Genetics are primarily responsible for Irish curls' unique characteristics. A hair follicle's shape determines the curl type, and in the case of Irish curls, people have varying follicle shapes in different areas of their scalp, resulting in a distinctive dual texture.
Genetics: Hair texture is largely determined by genetics. Specific genes associated with curly hair have been identified, and these genes can be more prevalent in certain populations, including those of Irish descent. The variation in hair texture among Irish people is a reflection of their diverse genetic heritage.
Do all Irish people have naturally straight hair? No, some Irish people have naturally curly hair. No, some Irish people have wavy hair underneath with some pieces that are straight.
Irish Curls are curls that are wavy or curly underneath but straight on top. This hair pattern is not only fascinating but also quite common among people with mixed hair textures, especially among those with Irish or Celtic roots.
Irish hair is a term used to describe hair where the underneath is wavy or curly and the top is not. The hair strands are coarse and heavy, which can weigh down the top layer and prevent waves from bouncing up. When cutting Irish hair, it's cut pretty blunt and not texturized to avoid creating frizz on the ends.
Irish curls or waves refer to a hair type with more than one texture. This pattern features smoother, straighter hair on the top layers and wavier or curlier hair underneath, typically from the occipital bone down.
Type 1A: The rarest hair type, this one is very straight and fine with a “wispy” appearance. It's very difficult to get it to hold a curl. Type 1B: Though still straight, this type has a medium (rather than fine) texture and a little more volume.
Studies have shown that the morphology of the hair follicle can be influenced by a person's race. Individuals of African ancestry, for example, are more likely to have curly hair due to the oval shape of their hair follicles.
Ask your stylist for haircuts like the shag or octopus cut with face-framing layers. These are great for Irish waves since they shorten the top layer allowing the waves underneath to shine.
Essentially, the natural hairstyle features a contrasting mix of textures. “Irish hair is a unique mix of curly or wavy strands underneath, with a straighter top layer,” explains Jason Collier, Jerome Russell Bblonde Key Opinion Leader.
Curly hair is most common amongst people with African, Mediterranean and Native American ancestry. There's a specific gene that helps shape the hair shaft and determine hair texture, and it's called trichohyalin. Curly hair is caused by a variation in the gene that determines the shape of our hair follicles.
Texture: Wavy and curly hair types are common, with varying degrees of texture ranging from loose waves to tight curls. Density: Irish hair tends to be thick and full, making it ideal for voluminous styles.
The other story is that dancers performed and competed after church, so they were in their Sunday best which included curling their hair. This tradition has been passed down through the years. If you have ever worn curlers, you know how completely uncomfortable they are and curling long hair takes forever.
The curly hair gene, known as TCHH, is prevalent in Irish populations. This gene affects the production of trichohyalin, a protein that influences hair structure.
Hormones are the main culprit responsible for such drastic hair texture changes. During puberty, menopause and pregnancy, many people will find their will go from straight to curly or vice versa over a period of months.
Due to the nature of curly and coily hair, when a strand grows from the follicle, it can loop and tie around itself or other strands. This causes a little knot to form. Since coily textures shrink significantly, the strands condense and create even more knots.
The hair typically has more curls or waves in the underneath sections, with the top section straighter and less wavy. "The dilemma arises because when hair is air-dried, the sections underneath retain more moisture and dry more slowly, leading to more pronounced curls.
And apparently, it's not uncommon. “I see this type of curl pattern all the time in my chair so if we wanna call it 'Irish hair,' we're gonna do that,” says Ohio-based hairstylist Libby Brenner in a TikTok video as she cuts a client with “Irish hair.”
This can be due to natural variations in the hair follicles, which can produce different curling levels. Additionally, the front hair is more exposed to styling tools, heat, and environmental factors, which can impact its texture and curl pattern.
Caucasian hair has a thinner diameter than Asian hair (60 – 80 µm in diameter), and therefore tends to appear 'finer' than Asian hair, even though there is typically more hair on the head (around 700,000).
Hair genetics can come from either parent, and multiple genes can determine hair traits, such as color, texture, and growth. Genes can also affect hair loss. Although it can run in families, this is not always the case.
Tips for Styling Irish Curls
Scrunch and Define: Use your hands to scrunch the product into your curls, enhancing their natural shape....the magic number is 30! Dry with Care: Allow your hair to air dry or use a diffuser to enhance volume and reduce frizz.
A general observation across experiments was that straight hair was perceived as younger, healthier, and more attractive than wavy hair and darker shades (medium copper and brown) were perceived more positively than blonde hair.
The rarest eye colors are red and violet, which are primarily found in individuals with albinism. Excluding those affected by albinism, green and gray eyes are considered the most uncommon.
Irish hair is a new term coined on TikTok that refers to a hair pattern where the top layers of hair are straight and the bottom layers are wavy or curly. And while it's associated online with the Irish, you don't necessarily need to be from there to have it.