Of course, no two heads of hair are the same, even if both persons have the same ethnicity. However, we have three main classifications of hair type based on ethnicity/race. These are Afro hair, Caucasian hair (also known as European hair), and Asian hair.
We do have minor regional differences in these hair types, but the three classifications exist and are globally accepted because of the defined similarities among each ethnic group's hair type.
A little lesson in hair structure here; Each hair strand has three layers; the cuticle, the cortex, and the medulla. Keratin, a protein is the hair's main component. The shape of the hair follicle determines the shape of the hair that grows out of it.
Afro hair
Afro hair basically grows in a spiral-like manner from an oval hair follicle.
Asian hair
Asian hair typically grows bone straight from a round hair follicle.
Caucasian hair
Caucasian hair can be anything between Afro hair and Asian hair. It is not as spirally as Afro hair and not as bone straight as Asian hair. Caucasian hair follicles vary.
Hair growth rates
There is a distinct difference in hair growth rates when it comes to ethnicity. Afro hair is the slowest-growing hair, with a growth rate of about 0.9cm a month. Caucasian hair grows at approximately 1.2cm rate per month, and has the greatest density of all three hair types. Asian hair grows the fastest, with a growth rate of 1.3cm per month.
Love the hair you were born with
We do not get to choose our race or the kind of hair that grows out of our scalps. We, however, get to choose to either love the hair we have and take good care of it or not.
So, go ahead! Love your hair, whether it is straight, wavy or curly. Treat it well and nourish it as you should. In return, you‘lol get a full head of well-nourished, healthy hair. That should be our goal; every one of us.