Chapter 6 205 processed using principle component analysis and hierarchical ascendant analysis to identify homogeneous groups. A segmentation tree analysis was used to develop the rules for assigning new members to the groups. Eight distinct curl types were identified, where type I was the straightest and type VIII was the curliest (see Figure 4). There are trends that indicate that the majority of people within the subgroups of Asian and African countries have curl types that are typically more straight and curly, respectively however, there are exceptions, and the characterization of the other populations that have a wide curl distribution due to mixed heritages support the need of defining distinct curl types. These geometric hair attributes, which are based on genetics, and differences in the cultural perception of beauty influence how different people of the world, particularly women, chose to care for their hair. Grooming Practices Asian: Straight styles are very prevalent within Japanese culture. This is usually achieved with the use of a blow drier in conjunction with a hair brush. Even though the inherent conformation of hair from that region is relatively straight (types I and II), there is a desire Figure 4 Curl classification types to differentiate the degree of curl in hair.