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It seems no matter what¬--we want the opposite of what we have. Short people want to be taller, brunettes want to be blonds and those with curly hair wish it was straight. Current research has brought us one step closer for those with Shirley Temple hair to have Cleopatra’s. A recent study has discovered that a single gene is responsible for influencing whether hair will be straight or curly. With that discovery, a pill could be developed to change the texture of our hair. Would you take it?
Researchers from Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) in Australia analyzed data from 5,000 twins over a period of 30 years. They found that variations in the Trichohyalin (TCHH) gene, which is involved in the development of hair follicles, determines the growth of curly or straight hair.
A few years ago, it was discovered by scientists at L’Oreal that curly hair grows from follicles that are hook shaped and straight hair from follicles that are round, but it was not known what mechanism determined the shape of the follicles. This new research implies that the TCHH gene is that missing key in determining the texture of our hair.
Are there benefits to testing for hair genes?
1. You could find out whether an unborn baby will have curly or straight hair: Of the various characteristics one wants to learn about an unborn child, hair curliness probably wouldn’t be high on anyone’s list. Genetic testing should be reserved for determining genetic issues that are life threatening.
2. A pill can be developed to straighten hair: Apparently in 2005, L’Oreal announced that they were working on such a pill. According to Bionews, Professor Nick Martin, the lead researcher of the Australian study discussed above, has plans to talk with a “Paris” cosmetics company, which many think is L’Oreal, regarding how this new discovery could help develop a pill that could make hair straight or curly.
Forum postings appear to be mostly against developing a pill expressing that people should just accept their curly or straight hair. The fact remains however; people spend millions of dollars on over the counter products as well as salon perms to achieve an alternative style. If a pill was proven to be safe, it might be a worthwhile alternative to repeated exposed to chemicals that carry the risk of harm to our health.
3. DNA testing could determine the type of hair a criminal has: This is the most interesting application that would enable police to learn if a suspect had curly or straight hair based on DNA found at a crime scene. Testing samples found at a crime scene would help alert police to look for a suspect with a particular hair texture.
Hair is truly one of our most defining characteristics and it is natural to want to find new ways it can be altered. Hopefully, as science discovers more answers about hair growth it will shed light on genetic answers to more serious health problems than hair texture.
sources:
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/1503145/Scientists-hold-out-prospect-of-a-pill-to-make-your-hair-curl.html
www.bionews.org.uk/page_52119.asp
Michele is an R.N. freelance writer with a special interest in woman’s healthcare and quality of care issues. Other articles by Michele can be read at www.helium.com/users/487540/show_articles
Add a Comment21 Comments
Hey!
April 1, 2011 - 12:57pmMy name is Sean and my father is cuban and my mom is African American. I have ruff curly hair like her but I am dieing for straight hair like my dad and really do not want to keep getting it straightened. Would the pill work for my kind of hair too?
This Comment
I so wish they would get this pill on the market. I'm a 22 yr old Caucasian female with curly/wavy hair and I hate using relaxers or the straight iron. Please get this pill out soon.
May 8, 2010 - 11:48amThis Comment
I would imagine the pill may temporarily change either the shape of the hair follicle or block some action of the gene but it cannot change your genetics so it would be temporary. I would speculate you would need to take it based on how fast your hair grow.
Also remember, any kind of pill like this would need to get FDA approval to prove it would not cause harmful side effects. I think as they get close to putting the pill on the market we will be bombarded with news so you won't miss hearing about it.
April 12, 2010 - 4:21amThis Comment
Hi Angela,
Those are really good questions. I have not heard anything more about its development but I'm sure it will be big news when they figure it out. I imagine, you would still have to take it every so many weeks as new hair developed since it would not permanently change the shape of the hair follicle or your genetic tendency to curly hair. If I do hear some thing I will post it.
Michele
April 10, 2010 - 8:05pmThis Comment
Sorry, I am not understanding your comment when you said: " ...since it would not permanently change the shape of the hair follicle or your genetic tendency to curly hair..." Can this pill change it or not? I am so anxious, I am about contacting Loreal in Paris to have an answer. When will it be finally launched in the market? There are a lot of women just wait for it... Better inform them. Thanks!
April 11, 2010 - 8:00pmThis Comment
Angela B.,
Hi, just want to know more about this new pill. Seems like a logical idea since it is well known that some
April 10, 2010 - 6:17pmpeople do experience a change in their hair texture do to hormonal changes. I would also like to know
if the pill will be developed so people will not be dependent on it to maintain the new texture of their
hair.
This Comment
Very interesting!
February 24, 2010 - 7:52amThis Comment
Please, I need to know when the pill will be lauched in the market. thanks a lot! (Personal email address removed by EmpowHER Moderator.)
January 30, 2010 - 10:36pmThis Comment
Michelle,
I agree about us always wanting a change from what was given to us. I, however, am probably alone when I say I enjoy being a tall brunette with curly hair. Just because it's easier to straighten curls than it is to curl straight hair.
I agree with Susan, temporary change can be good. I have days when I will straighten out my hair with the iron, then when I feel like I'm doing too much damage I'll go weeks and months at a time with my natural hair. It seems as though this pregnancy is really doing wonders for my curls so I haven't even touched my hair with the iron for at least a month and a half now-- that may change on Sunday for my son's 1st bday ;-)
I would be interested to see if the pill could potentially end up doing more harm than good to someone's hair or if there are any underlying side effects from it. If it's new, I think I'll wait till enough people try it to give it a go-- I'm not usually one to volunteer to be the guinea pig. Good Article!
January 26, 2010 - 8:58amThis Comment
Wow! I can't believe a pill can alter your hair texture! Personally, I think my hair straightner works just fine. However, it would be interesting to see what effects this pill has on hair texture (if it completely changes it, and if there are any dangers or side effects associated).
January 26, 2010 - 8:40amThis Comment