Short Wave How to Talk About Hair Like a Scientist
Feb 14, 2022
Tina Lasisi is a biological anthropologist and postdoctoral researcher at Penn State University, focused on the evolution of human hair. She discusses the vast diversity of scalp hair and its significance. Tina shares how her journey began with a college lesson on UV radiation, leading to her in-depth research over eight years. She highlights hair's roles in thermoregulation and protection, critiques racial classifications, and emphasizes how tightly curled hair fosters pride and identity in Black culture, redefining its scientific and social narratives.
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Hair as Fur
- Human head hair is technically fur, made of keratinized fibers growing from scalp follicles.
- People distinguish it from fur due to vanity.
The Spark of Curiosity
- Tina Lasisi's interest in hair evolution began with observing the correlation between UV radiation and skin pigmentation.
- This sparked her curiosity about the evolutionary reasons for curly hair.
Thermoregulation and Hair
- Scalp hair likely evolved for thermoregulation, protecting the head from solar radiation.
- Tightly curled hair uniquely minimizes heat absorption while maximizing heat loss.