Hair scientist Crystal Porter explains the science behind curly hair.

(Hint: It involves mushy cells in teeny-tiny tunnels.)

Plus, a bit of listener mail from you! Which you can always send by emailing shortwave@npr.org.

This episode was produced by Brit Hanson, fact-checked by Berly McCoy, and edited by Viet Le. Special thanks to Gill Westgate.

Short Wave Podcast

It’s science for everyone, using a lot of creativity and a little humor. Join host Maddie Sofia for science on a different wavelength.