Crystal Porter, Ph.D.

Dr. Crystal Porter is a hair scientist and has studied hair of people from all over the world. She spent the majority of her career at L’Oreal, USA where she managed the Physics Laboratory and Consumer Insights teams to study the biophysical characteristics of hair and pigmented skin within different ethnic groups and to understand behaviors that are related to consumers’ experiences. During the past ten years, she has shared knowledge that she obtains about ethnic hair to fellow scientists and the public at national and international venues.

She has also contributed to L’Oreal’s global classification of curl in hair and has authored numerous papers, presentations and book chapters on hair straightening and ethnic hair. Her research on hair from people of African descent has been quoted in leading reference materials within the areas of dermatology and cosmetic science.