Abstract: This disclosure provides new and improved processes and methods for quantitative analysis and classification of hair phenotypes, specifically curly hair phenotypes. In an aspect, quantitative geometric measurements can be used to determine whether a hair fiber is wavy, curly, coiled, kinky, or kinky-coiled.

Abstract: A method of deforming a surface comprises exposing a composite article to a plurality of biological contractile cells, wherein the composite article comprises a substrate comprising a depression formed on a surface thereof; and a deformable layer having a first surface and an opposite, second surface, wherein the first surface of the layer is adheringly disposed on the surface of the substrate, and a portion of the layer covers the depression; and wherein the exposure is for a length of time and under conditions effective for the biological contractile cells to adhere to the second surface of the layer and deform the portion of the second layer covering the depression.