Tightly coiled S curls
• 4B – Tight zigzag curls

What Determines Curl Pattern?

For an individual, hair curl pattern is primarily dependent on genetics. However, other factors can also influence curl:

• Age – Curly hair often straightens out to some degree with age as hormone levels change.

• Hair Length – Weight and length can “pull” curls straighter. Shorter hair shows more curl.

• Hair Health – Damage from chemical treatments or heat styling can alter the natural curl pattern.

• Products – Heavy products may weigh curls down while lighter stylers enhance curl.

• Environment – Humidity tends to amplify curl, while very dry climates can cause hair to lose moisture and relax its curl pattern.

Can Straight Hair Turn Curly?

Hair texture is mostly set from birth by your genetic makeup. So if you’re born with straight hair, it’s quite rare for it to suddenly turn very curly later in life.

However, there are a few scenarios where straight hair can develop wave or curl:

• Puberty – Hormone changes during adolescence may reveal hidden curl or wave, especially if parents have wavy or curly hair.

• Pregnancy – Some women experience texture changes like increased curl during or after pregnancy from shifting hormone levels. This is often temporary.

• Age – As hormone levels decline with menopause, some straight-haired women get a bit of wave or curl.

• Growth – If someone with straight hair loses a significant amount of length, new growth coming in may reveal a looser wave pattern.

• Heat Styling – Frequent heat tool use can damage and alter the hair’s structure, allowing straight hairs to loop into waves.

• Perms – Chemically perming very straight hair creates uniform curls, although this is not the hair’s natural pattern.

Caring for Curly Hair

Curly hair has unique needs when it comes to care and styling. Here are some tips for keeping curly hair healthy and defined:

• Shampoo less often, 1-2 times per week, to avoid stripping natural oils.

• Use a moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.

• Apply styling products like curl cream or gel when hair is soaked. This helps define curls and reduce frizz.

• Let hair air dry or use a diffuser attachment on the blowdryer. Rubbing with a towel can cause frizz.

• Use a wide-tooth comb and fingers for detangling. Brushing pulls curls apart.

• Protect hair from damage when heat styling by using a heat protectant.

• Get regular trims to prevent split ends which lead to breakage and frizz.

• Use silk pillowcases, scrunches, and head wraps to reduce friction and hair breakage.

Embracing Your Natural Curl Pattern

Hair texture is beautiful at every end of the spectrum from pin-straight to tightly coiled. If you have curly locks, don’t fight your natural curl pattern. With the right haircare regimen and styling techniques, you can coax your curls to look their best. Avoid harsh chemical straighteners and excessive heat tools that can damage the hair structure.

At Heather Annz Salon, we love working with all hair textures. Our stylists are trained in techniques like the curly girl method to bring out your hair’s natural beauty. Contact us today to book an appointment! We’ll help you achieve healthy, defined curls you’ll love.