It seems no matter what¬--we want the opposite of what we have. Short people want to be taller, brunettes want to be blonds and those with curly hair wish it was straight. Current research has brought us one step closer for those with Shirley Temple hair to have Cleopatra’s. A recent study has discovered that a single gene is responsible for influencing whether hair will be straight or curly. With that discovery, a pill could be developed to change the texture of our hair. Would you take it?
Researchers from Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) in Australia analyzed data from 5,000 twins over a period of 30 years. They found that variations in the Trichohyalin (TCHH) gene, which is involved in the development of hair follicles, determines the growth of curly or straight hair.
A few years ago, it was discovered by scientists at L’Oreal that curly hair grows from follicles that are hook shaped and straight hair from follicles that are round, but it was not known what mechanism determined the shape of the follicles. This new research implies that the TCHH gene is that missing key in determining the texture of our hair.
Are there benefits to testing for hair genes?
1. You could find out whether an unborn baby will have curly or straight hair: Of the various characteristics one wants to learn about an unborn child, hair curliness probably wouldn’t be high on anyone’s list. Genetic testing should be reserved for determining genetic issues that are life threatening.
2. A pill can be developed to straighten hair: Apparently in 2005, L’Oreal announced that they were working on such a pill. According to Bionews, Professor Nick Martin, the lead researcher of the Australian study discussed above, has plans to talk with a “Paris” cosmetics company, which many think is L’Oreal, regarding how this new discovery could help develop a pill that could make hair straight or curly.
Forum postings appear to be mostly against developing a pill expressing that people should just accept their curly or straight hair. The fact remains however; people spend millions of dollars on over the counter products as well as salon perms to achieve an alternative style. If a pill was proven to be safe, it might be a worthwhile alternative to repeated exposed to chemicals that carry the risk of harm to our health.
3. DNA testing could determine the type of hair a criminal has: This is the most interesting application that would enable police to learn if a suspect had curly or straight hair based on DNA found at a crime scene. Testing samples found at a crime scene would help alert police to look for a suspect with a particular hair texture.
Hair is truly one of our most defining characteristics and it is natural to want to find new ways it can be altered. Hopefully, as science discovers more answers about hair growth it will shed light on genetic answers to more serious health problems than hair texture.
sources:
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/1503145/Scientists-hold-out-prospect-of-a-pill-to-make-your-hair-curl.html
www.bionews.org.uk/page_52119.asp
Michele is an R.N. freelance writer with a special interest in woman’s healthcare and quality of care issues. Other articles by Michele can be read at www.helium.com/users/487540/show_articles
Add a Comment21 Comments
Unfortunately ladies, most of you will be deceased before this pill hits the market. Researches are VERY VERY FAR OFF from even beginning clinical trials on non human subjects.
March 27, 2015 - 6:01pmSo for all those anxiously asking "WHEN WILL THIS BE RELEASED?!"
and so on, I can inform you with almost 100% certainty, Not in your lifetime, if ever.
we are stuck with the pile of garbage sat upon our heads. Hair is human waste after all lest we forget .
so cool yur' heels and buy a better flat iron!
This Comment
Unfortunately, you can't read. you have comprehensive issues but what baffles me is you are quick to run your mouth. You claimed it takes 12 years for a drug to be approved and sent on the market. That is false. Here is a quote of the actual law that you misread:Manufacturers of original biologic drugs will have at least 12 years before others will be able to use their data to produce and sell similar versions of the drugs, according to a provision in the new health reform law
This doesn't mean it takes 12 years for the drug to go on the market, all it means is other companies can't use the data used to come out with a simular law because the government protects the manufacturer. It takes 12 years for ANOTHER drug with the same concept to come out whcih is basically a generic drug. The original manufacturers will be able to sell this drug after testing and approval.
February 19, 2016 - 2:33amThis Comment
It takes twelve years to make a drug. Also if that drug fails, than you will have to wait another 12 years.
February 20, 2015 - 10:21pmThis Comment
Why are you spreading lies? It doesn't take 12 years for a drug to be on the market, it takes 12 years for ANOTHER company to make that same drug which is called generic drugs.
February 19, 2016 - 2:37amThis Comment
Oh wow, this would be great!! When I was young I used to have a beautiful slightly curled hair but since I got hit with puberty my hair became so frizzy I'm only comfortable keeping it really short (BTW I'm a guy). I hope it won't take long for it to be available, 7 years is a long time but each second is worth the waiting if they deliver.
July 17, 2012 - 4:49pmThis Comment
I just found this article. I'm EXTREMELY interested in this. Is Loreal continuing to do research? Or anyone else for that matter?
May 30, 2012 - 3:19pmThis Comment
I did a quick search and found this quote from another person's article written in Aug 2010.
"So, where is the straight hair pill today? I got in touch with Professor Martin to see if they had made any headway. Unfortunately, no such luck. “The idea is that knowing the gene responsible for straight/curly hair, one might be able to design a drug that could alter it. But this is years away I am afraid,” he said via email."
from http://truthinaging.com/hair/the-straight-hair-pill-still-a-pipedream
So I would imagine they are working on it because it would be such a popular product but there is no way to know when it will be released.
May 1, 2011 - 7:24amThis Comment
When are they going to release it??? My goodness!!! They have been researching it since 2005, right? We don't even have their address or where to address to make a kind of pressure. Please, let us know at least a date. Thanks!!!
April 30, 2011 - 9:41pmThis Comment
I would try this for sure...I would love to wake up without the lion mane and having to put so much effort into straightening my hair along with the damage I put into it.
Keep us posted.
April 2, 2011 - 9:06amMissie
This Comment
Once they make one, it certainly would be worth a try.
April 1, 2011 - 8:51pmThis Comment