Genetics of hair curl

The following is a quote taken from the 23andme website. This is a most interesting site as it allows you to look at some of your similar genetics to other people in the general population that also participated in this set of genetic tests. I took this test about two months ago (a swab from my mouth at a cost of under $200) and would recommend this test for others who are curious about their genetic make-up as well as people who want to know their risks for a variety of conditions from multiple sclerosis to auto-immune diseases. The following section was sent to me today, telling me that I would probably have normal wavy hair. They were correct, of course, and I wanted to share it with you. If you go to the site, you will see what insights they can offer you into your risks for various conditions.

“From straight to wavy to twisty to kinky – the texture of human hair runs the gamut. Hair’s curliness (or lack thereof) comes from the shape of the bulb at the base of the hair follicle. In people of all ethnicities, a curved bulb translates into curly locks. Not surprisingly, this biological trait has a strong genetic component, although a simply inherited “hair curl” gene that completely determines hair texture has not been found and likely does not exist.

“Using the survey answers and DNA data of thousands of customers with European ancestry, 23andMe scientists identified two genetic variants associated with the amount of curliness in hair. Each copy of the T version at rs7349332 was associated with slightly curlier hair. Each copy of the A version of rs17646946 was associated with slightly straighter hair. Another research group also found this latter association, which is why it appears in an Established Research Report.
The Big Picture: Why is this important?

“Understanding the genetics of hair curl is important for more than just staving off bad hair days. Several serious diseases include misformed hair as a symptom, often in addition to other malformations of the face and skin. Understanding how normal hairs develop may give scientists clues about these diseases and how they might be best treated.”