Black people’s curly hair played a key role in the survival of the human race, according to new research.
Tightly coiled locks protected our ancestors against the burning sun, scientists have revealed.
Curls stopped their heads from overheating – without causing excessive insulation. It explains why the trait evolved in Africa. Straight strands would have wiped them out.
The reason for the unique characteristic has been a mystery. Theories have included genetics, hormones or body chemistry.
As early humans migrated to cooler areas manes began to unwind over time, explained lead author Dr. Tina Lasisi.
The selective pressure for tightly coiled hair would have been lost. It allowed variations to emerge from generation to generation by random chance.
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It is believed curls dramatically decrease the amount of heat that reaches the skin by widening gaps to the surface of the hair.
Long straight hair doesn’t achieve this because it flops over and lies flat, explained Lasisi.
Curlier hair also maximizes the shielding effect from the sun while minimizing an unwanted insulating effect.
Lassi said: “It has this incredible way of bypassing this trade-off.”
