Curly hair has for centuries always been linked to individuals of Middle Eastern and African ethnicity. We find it interesting that such a generalisation can be made as there are always exceptions to every rule. Let’s uncover the truth. 

Hair is a large beauty feature we all take pride in, it forms part of our identity, rooted in culture and history and adds to global diversification, yet still we often find many want to permanently alter their God given texture. Temporary changes to your hair texture are always welcome, variety is the spice of life after all. So, an occasional straightening of your curls is not frowned upon here at Emerson, however what is of most importance is a good understanding of how to protect your natural curls from heat related damage. 

The notion of curly hair being problematic, undesirable or unacceptable in modern day Middle East is what we don’t subscribe to. Curly hair is not something that needs to be “undone” or “corrected”, it’s something to be embraced, nurtured and loved. 

Is curly hair linked to ethnic background?

There are numerous articles published online questioning whether curly hair is specific to ethnicity and the truth is to some extent it is, as with the passage of time and more and more inter-racial relationship developing, DNA continues to evolve as such we may never really be able to trace the originating ethnicity of curly hair. However, what we can tell you with confidence is that curly hair is determined by your DNA.

According to an article published by Medical News Today, Scientists have identified that a specific gene controls the shape of our hair, this gene is known to produce a protein known as Trichohyalin (TCHH) which strengthens and builds the hair shaft. This gene is known to have distinct variations which are associated with different hair textures and follicular structure globally.

It’s important to remember that the shape and texture of your hair stems from the hair follicle not the hair you see emerging from the scalp.

Outside of this particular gene, there are a number of additional genes which have been recently suspected to contribute to one’s hair texture. Some of which have suggested that your hair texture can be inherited from your parents and/or affected by your environment. So in a nutshell, there is more than one contributing factor to hair texture. This goes back to the point that a generalisation cannot be made that all Arabs have curly hair.

Arab population and curly hair

Although, it can be said that many Arabs have naturally curly. A study was conducted to determine variances in hair density among individuals of different ethnic backgrounds. The study of Arabs using a population size of 120, showed that of the 120 individuals, 63.4% had textured hair – either wavy hair or curly hair. We can’t say we are particularly surprised by the results, given that more than half of the world’s population has natural textured hair. Textured hair meaning coverage of the entire curly hair spectrum from wavy through to curly, coily and right through to the kinkiest of hair textures.

While many Arabs have this curly hair feature, why does curly hair remain somewhat stigmatised in the Middle East?

One key point the study did highlight is that Arabs have higher hair diameters than Africans, Caucasians, Asians and Hispanics which essentially means how thick the individual hair strands are. Does this then mean that Arabs with curly hair types have a lot of hair? Is this a possible explanation as to why there is still this notion in the Middle East that curly hair is problematic and undesirable?

For too long curly hair has been “tamed” into submission through chemical straightening treatments in response to trying to conform to western standards of beauty, yet still when time calls for a signature Hollywood curls style like Marylin Monroe, there is a rapid response to suit what is in style. This notion of confirming to western standards of perfectly sleek and straight hair goes back to this unfortunate and deeply ingrained perception that typical European beauty features are superior.

If you take a brief glance at the typically offering of a hair salon in the Middle East, a keratin treatment always appears top of the list, which signifies it still has considerable importance in the Middle Eastern Beauty world. All in the same, we see an increase in the number of salons dedicated to curly textured hair. Check out our post on top recommended salons dedicated to curly hair in the UAE with latest addition, Russian owned Twist Curly Hair Salon in Dubai and Boho Salon with their second location now in Dubai.

We would like to think society is making some progress to change this narrative considering the revival of embracing your natural curls post pandemic. Yes there’s still a long way to go, however in this day and age of social media and influencers, that change could come about a lot faster. Take Iraqi Influencer, Sarah Angius  for example, she does a great job of reminding her followers every day on Instagram that natural curls are beautiful, manageable and desirable and it is completely ok to switch up your look if you want to use a straightener or other heat styling tools but there is always a point of return to your natural curls.

At Emerson, we are of the view that people with naturally curly hair who chose to chemically treat their hair do not know just how damaging excessive use of chemical treatments are and as such continue in ignorance. It’s our job to continue pushing and advocating for more appreciation and adoption for natural curls through hair education and wider awareness here in the Middle East. We know change has begun, but that change needs to be sustained and pushed even further. Once you embrace your natural curls and learn to love and nurture them, your hair can only flourish going forward. It’s our job to be that change we want to see.

To conclude, we go back to answering the question: All Arabs Have Curly Hair, Is This a Generalisation? Yes, this is a generalisation, as the post has described and evidenced Arabs have a range of different hair textures with approximately 63% of the Arab population having textured hair - wavy or curly, in line with global statistics.