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Expert: - 6/14/2007


Question
Hi,
I have a very curious queston.Why does the growth of human hair(head) differs men with women? As far as I observe woman's growth of head hair is more quicker than that of a male?
Please explain the science behind this
thanks for your time

Answer
Dear Chanuka,

There is no significant difference in overall hair growth rate between the sexes in humans. There are, however, differences in the growth rate of hair across individuals of each sex.  There is more variation *within* a sex than *between* the sexes.

It may be that the people you've observed are females whose hair happens to grow faster than that of the males you know--or that the males get haircuts more often!  :)

For more hair facts:

http://www.pg.com/science/haircare/hair_twh_23.htm

Hope that helps.

Dana

Biology

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Dana Krempels, Ph.D.

Expertise

I can answer biology-related questions in the areas of evolution, zoology, botany, genetics, and ecology. But I don't answer homework questions or provide ideas for your science fair projects. So students please do your learning the right way by reading your text assignments and studying!

Experience

At the University of Miami, I teach Evolution and Biodiversity, Botany, Zoology, Genetics, Ecology, and a variety of seminars (e.g., the Biology and Evolution of Human Gender Roles).

Education/Credentials
I have a B.S. in Biology and an A.B. in English from the University of Southern California (1980). I earned my Ph.D. in Biology in the area of evolutionary biology/visual physiology from the University of Miami in 1989.

Past/Present Clients
I am currently an "expert" in both the "Rabbits" and "Wild Animals" categories.

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