Apparent fragility of African hair is unrelated to the cystine-rich protein distribution: a cytochemical electron microscopic study.

Abstract in brief

• The study found that African hair appears more fragile than other ethnic groups, but this increased breakage is not due to differences in the distribution of cystine-rich proteins, which are important for hair strength.
• Using electron microscopy and special staining, the researchers showed that the protein distribution in black African hair is similar to that in Caucasian and Asian hair, as well as in patients with hair disorders like trichorrhexis nodosa.
• The results suggest that the fragility of African hair is likely caused by physical damage from grooming practices, not because of an inherent structural defect in the hair's protein composition.