# How Does Hair Biology Link to Ancestral African Practices? ❉ Question

**Published:** 2025-06-02
**Author:** Roothea
**Categories:** Question

---

![The image elegantly portrays the natural formation of textured hair enhanced by water droplets, emphasizing the unique helix patterns reflecting themes of identity and ancestral connection. This evokes considerations of wellness and traditions through the celebration of natural textures and coiled forms](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-person-with-coiled-hair-adorned-with-water.jpg)

![Elegant in monochrome, the portrait celebrates the beauty and strength embodied within afro textured hair, a coil crown, and classic style. The image is an ode to heritage, resilience, and the power of self-expression through textured hair forms, deeply rooted in Black hair traditions and ancestral pride](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-woman-with-afro-textured-hair-and-classic-dress.jpg)

## Roots

Consider, for a moment, the profound wisdom held within each coil, each twist, each resilient strand that graces the crowns of Black and mixed-race people. This is not merely about fibers emerging from the scalp; it is an unfolding narrative, a living archive whispered across generations, connecting elemental biology to ancestral practices. Textured hair, in its myriad expressions, serves as a testament to deep heritage, a biological signature that has informed and shaped cultures across the African continent and beyond. Our exploration here seeks to unearth how the very architecture of hair ❉ its cellular makeup, its growth patterns ❉ intertwines with the sagacity of ancient traditions, revealing a continuum of care and significance stretching back to the dawn of humanity. 

The distinct physical attributes of [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) are a direct consequence of its biological blueprint. Unlike the often cylindrical strands of other hair types, [Afro-textured hair](/area/afro-textured-hair/) typically presents an elliptical cross-section , meaning it is flatter, ribbon-like in its formation. This unique shape emerges from an asymmetrical or curvilinear hair follicle that grows in an S-shape beneath the scalp, rather than a straight path. This curvature causes the [hair shaft](/area/hair-shaft/) to coil as it grows, giving rise to its characteristic spring-like appearance.

The very nature of this coiled structure means that sebum, the natural oil produced by the scalp, struggles to travel efficiently down the length of the strand, leading to a tendency towards dryness. This intrinsic biological trait, understood implicitly by ancient communities, underscored the need for moisturizing practices that became cornerstones of their hair rituals.

> The biological curvature of textured hair, stemming from its unique follicular shape, naturally informed ancestral African moisturizing and protective care practices.

![Botanical textures evoke the organic foundations of holistic hair care, mirroring Black hair traditions and mixed-race hair narratives. This leaf arrangement, reminiscent of ancestral heritage, connects natural ingredients with expressive styling for texture, promoting wellness and celebrating the artistry of textured hair formations](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/artistic-black-and-white-leaves-arrangement-represents-natural-textured-hair.jpg)

## Hair Anatomy and Its Ancestral Echoes

To truly grasp the bond between [hair biology](/area/hair-biology/) and ancient African wisdom, one must first recognize the intrinsic properties that distinguish textured hair. The hair shaft, a filamentous biomaterial, consists primarily of keratin proteins. In coiled hair, the distribution of cortical cells ❉ the orthocortex and paracortex ❉ within the hair shaft is often bilaterally asymmetric, contributing to the curl’s formation. This asymmetry, coupled with variations in the density of disulfide bonds, impacts the hair’s tensile strength and elasticity.

Studies show that Afro-textured hair, due to its tight coiling and the points of torsion this creates along the shaft, tends to be more susceptible to mechanical breakage when stretched, compared to straighter hair types. This biological fragility, though often misinterpreted as weakness, actually underscores the ingenuity of ancestral care practices that prioritized protection and moisture.

Consider the **medulla**, the innermost layer of the hair shaft. Research suggests that Afro-textured hair often exhibits a thicker medulla, which may correlate with its shaft diameter. The outermost layer, the **cuticle**, composed of overlapping, scale-like cells, serves as the hair’s primary protective shield.

While all hair types possess a cuticle, the constant turns and bends in tightly [coiled hair](/area/coiled-hair/) mean these cuticular scales are more exposed and prone to lifting, contributing to moisture loss. This scientific understanding sheds light on why traditional African practices so heavily emphasized the application of rich butters and oils to seal the cuticle and retain hydration.

![In stark monochrome, the portrait celebrates the heritage of Black hair artistry, emphasizing the precision of cornrow braiding achieved upon 4c afro-textured, high-density hair. The composition connects ancestral practices to contemporary self-expression, reflecting deeply rooted identity narratives through artistic styling and sebaceous balance maintenance](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portraiture-of-young-man-showcasing-artful-braided-textured.jpg)

## Understanding Hair’s Biological Design

For millennia, African communities observed hair’s behavior, its needs, and its responses to various environmental factors, all without the aid of modern microscopes or biochemical analysis. Their understanding of hair biology was experiential, cultivated through generations of living in close connection with their bodies and their environment. The resilience of a tightly coiled strand, its capacity to hold intricate styles, and its predisposition to dryness were not mysteries but rather characteristics to be honored and supported. This empirical knowledge led to the development of sophisticated care regimens that intuitively addressed the hair’s unique structure. 

- **Follicle Shape** ❉ The curvilinear hair follicle, producing the characteristic coils, necessitates gentle handling to avoid breakage at the points of curvature.

- **Lipid Distribution** ❉ Afro-textured hair has a higher lipid content in all hair regions ❉ medulla, cortex, and cuticle ❉ but these lipids are often highly disordered, contributing to the hair’s greater permeability and tendency for dryness. This biological reality explains the historical emphasis on lipid-rich applications.

- **Protein Composition** ❉ While variations exist, the primary building block of hair remains keratin. The arrangement and bonding of these proteins contribute to the hair’s inherent strength and elasticity, factors that traditional styling methods often worked to preserve.

![The intricate monochrome textured hair formations suggest strength, resilience, and beauty. Light and shadow interplay to highlight unique undulations, reflective of ancestral pride and meticulous hair wellness routines](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-abstract-textured-hair-formations-reflecting-light-and-shadow.jpg)

![This evocative monochrome image captures the essence of youth and the beauty of coiled textured hair, reflecting a story of ancestral heritage and contemporary identity, while highlighting the intricate beauty and cultural significance embedded within each spiral spring formation.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-youth-with-kinky-coiled-hair-texture-and-heritage.jpg)

## Ritual

The daily acts of caring for textured hair, steeped in generational knowledge, were never simply cosmetic routines. They were, and remain, sacred rituals that celebrated identity, connection, and the living heritage of a people. The biological realities of textured hair dictated the very techniques and tools employed, creating a harmonious relationship between the physical attributes of the hair and the communal practices that sustained its vitality. From intricate braiding to oiling ceremonies, these practices were not random acts but carefully honed responses to the hair’s unique needs, passed down through the ages. 

![This evocative portrait celebrates the beauty and complexity of natural Afro-textured hair, emphasizing coiled structures while highlighting the intrinsic link between hair and heritage. The nuanced monochromatic tones amplify the child](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-young-person-with-afro-textured-curly-coiled-hair.jpg)

## How Have Protective Styles Preserved Hair Biology and Heritage?

Protective styling stands as a powerful testament to ancestral ingenuity, directly linking hair biology with cultural practices. These styles, such as cornrows, braids, and twists, minimize manipulation of the hair shaft, shielding it from environmental stressors like sun, wind, and friction, all of which contribute to [moisture loss](/area/moisture-loss/) and breakage in coiled hair. The biological advantage of these styles is undeniable: by tucking away delicate ends and reducing direct exposure, [protective styles](/area/protective-styles/) significantly decrease the potential for mechanical damage, a key vulnerability of textured hair. This deep understanding of protection was not articulated in scientific terms by ancestral communities, but it was lived experience, codified into cultural norms. 

For instance, the Himba people of Northwestern Namibia employ a mixture of ground ochre, goat hair, and butter to create their distinct dreadlocks, known as otjize. This practice is not only a profound marker of age, life stage, and marital status, but it also serves as a potent protective coating against the harsh desert environment, intuitively addressing the hair’s need for moisture and external shield. This blend of biological necessity and cultural symbolism illustrates the seamless integration of [hair care](/area/hair-care/) into everyday life and identity. The butterfat in otjize acts as a sealant, preventing the already prone-to-dryness Himba hair from losing vital moisture, while the ochre provides a physical barrier and a culturally specific aesthetic. 

> Ancestral protective styling methods, like the Himba’s otjize, directly mitigate the biological vulnerability of textured hair to breakage and dryness.

![This evocative portrait explores ancestral pride through protective styling, where the geometric framing underscores the intentional artistry embedded in braided expressions. It is a powerful visual meditation on the interwoven narratives of identity, cultural heritage, and the enduring beauty of textured hair traditions](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-asian-woman-with-protective-braids-and-geometric-framing.jpg)

## The Communal Thread of Care

Hair care in ancestral African societies was often a communal endeavor, especially among women. This collective approach served not only a social function ❉ allowing for storytelling, bonding, and the transmission of knowledge ❉ but also a practical one, as intricate styles could be time-consuming to create. The act of tending to one another’s hair fostered deep bonds and ensured that the nuanced techniques for managing coiled hair were passed down effectively. This collective care, deeply rooted in shared experience, was a living pedagogical system, ensuring that generations understood how to work with, rather than against, the hair’s natural inclinations. 

The tools employed, though seemingly simple, were perfectly adapted to the biological characteristics of textured hair. Combs crafted from wood or ivory, wide-toothed and gentle, were designed to navigate coils without causing excessive pulling or breakage. Natural fibers and threads were used to create extensions and secure styles, augmenting the hair’s volume and length without resorting to harsh chemicals or damaging heat. These traditional implements reflect a deep respect for the hair’s inherent structure, aiming to preserve its integrity rather than alter its fundamental form. 

![Embracing ancestral wisdom, the hands prepare a rice water rinse, a treasured holistic practice for enhancing textured hair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/hands-washing-rice-for-textured-hair-rinse-holistic-ancestral-practice.jpg)

![Radiant in monochrome, the woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-a-woman-with-exquisite-afro-textured-coils-in-black-and.jpg)

## Relay

The wisdom embedded in ancestral [African hair](/area/african-hair/) practices represents a living, breathing lineage, a relay of understanding that continues to inform modern hair care. The scientific scrutiny of today often serves to validate long-held truths, revealing the precise biological mechanisms behind practices that were once understood through observation and profound intuition. This confluence of ancient wisdom and contemporary scientific insight allows for a deeper appreciation of textured hair heritage, grounding current understanding in a rich historical context. 

![Monochrome enhances the beauty and definition of the woman’s coiled Afro texture, emphasizing the inherent elegance in natural Black hair traditions. This portrait underscores a commitment to self-love, ancestral pride, and the celebration of unique textured hair forms in a harmonious and elegant composition](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-portrait-of-woman-with-short-natural-coiled-hair-in-monochrome.jpg)

## Do Traditional Ingredients Offer Biological Advantages?

Ancestral African communities utilized a diverse range of natural ingredients, drawn directly from their environments, for hair care. These botanical and mineral resources were chosen for their observed effects on hair health, a practical application of empirical biological knowledge. Modern science now helps to articulate why these ingredients were so effective for textured hair, which, despite having more lipids, often experiences significant dryness due to its unique structural properties. The very architecture of coiled hair, with its elliptical cross-section and retro-curved follicle, leads to an uneven distribution of natural scalp oils, making the hair prone to dryness and breakage. 

Take, for instance, [Chebe powder](/area/chebe-powder/) , originating from the Basara Arab women of Chad. This traditional remedy, a blend of herbs, seeds, and plants such as Croton zambesicus, Mahllaba Soubiane, cloves, and resin, is applied as a paste to coat and protect natural hair. While it does not stimulate [hair growth](/area/hair-growth/) from the scalp, Chebe powder helps retain length by preventing breakage and locking in moisture, strengthening the hair shaft and reducing split ends.

For kinky and coily hair, which is inherently prone to dryness and breakage, this method directly addresses a biological vulnerability, allowing hair to attain impressive lengths over time by mitigating physical damage. This stands as a powerful case study of ancestral knowledge directly addressing the biological challenges of textured hair.

Another foundational ingredient is [Shea butter](/area/shea-butter/) ( Vitellaria paradoxa ), sourced from the Karite tree in West Africa. Used for centuries, it is a rich moisturizer for both skin and hair. From a biological perspective, shea butter is abundant in fatty acids and vitamins (A, E, F) that provide deep conditioning, seal the cuticle, and offer natural UV protection.

Its emollient properties help to compensate for the uneven distribution of natural sebum along coiled hair shafts, a biological characteristic of textured hair that contributes to its dryness. Similarly, [Baobab oil](/area/baobab-oil/) ( Adansonia digitata ), sourced from the “Tree of Life,” is rich in omega fatty acids and vitamin C, promoting scalp health and hair elasticity, both crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of textured strands.

The collective practices surrounding these ingredients highlight a deep, inherent understanding of hair’s biological needs. The deliberate choice of nourishing oils, protective powders, and moisturizing butters reflects a keen observation of how these natural resources interacted with the hair’s unique structure and propensity for dryness. This knowledge was transmitted not through textbooks, but through the consistent application of these remedies in communal settings, becoming a vital part of the cultural inheritance. 

![The monochromatic tones enhance the visual narrative of heritage and sophistication, emphasizing the beauty of braided natural Black hair adorned with cultural symbols. The portrait connects deeply to ancestral traditions through an elegant, expressive styling of hair, promoting wellness and identity](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegantly-braided-natural-hair-adorned-with-jewels-portrait-in-black-and-white.jpg)

## How Did Ancestral Practices Shape Hair Growth Cycles?

The hair growth cycle ❉ anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting) ❉ is a fundamental biological process. While the length of the [anagen phase](/area/anagen-phase/) largely determines maximum hair length, [ancestral practices](/area/ancestral-practices/) significantly influenced factors that could protect hair throughout this cycle, particularly in ways that countered the inherent fragility of textured hair. The biological structure of Afro-textured hair, characterized by tight curls, creates multiple points of weakness along the shaft, making it prone to breakage and knots. This predisposition means that without protective interventions, the hair may break off before reaching its full genetic length potential. 

Ancestral methods, such as meticulous braiding and consistent oiling, served to preserve hair during its growth phase by reducing friction and external damage. By minimizing mechanical stress, these practices effectively prolonged the time hair could remain on the head, allowing it to reach greater lengths. The emphasis on gentle manipulation and protective styling, common across many African societies, directly supported the hair’s biological capacity for length retention, making the most of the hair’s growth cycle. This understanding of hair growth was not about scientific measurement, but about observing that cared-for hair thrived and lengthened. 

![This portrait highlights the enduring cultural heritage embedded in Black hair traditions. Skilled hands braid the young girl](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/young-girl-receiving-intricate-braids-rooted-in-heritage-and-holistic-care.jpg)

![Camellia seed oil, a legacy for textured hair wellness, embodies ancestral care and moisture. Its monochrome elegance connects historical beauty rituals to today](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/camellia-seed-oil-black-and-white-still-life-textured-hair.jpg)

## Reflection

Our journey through the intrinsic biology of textured hair and its profound connection to [ancestral African practices](/area/ancestral-african-practices/) reveals a heritage of ingenuity and deep reverence. Every coil and curve, every resilient strand, carries within it the echoes of ancient wisdom, a testament to how communities observed, understood, and nurtured their hair long before modern science articulated its complexities. The rituals, the carefully selected ingredients, and the communal acts of care were not mere traditions; they were sophisticated responses to the hair’s unique biological blueprint, ensuring its vitality and honoring its central role in identity, status, and spirituality. This enduring legacy reminds us that caring for textured hair is more than a personal endeavor; it is an act of continuing a rich, living history, a celebration of the profound connections between our physical selves and the wisdom passed down through generations. 

![The textured hair styles and the cooperative act of grinding grain symbolizes community wellness. This scene emphasizes the interwoven nature of ancestral heritage, cultural identity, and holistic hair care practices, reflecting the traditional roots and beauty rituals deeply embedded within Black communities](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-image-depicting-grinding-grain-with-traditional-hair-wraps.jpg)

![Hands extract aloe vera pulp for a traditional hair treatment, connecting generations through natural haircare rituals. This image represents a tangible link to ancestral heritage and the enduring beauty of holistic textured hair care practices promoting optimal scalp health and resilient hair formations](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/extracting-aloe-vera-for-textured-hair-care-holistic-preparation-method.jpg)

## References

- Byrd, Ayana, and Lori Tharps. Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America. St. Martin’s Press, 2001.

- Dabiri, Emma. Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture. Harper Perennial, 2020.

- Ibrahim, Muntaser E. and Charles Rotimi. The Genetics of African Populations in Health and Disease. Cambridge University Press, 2017.

- Rosado, Sybille. “The Symbolic Grammar of Hair: How Culture is Shared and Disseminated Throughout the Diaspora.” International Journal of Social and Cultural Studies, 2003, 61.

- Omotoso, Adetutu. “Hair in Ancient African Civilizations.” Journal of Pan African Studies, 2018.

- Basden, G.T. Among the Ibos of Nigeria. Seeley, Service & Co. Ltd. 1921.

- Jablonski, Nina G. and George Chaplin. “The Evolution of Skin Pigmentation and Hair Texture in People of African Ancestry.” Dermatologic Clinics, vol. 32, no. 2, 2014, pp. 113-121.

- Robbins, Clarence. Chemical and Physical Behavior of Human Hair. 5th ed. Springer, 2012.

## Glossary

### [Lipid Content](https://roothea.co/area/lipid-content/)

Meaning ❉ "Lipid Content" gently speaks to the natural oils and fatty compounds nestled within each strand and upon the scalp, a vital whisper for the well-being of textured hair.

### [Ancestral African Practices](https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-african-practices/)

Meaning ❉ Ancestral African Practices, within the Roothea understanding of textured hair, refer to the heritage-rich approaches and deep-seated wisdom gently passed through lineage concerning coily, kinky, and wavy hair.

### [Anagen Phase](https://roothea.co/area/anagen-phase/)

Meaning ❉ Anagen Phase represents the vibrant, active growth period for each strand, a foundational moment in the life cycle of textured hair.

### [Chebe Powder](https://roothea.co/area/chebe-powder/)

Meaning ❉ Chebe Powder, an heirloom blend of herbs, notably Croton Gratissimus, from Chadian heritage, offers a distinct approach to textured hair understanding.

### [African Hair Traditions](https://roothea.co/area/african-hair-traditions/)

Meaning ❉ African Hair Traditions signify the enduring legacy of hair care customs and styling practices established across generations within African and diasporic communities.

### [Sebum Distribution](https://roothea.co/area/sebum-distribution/)

Meaning ❉ Sebum distribution describes the delicate descent of the scalp's intrinsic oils along the hair shaft, a process fundamentally shaped by the unique helical architecture of textured hair.

### [Baobab Oil](https://roothea.co/area/baobab-oil/)

Meaning ❉ Baobab Oil, a precious botanical offering from Africa's majestic 'Tree of Life', presents itself as a gentle ally in the considered care of textured hair.

### [Hair Dryness](https://roothea.co/area/hair-dryness/)

Meaning ❉ Hair dryness is the gentle whisper from textured strands indicating a deficit in internal hydration, owing to the distinct helical and coiling patterns inherent to Black and mixed-race hair, which present a unique challenge for natural scalp oils to travel fully along the strand, thus increasing susceptibility to environmental moisture loss.

### [Hair Care](https://roothea.co/area/hair-care/)

Meaning ❉ Hair Care, when understood through the lens of textured hair, signifies a mindful discipline for preserving the vigor of coily, kinky, and wavy strands.

### [Hair History](https://roothea.co/area/hair-history/)

Meaning ❉ Hair History, within the sphere of textured hair, denotes the progression of understanding regarding Black and mixed-race hair, mapping its distinct qualities and requirements across epochs.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [What Is the Historical Link between Natural Oils and Textured Hair Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/what-is-the-historical-link-between-natural-oils-and-textured-hair-heritage/)
![Embracing the ancestral heritage of holistic hair care, clear water enriches fenugreek seeds, releasing their potent benefits. This ancient ingredient nourishes Black hair traditions and mixed-race hair narratives, promoting expressive styling and resilient formations for generations.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/fenugreek-seeds-being-dosed-with-water-drops-close-up-black-and-white.jpg)

### [How Does Textured Hair Biology Influence Historical Care?](https://roothea.co/question/how-does-textured-hair-biology-influence-historical-care/)
![The stark black and white enhances the woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-asian-woman-with-sleek-bob-and-blunt-bangs.jpg)

### [How Does Textured Hair Biology Connect to Its Cultural Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/how-does-textured-hair-biology-connect-to-its-cultural-heritage/)
![Monochrome evokes ancestral tones, the intricate fruit patterns serving as a metaphor for textured hair, weaving a narrative of heritage, holistic wellness, ancestral beauty, and self-care traditions that embrace the beauty of distinctive formations within a family or community.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/textured-fruit-with-intricate-surface-pattern-symbolic-of-diverse-hair-forms.jpg)

### [What Ancestral Practices Link Head Wraps to Holistic Hair Wellness?](https://roothea.co/question/what-ancestral-practices-link-head-wraps-to-holistic-hair-wellness/)
![This wooden comb symbolizes mindful haircare, resonating with time-honored rituals that embrace the diverse array of textured hair patterns. Crafted for careful maintenance, it echoes traditions of holistic wellness, celebrating cultural roots and conscious beauty through ancestral practices of grooming.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/wooden-comb-revealing-hair-texture-density-holistic-scalp-care-approach.jpg)

### [How Does Textured Hair Biology Connect to Historical Care Rituals?](https://roothea.co/question/how-does-textured-hair-biology-connect-to-historical-care-rituals/)
![Moringa seeds, captured in stark monochrome, symbolize a connection to ancient beauty rituals and the revitalization of holistic hair care for diverse textured hair. These seeds embody a legacy where tradition and natural ingredients converged, enriching well-being through mindful hair care practices and ancestral heritage.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/moringa-seeds-holistic-hair-care-ingredient-in-black-and-white-detail.jpg)

### [How Does Textured Hair's Biology Relate to Ancestral Oil Use?](https://roothea.co/question/how-does-textured-hairs-biology-relate-to-ancestral-oil-use/)
![The monochrome portrait captures a woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-portrait-of-a-woman-with-protective-hairstyling-in-black-and-white.jpg)

### [Can Understanding Textured Hair Biology Deepen Appreciation for Ancestral African Care Practices?](https://roothea.co/question/can-understanding-textured-hair-biology-deepen-appreciation-for-ancestral-african-care-practices/)
![The detailed honeycomb structure, symbolic of intricate formulations, highlights nature](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-honeycomb-structure-reflecting-textured-hair-care-ingredient.jpg)

### [Can Ancestral Hair Care Practices Inform Contemporary Understanding of Textured Hair Biology and Care?](https://roothea.co/question/can-ancestral-hair-care-practices-inform-contemporary-understanding-of-textured-hair-biology-and-care/)
![An evocative glimpse into ancestral wisdom, the woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-grinding-herbs-ancestral-hair-care-ritual-textured-hair-wellness.jpg)

### [How Does Shea Butter's Heritage Link to Hair Protection?](https://roothea.co/question/how-does-shea-butters-heritage-link-to-hair-protection/)
![Rosemary](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/rosemary-herb-bundle-black-and-white-image-for-textured-hair-formulations.jpg)

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```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/how-does-hair-biology-link-to-ancestral-african-practices/
