University of Warwick physicists study the curliness of hair

University of Warwick physicists are trying to understand the curliness of human hair and are developing a mathematical theory to explain a ponytail’s shape.

Professor Robin Ball from the University of Warwick, and colleagues, have been working with the University of Cambridge on the properties of hair which they think could change the textile industry, computer animation and hair products.

“It’s a remarkably simple equation,” said Professor Goldstein. “We aim to find simplicity out of complexity.

“We imagine at least half the population has direct experience with the properties of ponytails, and we all have likely wondered about the fluffiness of hair.”

Useful, eh?