Curly Hair May Help Insulate Scalp and Prevent Overheating
New research has found that curly hair might provide better protection from the sun’s heat. The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences study evaluated different hair types and discovered that tightly curled hair helped humans stay cool and conserve water. The researchers wanted to know how the evolution of hair was affected by the heat generated from hours of intense sunshine. Nina Jablonski, PhD, Evan Pugh University Professor of Anthropology at Penn State, explained that tightly curled hair allowed humans to insulate the scalp, preventing overheating and dehydration.
Cooling is aided by air pockets in curly hair
Researchers utilized a thermal manikin and human-hair wigs of various textures to mimic extreme environments that our ancestors faced. By measuring the amount of electricity needed to maintain a constant temperature, they assessed heat loss from the manikin. The manikin was subjected to solar radiation on four scalp and hair conditions- totally bald, straight, moderately curled, and tightly curled. In high-heat and high-humidity settings like equatorial Africa, tightly coiled hair provided the best protection from radiative heat while also minimizing the need to sweat to stay cool. The researchers suggest that the structure of human curls allows for numerous air pockets between hair strands, which maintains cooling.
Cooling Benefits of Moderately Curled Hair
Dr. Lasisi’s experiments suggest that even hair with moderate curl can provide some cooling benefits, although the exact level of curl needed to achieve significant heat-related advantages is still unknown. Further research is required to determine the role of other factors such as hair length and style. Despite this, the study emphasizes the importance of a barrier, such as hair or other forms of protection, to prevent overheating in the sun. While differences in hair texture are unlikely to affect survival in modern populations, these findings remain relevant today.
Excessive Heat Can Impair Brain Function, According to Previous Research
Based on a Scientific Reports study conducted in May 2020, overexposure to heat can negatively impact cognitive and coordination abilities. The nervous system’s functioning is undermined by heat, according to the study’s authors. Athletes who have tightly curled hair and opt for straightening or flattening may want to reconsider since it could impair their ability to cool down through their scalp.
Hot and Humid Weather Increase Health Risks
Dr. Michael Fredericson, a sports physician at Stanford Health, warns that exercising in hot and humid environments can increase body temperature and cause seasoned athletes to be cautious. Sweating cools the body down but is less effective in humid weather where perspiration doesn’t evaporate as quickly, putting individuals at risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness remedied by drinking fluids, resting, and finding a cool place, while heatstroke is a medical emergency that can permanently damage the body’s organs, including the brain, if not treated promptly.
