Is there a science to Black hair? Rachel Marcelin and Samantha Stewart, are two of three co-founders for CURLiD, an online trichology (hair science) platform that provides a hair analysis service and various resources and salon training. They explain how science can help us understand how our curly hair works; the different follicles and hair types it produces, different curly hair growth rates and why kinkier hair strands have specific characteristics of fragility and dryness. We talk about the effect of texturism has had on Black women's self-esteem and self-acceptance and how we place unrealistic expectations on our hair to behave a particular way. We bust some natural hair myths and trends, such as using the infamous 'float test' for hair porosity, the curl categories we use (Type 1a - Type 4c, not spoiler alert: that's not scientific!) and the difference between dry and damaged hair. Rachel and Samantha tell us that understanding our unique hair profile means that we can pick the best products for our natural hair and make navigating the store aisle much easier.
Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science Network
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Check us out on this list for Top Women in Science Podcasts on Feedspot - https://blog.feedspot.com/women_in_science_podcasts/
Check our other episodes on hair:
Black Hair with Dr Sharon Belmo (dermatologist)
The Issue of Hair Discrimination with Jane Iwo (co-founder of the Halo Code)
Celebrating World Afro Day with Michelle De Leon (CEO and Founder of World Afro Day)