Black Hair Research Articles

Natural hair color and skin cancers: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Previous observational studies have indicated an association between hair color and the risk of melanoma and keratinocyte skin cancer (KSC); however, different hair colors show inconsistent effects on skin cancers. Here, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to evaluate the causal relationship between natural hair color and skin cancers by using 211 single nucleotide polymorphisms as genetic instruments from a genome-wide meta-analysis of 360,270 individuals of European ancestry. Light hair colors (red, blonde, and light brown) were associated with high levels of cutaneous melanoma (CM) and KSC (CM-inverse variance weighted [IVW] odds ratio [OR]-red: 1.034, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.025–1.044, P < 0.001; OR-blonde: 1.008, 95% CI: 1.003–1.014, P = 0.003; OR-light brown: 1.006, 95% CI: 1.002–1.011, P = 0.009; KSC-IVW OR-red: 1.078, 95% CI: 1.053–1.103, P < 0.001; OR-blonde: 1.024, 95% CI: 1.009–1.040, P = 0.002; OR-light brown: 1.018, 95% CI: 1.004–1.033, P = 0.01). However, dark brown hair showed an inverse causal relationship with skin cancers (CM IVW OR: 0.987, 95% CI: 0.984–0.990, P < 0.001; KSC IVW OR: 0.979, 95% CI: 0.970–0.988, P < 0.001). Black hair was associated with a decreased risk of KSC (IVW OR: 0.954, 95% CI: 0.913–0.997, P = 0.036) but showed no causal relationship with CM. The present study provides strong MR evidence of a causal association between hair color and skin cancer. Secondary MR analyses enhances result robustness by replicating findings, exploring gender-specific effects, and providing a more comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between hair color and skin cancers. More large-scale MR studies or randomized controlled trials are required to further investigate the mechanisms of the association between hair color and skin cancers.

Evaluation of sensory parameters and tensile strength on damaged hair after ten washes with Mintop shampoo: in vitro study

Background: Hair damage is a widespread problem that affects people of all ages, genders, and hair types. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as heat styling, chemical treatments, environmental factors, and genetics. The effects of hair damage can range from minor split ends and frizz to severe breakage, thinning, and hair loss. Hair damage can also affect the texture and appearance of the hair, causing it to become dull, dry, and difficult to manage. Methods: In the present study 6 natural black hair tresses were selected to evaluate the sensorial parameters such as detangling, combability, static, shine, softness, smoothness, and bounce at baseline and post 10 wash cycles with Mintop Shampoo (fortified with Procapil 1% and Redensyl 1%). Results: After 10 wash cycles with Mintop Shampoo, the mean score for detangling 3.33 (0.516), combability 4.00 (0.516), Static (Frizz) 3.67 (0.516), Shine 3.00 (0.000), Softness 3.00 (0.632), Smoothness 3.33 (0.516), Bounce 3.33 (0.516), maximum GF 99.17 (0.516) and Strain 44.24 (5.235). Conclusions: The study findings demonstrated that a significant improvement was observed in sensorial parameters such as detangling, combability, static (reduction), shine, softness, smoothness, bounce, tensile strength, and percentage elongation when compared to baseline or initial damaged state.

OTITIS EXTERNA DUE TO COMPLICATION OF OTODECTES CYNOTIS, BACTERIA, AND MALASSEZIA SP. ACCOMPANIED BY SCABIOSIS IN DOMESTIC CAT

Otitis externa is an inflammatory state of the external ear canal due to the colonization of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, or parasites). Scabiosis in cats is a highly contagious disease caused by the Notoedres cati mite. The purpose of this article is to provide information on the diagnosis, treatment, and therapeutic evaluation of otitis externa with scabiosis in a local cat. The case animal was a 2-year-old female Oren, weighing 2.75 kg and with orange, black, and white hair. The cat was brought to the Teaching Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Udayana University with complaints of frequent scratching of the right and left ears since 1 month ago. On physical examination, dark brown cerumen was found in the right and left ear canals. In the supporting examination, ear swab found Otodectes cynotis mite cytology ear cerumen observed the presence of bacteria in the form of cocci and bacilli, and Malassezia sp. While in the examination of skin scrapings found Notoedres cati mite. Based on anamnesis, clinical examination and supporting examination, the case cat was diagnosed with bilateral otitis externa and scabiosis with a prognosis of fausta. For the treatment of otitis, the therapy given was topical treatment using antiparasitic permethrine, antibiotic neomycin sulfate, antifungal nystatin and anti-inflammatory triamnicolone acetonide given once a day for 7 days. For the treatment of scabiosis, the therapy given is Ivermectin injection at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg BW subcutaneously twice administered at 14-day intervals. As symptomatic therapy, diphenhydramine was given at a dose of 1 mg/kg BW intramuscularly, followed by diphenhydramine HCL orally at a dose of 2 mg/kg BW given twice a day for 7 days as an antihistamine to treat pruritus. Topical therapy was also given by bathing with sulfur soap twice a week for two weeks. Evaluation was carried out on day 10 where the case cat showed a continuously improving condition characterized by the case cat rarely scratching the ears, the crusts on the skin had begun to thin, and the parts that were initially alopecia had begun to grow hair.

A nonperturbative approach to Hawking radiation and black hole quantum hair

We present a nonperturbative derivation of the subleading order in Hawking radiation based on diffeomorphism symmetry breaking during black hole evaporation. The diffeomorphism group of horizon admits a nontrivial phase factor which encodes information about infalling matter during formation. This nonintegrable phase represents the black hole quantum hair as it arises from the diffeomorphisms that change the physical state of the black hole. During evaporation, the decrease in total area breaks the diffeomorphism symmetry and leads to a dynamical shift in that phase factor. This shift affects the usual Hawking spectrum via dispersion relation and results in the subleading term in Hawking radiation. The higher order terms are locally insensitive to the Unruh radiation due to the lack of diffeomorphism groups on the local Rindler horizon at the low energy scale. This explains the generic difference between Hawking radiation and Unruh radiation. In addition, this phase shift indicates the decrease of the total number of degrees of freedom in horizon phase space during evaporation as past Page time. This enables us to escape from the firewall paradox and provide an account for the resolution to the information paradox.

“Everybody’s searching their roots”: centering Black nature-cultures of belonging in non-compulsory computer science education

ABSTRACT Background & context Inspired by the nature-cultures of belonging from Black hair care, we conducted a design experiment to bridge computer science (CS) education, urban gardening, and cosmetology in a culturally responsive computing (CRC) library program. Objective The design was oriented around a small-scale aquaponics system to grow mint and lavender for making natural cosmetic products. We hypothesized that this could inform the design and implementation of computational thinking and computer programming educational activities. Methods We analyzed qualitative and quantitative data from the design experiment to theorize the processes of using the aquaponics system to enroll Black nature-cultures of belonging in the CRC program. Findings Given that the program supported children’s self-confidence in and knowledge of CS, nature-culture inspired CS education appears feasible. Implications Through respectful engagement with the discourses and practices of Black hair care, we provide insight into how nature-cultures can contribute to more diverse, inclusive, and pluralistic forms of CS education.

“It’s in [Their] Roots”: A Critical Race Discourse Analysis of Media Accounts Depicting Black Hair Discrimination in K-12 School

“It’s in [Their] Roots”: A Critical Race Discourse Analysis of Media Accounts Depicting Black Hair Discrimination in K-12 School

AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY TO STANDARDIZE THE DERMOSCOPIC FINDINGS OF NORMAL SCALP AND HAIRS IN MALE

Background: Trichoscopy is a recent innovation in the field of dermatology and alternative to more time consuming and cumbersome procedures such as Pull test, Pluck test, Daily hair count, scalp biopsy, microscopic examination of hair by conventional methods by microscope which needs removal of hairs which is painful and unacceptable to patients, to replace these old modality with newer one to diagnose hair and scalp disorders by dermatoscope is known as trichoscopy. It is easy non-invasive, less time consuming, and well acceptable to patients. After years of use of this modality for examination of hair and scalp disorders, there is no relevant data regarding trichoscopic variables of hairs and scalp in normal population were found. Objectives: The objectives of the study are to standardize trichoscopic findings of normal hairs and scalp in male. Methodology: This study was conducted over 1-year period with effect from 24th January 2020 to 23th January 2021 among 360 male subjects presenting in outpatient Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, M.G.M. Medical College and M.Y. Hospital, Indore (M.P.). Examination to rule out any local dermatological disorder of scalp was done. Trichoscopic photographs were taken from frontal, right temporal, occipital, and vertex area with the help of Heine Delta 20T digital dermatoscope. Results: Anisotrichosis shows significant age-wise difference in temporal and occipital area. Whereas maximum numbers of subjects with anisotrichosis were present in frontal area followed by vertex scalp, maximum numbers of subjects with white dots are present in more than 50-year age group in vertex (83.3%). Overall, maximum numbers are present in vertex area (68.6%) and rest of the areas has nearly equal numbers (56%). Conclusion: Comparison with standardize findings is necessary before labeling it as pathological finding, also some variables such as black dots, yellow dots, red dots, scarring, and hair shaft abnormality other than diameter variability are considered as absolute pathological finding and not found in healthy subjects, when present on trichoscopy they signify some hair or scalp abnormality.

Conducting Electroencephalography With Black Individuals: Barriers, Recommendations, and Impact on Generalizability

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a critical tool for neuroscience research on brain functioning, as well as clinical applications in neurological and psychiatric illnesses. Anti-Black racism is a substantial societal problem that affects the validity of EEG assessments, thereby undermining efforts in research and in medical practice. There are several barriers present in the process of recording EEG with Black individuals. This includes the physical qualities of Black hair; as well as the cultural and historical significance of Black hair, the features of Black hairstyles, and the discomfort that many Black individuals feel if their hair is touched. The potential impact of these barriers on the application of EEG is considerable, including concerns of individual discomfort, lack of generalizability, and misdiagnosis. Recommendations are proposed here to combat these barriers, including individual researchers who utilize EEG methods, funding agencies that support EEG research, and journal editors who publish EEG findings.

Black hole hairs in scalar-tensor gravity and the lack thereof

Black hole hairs in scalar-tensor gravity and the lack thereof

If My Hair Could Talk

ABSTRACT In this poem, the author gives voice to Black hair. Since Black hair has often been misunderstood and historically discriminated against, this poem is to show homage, acceptance, appreciation, and celebration for Black hair.

A CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF NARASIMHA RASAYANA

Among the eight branches of Ayurveda, Rasayana chikitsa is an important branch. The term Rasayana means the proper ayana (path), the footstep of nutritional requirements, which is the basis for a younger and healthy life. Ayurvedic classics explain Rasayana's effect as attaining longevity, memory, intellect, freedom from diseases, youth, excellence of lustre, complexion, voice, etc. Among the various Rasayana yogas mentioned in Ayurveda, Narasimha Rasayana (NR) is a unique formulation mentioned in Ashtanga Hridaya containing ingredients like Khadira, Chitraka, Shimshapa, Vijayasara, Haritaki, Vidanga, Vibhitaki, Bhallataka, Lohashakala, go-dugdha, Bhringaraja, Shatavari which are processed in navaneeta. The indications of the formulation include a strong, swift and steady physique with shining black hair, good complexion, good intellect, digestive power, etc. In the present review, an attempt has been made to analyse the formulation, highlighting the properties of individual ingredients from a classical and modern perspective. The study revealed that the ingredients of Narasimha Rasayana possess antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-mutagenic and hemopoietic effects, among other qualities, which point towards a possible rejuvenating impact on the human body.

Revealing The Women’s Characteristics Presented In L’oreal Paris Shampoo Advertisements: A Semiotic Study

Nathaniela Anita Kiroyan(2023). Visual and Verbal Signs Found in L’oreal Paris Shampoo Advertisements. S1. Thesis. English Department. Widya Kartika University. Surabaya. Advisor I: Yulius Kurniawan, S.Pd., M.Pd.; Advisor II: Endar Rachmawaty Linuwih, S.Hum., M.Pd. The purpose of this research is to find out the visual and verbal signs in L’Oréal Paris shampoo advertisements and to explain the visual and verbal signs and meaning that are represented in L’Oréal Paris shampoo advertisements by using semiotics theory by Roland Barthes. This research used a descriptive qualitative method to analyze the collected signs in the whole picture of the advertisement of L’Oréal Paris shampoo. In addition, the researcher collected the data from Pearl Chemist Group which had the best of five of L’Oréal Paris shampoo advertisements. The findings indicate denotative meanings of signs revealed were black hair, long hair, wavy hair, woman, smiling face, purple dress, purple shirt, orange background, black belt, and products of L’Oréal Paris shampoo. The connotative meanings of the signs revealed elegance, friendliness, confidence and self-esteem, freedom of expression and creativity, and empowerment of women.

Narrating the Beauty Myth of Feminine Body Aesthetics in Classic Nepali Songs

This paper analyzes the most celebrated classic Nepali songs of all time – “Gaajalu Tee Thulaathulaa Aankhaa”, “Lolaaeka Tee Thulaa Timraa Dui Najarale”, “Timeelaai Ma Ke Bhanu”, and “Rhritu Harumaa Timee” – the former two songs are penned by M.B.B. Shah, the next one is by Dipak Jangam, and latter one is by Rajendra Rijal. These songs are sung by Gulam Ali, Narayan Gopal, and Arun Thapa respectively. This study aims to explore the mythical narratives of the mainstream feminine body aesthetics embedded in the songs – large and deep black eyes, long black eyebrows, long black blond hair, thin lips, delicate, white skin complexion, attractive, shy, and etc. – that are guided and constructed from the frame of the aesthetic standard that is set by mainstream patriarchal culture. The researcher has used the textual analysis method to analyze the selected texts. Roland Barthes’s concept of myth has been applied as a theoretical tool for the critical analysis of the selected songs to achieve the set objectives. As Barthes argues, myths are meta-language through which dominant and ruling power communicates its ideological standpoints and attempts to naturalize them. They function as a complex hierarchical semiotic register where the signifier transfers from first order referents of meaning to second order. As the songs are fabricated cultural products and myth narratives, they not only entertain the audience, but also innocently impose and disseminate the contingent ideas or ideologies that they carry. At the same time, they marginalize the feminine body aesthetics of minority groups who do not belong to the mainstream community. This study helps look critically at Nepali songs and any cultural products leading to rethinking and redefining the dominant body aesthetics and standardization.

The Person Beneath the Hair: Hair Discrimination, Health, and Well-Being.

Discrimination toward black hair is pervasive in today's society. Hair discrimination is negative bias manifested toward black natural or textured hair styles typically worn by persons of African descent. This commentary discusses the potential effects of hair discrimination on the health and well-being of persons of African descent. Specifically, it explores the mental and physical health implications of hair discrimination and situates it within the broader context of social determinants of health. The Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act has been recently passed in the United States House of Representatives, but more work is needed to eliminate hair discrimination and its negative effects.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL ASPECTS OF THE MAIN CHARACTER IN DELIA OWENS' WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING

Egri's three-dimensional theory (1923) was employed to examine the multifaceted aspects of Catherine Danielle Clark, the main character in Delia Owens' novel "Where the Crawdads Sing." This qualitative study utilized a narrative approach to gather and analyze data through inductive and deductive techniques. The findings revealed several three-dimensional aspects of Catherine Danielle Clark. Physically, she possessed beauty, long black hair, and a well-proportioned body with a deep-tanned complexion, which improved as she matured. Socially, she hailed from a lower-class American family, held various jobs as a seafood seller, book writer, and poet, and experienced discrimination and singledom. Her hobbies included reading books and collecting organisms from the marsh. Psychologically, she exhibited introversion, insecurity, sensitivity, irritability, selfishness, anxiety, and a reluctance to forgive. However, she also displayed independence, optimism, and a determined fighting spirit for survival, showcasing remarkable talent in painting and writing. Overall, the study found that the psychological dimension was more pronounced than the physiological and social dimensions. Keywords: main character, physiological dimension, psychological dimension, sociological dimension, three-dimensional aspects

Black hole minimum size and scalar charge in shift-symmetric theories

It is known that, for shift-symmetric scalars, only a linear coupling with the Gauss–Bonnet (GB) invariant can introduce black hole hair. Such hairy black holes have a minimum mass, determined by the coupling of this interaction, and a scalar charge that is uniquely determined by their mass and spin for a fixed value of that coupling. Here we explore how additional shift-symmetric interactions affect the structure of the black hole, the value of the minimum mass, and the scalar charge.

Minimally Invasive Removal of Leukotrichia and Hair Transplantation: A 2-Step Surgery in the Treatment of Stable Follicular Vitiligo.

Follicular vitiligo is a distinct subtype of vitiligo characterized by the selective destruction of the follicular melanocytic reservoir. Treatment of follicular vitiligo-associated leukotrichia has always been a clinical challenge. Twenty participants (mean age, 29 years) with stable follicular vitiligo were recruited between 2020 and 2021 for 2-stage surgery. In stage 1, an incision around the vitiligo lesion was performed to subcutaneously dissect and scrape the leukotrichia. In stage 2, healthy follicles obtained from the occipital donor site were transplanted into the vitiligo area. Follow-up examinations were conducted for 1 year postoperatively using a camera and dermatoscope to observe the growth rate, color, and surviving number of the transplanted hairs. Patient satisfaction was recorded to evaluate the potential surgical improvement. The transplanted hair grew with natural texture, as expected. The average survival rate of the transplanted hair follicles was 93.8%. No recurrence of leukotrichia was observed in the recipient area. No complications were observed, and the postoperative scars in the recipient area were entirely covered by black hair. All patients were satisfied with their resulting appearance. Minimally invasive removal of leukotrichia combined with hair transplantation might be an appropriate surgical option for stable follicular vitiligo to create natural and stable pigmented hair. Therapeutic, IV.

Eye and hair color prediction of an early medieval adult and subadult skeleton using massive parallel sequencing technology.

Phenotypic trait prediction in ancient DNA analysis can provide information about the external appearance of individuals from past human populations. Some studies predicting eye and hair color in ancient adult skeletons have been published, but not for ancient subadult skeletons, which are more prone to decay. In this study, eye and hair color were predicted for an early medieval adult skeleton and a subadult skeleton that was anthropologically characterized as a middle-aged man and a subadult of unknown sex about 6years old. When processing the petrous bones, precautions were taken to prevent contamination with modern DNA. The MillMix tissue homogenizer was used for grinding, 0.5g of bone powder was decalcified, and DNA was purified in Biorobot EZ1. The PowerQuant System was used for quantification and a customized version of the HIrisPlex panel for massive parallel sequencing (MPS) analysis. Library preparation and templating were performed on the HID Ion Chef Instrument and sequencing on the Ion GeneStudio S5 System. Up to 21ng DNA/g of powder was obtained from ancient petrous bones. Clean negative controls and no matches with elimination database profiles confirmed no contamination issue. Brown eyes and dark brown or black hair were predicted for the adult skeleton and blue eyes and brown or dark brown hair for the subadult skeleton. The MPS analysis results obtained proved that it is possible to predict hair and eye color not only for an adult from the Early Middle Ages, but also for a subadult skeleton dating to this period.

Dark Persistence: Black College Women's COVID-19 Photo Essays.

Guided by intersectional multimodal literacy frameworks and analytic methods, this qualitative study explored how seven high-achieving Black undergraduate women's photo essays visually and textually represented their persistence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo essays, in this context, are intersectional multimodal compositions that use images and words to articulate the challenges that the women faced during COVID-19 and the resources that promoted their persistence. Data sources included a demographic questionnaire, the women's digital photo essays, and lengthy photo-elicitation interviews with the women on Zoom. Findings reveal that the women's photo essays evoked an endarkened persistence, rooted in the legacy of Black people's collective struggle and survival, and represented by two interrelated themes: Affirming Black Beauty (i.e., Embracing natural Black hair and Caring for Black female bodies) and Honoring the Spirit (i.e., (Re)connecting with sistafriends, (Re)claiming rest, and Nurturing creativity). Research and practical implications are discussed.

“Hair: In Three Styles”

In this creative, nonfiction piece, the author embodies a poetic autoethnography that explores the politics of Black hair and skin color in shifting socio-cultural contexts across 40 years. The exploration is not just about hair, but the politics of hair that are rooted in social constructions of beauty, gender, identity, and the relationality of living and loving across time and bodies. Here, the notion of style is explored as the politics of preference and desire; as a technique of doing, of caring for oneself, of being and being seen; as a way of remembering; as evidence of choices having been made.