Hair – Listorati https://listorati.com Fascinating facts and lists, bizarre, wonderful, and fun Wed, 25 Dec 2024 02:12:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://listorati.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/listorati-512x512-1.png Hair – Listorati https://listorati.com 32 32 215494684 10 Incredible Facts About Human Hair https://listorati.com/10-incredible-facts-about-human-hair/ https://listorati.com/10-incredible-facts-about-human-hair/#respond Wed, 25 Dec 2024 02:12:05 +0000 https://listorati.com/10-incredible-facts-about-human-hair/

Throughout history, human hair has been the subject of much vanity, research, and stereotyping. Hair traits and associated medical and social implications influence our perceptions of each other and ourselves. In this sometimes hair-raising account, we explore some of the most fascinating facts in the study of human hair.

10Melanesian Blondes

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Blond hair is usually seen as synonymous with Caucasian people. However, blond hair actually also regularly occurs among the Melanesian people of New Guinea and some Pacific islands. Melanesian blond hair is curly, and while it appears straw-colored, it is actually associated with a completely different gene than the blond hair common to Europeans. In addition, this very different version of blond hair is not correlated with blue eyes (the Melanesians also aren’t subject to the stereotypes that plague Caucasian blonds). The blond hair is based on a genetic mutation that affects amino acid patterns. Genetically related, but long separate, Australian Aborigines may also exhibit blond hair.

9The Not-So-Naked Ape

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While proud of not being covered in “primitive” fur, humans also sport the dubious nickname of “The Naked Ape.” Chimpanzees, our closest living relatives, appear to be covered in hair compared to us. However, human body hair is actually present in approximately the same density as chimpanzees per square inch. While this might seem unbelievable, your experience is based on visual perception. Only the most significant, thickest, and boldest of human body hairs are readily visible, creating a false impression. If you take a magnifying glass to any part of your body, you will find a multitude of fine, pale hairs, which are hard to see regardless of your hair type. These hairs add up to equal the hair count of our coarser-haired primate relatives.

8Blonde Women Have More Estrogen

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Hair color might not instinctively seem applicable as an indicator of human traits. However, hair color is an outward indicator and genetic phenotype component that means different things according to the gender of the person bearing it. For example, blondes are sometimes perceived as especially feminine. In fact, scientific investigation indicates that blondes have higher levels of estrogen than other females.

Blondes may thus have finer features and a more “youthful” personality than darker-haired women. Surprisingly, blond hair does not seem to relate as much, if at all, to male hormone levels, although more research could always uncover surprises. Both male and female blonds have more hair, with an average of 130,000 hairs, compared to 100,000 for brunettes and 80,000 for redheads.

7Redheads Get Hurt Easily

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Redheads are often stereotyped as hot-tempered. While the jury may still be out on that particular personality trait, the science is fairly strong on the fact that redheads are definitely prone to getting sore—referring, of course, to how they perceive pain. Dentists and scientific researchers have noted that natural redheads are in fact more sensitive to pain than blonds or brunettes.

At the same time, redheads are hit with an unfair and ironic combination—they are less sensitive to the effects of painkillers than blonds or brunettes. Redheads often avoid going to the dentist, and it turns out that a dose of painkillers 20 percent higher than the norm may be needed to properly inhibit their pain reception, according to a study recently published in the British Medical Journal. Redheads are also more susceptible to skin cancer, and, oddly, never develop gray hair. Redheads may eventually turn blondish, and then pure white.

6Blonds Are Behind In Britain

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British people, descended to a fair extent from Germanic and other European mainland ancestors, boast a high percentage of blonds (male) and blondes (female). While blond jokes have often targeted females, male British blonds seem to be subject to some, possibly discriminatory, variable that is restricting their professional success. A recent study in the UK looked at the possibility of discrimination against blond males in a sample of 500 CEOs from the London Financial Times Stock Exchange. Chi square statistical analysis revealed that only 25 CEOs (five percent) had blond hair. Since 25 percent of the UK population is naturally blond, this indicates a noticeable under-representation of blonds in the upper echelons of British corporations. However, redheads, who make up only one percent of the UK population, were over-represented, comprising a surprising five percent of CEOs.

5The Science Of The Beard

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Beards have been celebrated as among the most distinguished male traits, although ironically they may also be perceived by some as unprofessional or informal. The science is even more interesting than the complicated sociology of beards. There are actually two types of human hair. Fine, sometimes nearly invisible, strands known as vellus hairs cover much of the human body. The more limited in extent, but far more prominent, terminal hair is found on our heads.

Facial and chest hair in men and pubic hair in both sexes is also terminal hair, making it the same type as our head hair rather than the rest of our body hair. Strongly pigmented and relatively coarse, the terminal beard hair becomes thicker in men due to testosterone. Now that we understand beards, we’ve discovered that these aspects of male beauty are also strikingly practical. Scientific research indicates that bearded men receive only a third of sun-related radiation on the areas protected by facial hair as compared to bare skin. This may reduce skin cancer risks.

4Legally Blonde, Smoking Brunettes

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The comedy Legally Blonde humorously plays off the term “Legally Blind,” but research shows the ideas may unfortunately go together on a deeper level. Blonds, especially blonde females, are more susceptible to age-related macular degeneration compared to redheads or brunettes. The eye condition can cause serious visual impairment, but proper nutrition from dietary vegetable intake, along with the use of sunglasses, may help to stave it off. Blonds of both genders, like redheads, are more susceptible to skin cancer, and will often burn more quickly in sunlight. On the subject of hair color and cancer, brunettes are more prone to non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Surprisingly, smoking addiction is more likely to affect brunettes, as their higher overall melanin content prevents their liver from metabolizing nicotine effectively.

3Learning Disabilities And Hair Color

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Blond hair and blue eyes might be seen as a striking combination, but they could also be correlated with an increased incidence of certain medical conditions. In a study of 50 learning disabled children, 20 percent were blond. However, only 11 percent of non-disabled children were blond. The blond hair and blue eyes combination is also often seen in patients affected by phenylketonuria, where phenylalanine builds up in the body. Behan et al. (1985) suggest a higher rate of blue-eyed blonds in the dyslexic population (they were also more likely to be left-handed). Another study noted a slightly increased incidence of learning disabilities reported by blond professionals. It is believed that melanin may play a role in the development of neural circuits, and some blonds may be more subject to certain conditions as a result of their reduced melanin levels.

2Eyelash Hair Mites

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While head lice are unfortunately an all-too-familiar concern, the apparently sparse eyelash hairs are the last of the human hair zones you’d examine for parasites. But while the other entries on this list tend to focus more on genetics, we must cover the unsettling fact that humans frequently have tiny, wormlike mites living in their eyelash follicles. The mites feed on waste products, including sebum, which is the only possible potential benefit to their hosts—who include nearly all humans. Rates of colonization increase with age. Eyeliner or mascara use may also increase their numbers, and overpopulation could force out an eyelash by loosening the follicle. Eyelash mite infestations can also lead to discharges, with impaired vision and eyelash loss in severe cases. Either way, being host to eyelash mites is one of the more bizarre and unexpected elements of the human condition.

1Baldness Is Linked To Heart Disease

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The loss of hair, whether as a result of a medical condition or aging, is often a great source of concern. It is usually males who go bald, while women almost always keep their hair, a fact related to testosterone levels. Baldness might seem cosmetic, but a recent medical study of 40,000 men has linked balding to a much greater risk of coronary heart disease. The risk of heart disease in men with male pattern baldness was found to be 70 percent greater than in non-balding males. Different levels of baldness carried differing risk levels, from 18 percent at mild to 48 percent for serious balding. The correlation between top of the head baldness and heart disease is believed to relate to multiple factors, potentially including insulin and hormone-related variables. Interestingly, a receding hairline and hair-loss away from the top of the head was not associated with heart disease.

Ron Harlan investigates the mysteries of nature, the human body, and the bizarre findings that often crop up on this planet. He is a freelance writer, researcher and graduate student of sciences at Royal Roads University.

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10 Facts About Body Hair That Will Make You Sick https://listorati.com/10-facts-about-body-hair-that-will-make-you-sick/ https://listorati.com/10-facts-about-body-hair-that-will-make-you-sick/#respond Sat, 19 Aug 2023 04:55:25 +0000 https://listorati.com/10-facts-about-body-hair-that-will-make-you-sick/

Body hair. You know, I don’t know why we have such a problem with body hair in our society. Yeah, it looks a little weird. We don’t necessarily like it under our armpits—unless you’re a guy, then we consider it acceptable (even though it still looks like you’re holding a tribble under there). In other words, we hate on body hair for all the wrong reasons. So let me give you all the right reasons. 

Here are ten facts about body hair that will make you sick (or maybe a little freaked out).

Related: 10 Weird Ways Human Hair Has Been Used

10 Sexy Beard Facts

If you listen closely in a sound-proof room, you can hear your hair growing at night. Okay, no, that’s a complete lie. But the actual truth is that your hair is the fastest-growing tissue in your body, second to bone marrow (’cause blood cells are more important than hair). That isn’t that strange, I know, but this one is.

If you’re looking for a long, luscious beard, perhaps have more sex.

When you anticipate sex, essentially when you release more testosterone, your hair follicles get the message that it’s time to work harder (no jokes, please). So while you, uh, have fun, your beard is growing faster than it ever has before!

9 Dandruff is a Fungus

There’s a fungus among-us, and it’s on your scalp.

The fungus is scientifically called Malassezia Globosa and is part of the yeast family. Most newborns are born with the yeast on their scalp, but it exists without causing any problems for the most part. But sometimes the yeast goes deep follicle diving and decides to live there… rent-free. And that’s how you get dandruff!

Dandruff causes the dead skin cells to push to the surface faster than average. Your body can’t shed the dead skin cells in time. There actually is no cure for dandruff, but you can use certain products to help alleviate it. Look for shampoos that have Zinc Pyrithione which treats the inflammation dandruff causes.

8 You’re Going Gray for a Reason

Okay, this fact won’t make you sick, but it may make you consider your lifestyle. You know how parents complain that their kids are making them go gray? They aren’t wrong. Stress (and age) can cause lower pigment production in the hair follicle and therefore, gray hair. But at least you can give gray hair a cool name.

The scientific term for gray hair is called canities.

Another reason why you may be experiencing some gray hairs here and there is because your hair is bleaching itself from the inside out. You know how people used to bleach their hair using hydrogen peroxide? Well, when your hair builds up too much hydrogen peroxide, it’ll bleach itself.

But wait, there’s more!

It’s not just the head on your hair that turns gray. Your hair turns gray everywhere…everywhere.

7 The Best Mop for Oil Spills

Hair is naturally hydrophobic, meaning it repels water. However, it is a lipophilic material, meaning that it loves to soak up some oil. In fact, hair does such a great job at absorbing oil that people will use it to clean up oil spills. Consider this the next time you share a hat or helmet…you may be picking up someone else’s oils.

Anyway (don’t share hats, kids).

This isn’t one of those hypothetical facts. It actually does happen and has been since the late 1980s. Most recently, in 2020, an oil spill off the coast of Mauritius leaked 1,000 metric tons of oil into the Indian Ocean. Salons all over Mauritius cut and donated hair to provide eco-friendly material for the clean-up. 

6 Hair, Teeth, Nails, Skin, They’re All Made of the Same Thing

Hair is made up of the very special protein keratin. Keratin is also what our teeth, nails, and outer layer of skin are made from. (This is why one woman is growing fingernails from her hair follicles.) Keratin is like other proteins in the body which are made up of amino acids. It’s also found in an animal’s hooves, claws, beaks, horns, feathers, and tail. 

Some of you of may be like, “Oh, that’s the special shampoo I use. It’s keratin shampoo!” It’s not just a marketing scheme. Manufacturers purposefully add keratin proteins to the shampoo to coat the cuticle of your hair. The idea is to make a stronger hair less prone to frizzing and breakage. You do need to use the shampoo consistently if you want to see results, however. This is because the keratin needs to build up a layer around the hair.

Finally, now I can look like a hair model!

5 It’s Dead, Jim.

Your hair is dead. Yeah, you’ve got a dead thing living on your head, and it’s not a bad toupee. The only living part of your hair resides within the follicle. The follicle provides the root of your hair with the blood supply it needs to stay alive. But once the hair cells grow out, those cells are good as dead. If you were to look at a hair strand underneath a microscope, you’d see layers of dead cells, overlapping each other like shingles.

Also, when you’re dead, so is your hair. Contrary to popular myth, your hair doesn’t keep growing once you die.

4 A Witch’s Brew Will “Do”

You think putting egg whites and avocado in your hair as a treatment is gross? Wait for this one.

One 16th century physician swore he could make hair grow back by using a mixture of boiled slugs, emerald oil, honey, saffron, soap, and cumin. No, you don’t drink it, silly. You rub it all over your scalp. Not sure if he really saw results or not. 

Also, in 16th century there was one recipe for hair removal that consisted of cat poop and vinegar and another of boiling arsenic and quicklime. But the earliest form of chemical removal of hair dates back to the ancient Turks. They used a mixture called rumsa. It consisted of yellow sulfate or arsenic, quicklime, and rosewater.

I’ll just be hairy, thanks.

3 You’ve Got Something Crawling Around, There

Remember when we said that your hair is dead? Yeah, okay, that’s still true, but you’ve got something pretty darn alive co-existing with that dead hair. Outside of whatever you may have picked up doing whatever you do in your free time, you have mites living in your hair follicles.

Demodex folliculorum lives in the hair follicle and lives off of your dead skin. Like the fish flakes you give your fish, but human dead skin cells. They also feed on oils, hormones, and other fluids around the hair follicles. You’ll most likely find these mites living on your face, in particular your eyelashes. They can cause issues if there you have an infestation of them (gross), but for the most part, we just play host.

A single hair follicle can hold up to a family of 25 mites and that’s just about as many, if not more, eggs a female Demodex can lay in your hair follicle. They can contribute to problems like acne, hair loss, rosacea, dermatosis, rash, and other skin conditions. Elderly people, people with cancer or compromised immune conditions such as HIV/AIDS, and those experiencing extreme stress are particularly susceptible to a mite’s potential noxious effects. 

I haven’t told you how you can spread these mites yet. You spread them by direct contact or by eggs that are contained in dust (dead skill cells and hair in dust).

2 The Life Cycle of a Hair

Humans are the only species that need to cut their hair regularly because human hair growth and shedding happen at random. We don’t exist like other wild mammals, with perfectly trimmed fur and whatnot. No, if we let our body hair grow we’ll look like a wet cat before its Sunday bath.

This is because human hair grows cyclically. There are three stages to hair growth and shedding: anagen, catagen, and telogen. Depending on the location, it’ll grow to a specific length, chill there for a while, and then shed. When this happens, a new hair replaces that one. During this phase, the hair will grow 1 cm every 28 days. A single hair can live up to five years 

1 You Don’t Have Pubic Hair on Your Face But…

Well, actually, you sort of do? 

Pubic, armpit, and facial hair are all the same kinds of hair: terminal hair. Terminal hair starts as fine and soft hair, but then becomes coarser and thicker once you hit puberty. The hair follicle also develops a sebaceous gland, or sweat gland (why your armpits are sweaty). The sebaceous glands in pubic hair (named that because the hair grows over your pubis, or pubic bone) are smaller than the ones on your face. 

All of these facts don’t make terminal hair gross, just mature (unlike the fact that we’re suggesting your beard is actually pubic hair). 

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