Charels Nessler
Chapter IV – The Race and Its Hair (Sex Production)
Chapter IV of The Story of Hair marks a shift toward one of Charles Nessler’s most controversial ideas:
that hair—especially what he calls “sex hair”—is directly linked to human sexuality, reproduction, and instinct.
In this chapter, Nessler attempts to connect biological development, sexual maturity, and social behavior into a single framework.
From Childhood to Sexual Maturity
Nessler begins with a psychological observation:
children initially experience fear and instinctive reactions, but as they grow, these instincts become reshaped by society.
With the onset of puberty, a new force appears:
a hidden internal “messenger” (which he describes metaphorically as the Gonad).
This force gradually transforms the body.
He describes how:
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soft body hair becomes stronger
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facial hair begins to develop in males
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physical changes signal sexual maturity
Hair, in this context, is not random—it is a visible sign of internal biological activation.
Hair as Expression of Sexual Energy
A central claim in this chapter:
hair growth reflects the intensity of sexual development.
According to Nessler:
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Beard growth → indicator of male sexual maturity
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Body hair → linked to reproductive development
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Hair distribution → varies with internal biological processes
He describes puberty as a long process (often up to 15 years), during which these changes stabilize.
Once fully developed:
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hair production becomes relatively stable
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individual differences remain, but follow patterns
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Original Excerpt (1928)
“The youth discerns with swelling pride a soft down on his chin and upper lip. Deeply impressed with his new manliness he assiduously cultivates a mustache and instinctively begins to cast glances toward the other sex.”
“Hair appearance on the erogenous places is always coincidental with Gonad’s activity.”
Individual Variation in Hair Production
Nessler emphasizes that hair production differs strongly between individuals.
He describes a wide spectrum:
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minimal hair growth
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moderate development
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strong beard growth
These differences are, in his view, tied to:
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vitality
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nutrition
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internal biological conditions
He even attempts to quantify hair production, suggesting measurable variation between individuals.
Hair, Sexual Selection, and Attraction
Nessler treats hair as a form of biological signaling.
He argues that:
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male beard → sign of virility
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physical traits → indicators of reproductive readiness
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hair contributes to attraction and mate selection
He compares these traits to a form of natural signaling within human relationships.
Cultural and Social Influences on Hair
The chapter expands into how culture influences human development.
Nessler contrasts different environments:
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industrial vs rural populations
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structured vs less structured lifestyles
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different social systems
He argues that:
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living conditions influence behavior
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behavior influences biological expression
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environment affects development
He also links:
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nutrition
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physical activity
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lifestyle
to variations in hair growth.
Suppression of Instinct in Modern Society
One of his key arguments:
modern society reshapes natural instincts.
He describes:
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social norms
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moral frameworks
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changing behavioral expectations
as forces that influence how humans express themselves.
According to Nessler, these changes impact both behavior and physical development.
Hair and Civilization
Nessler connects this chapter back to his broader theory:
civilization influences human biology.
He suggests:
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modern life changes natural behavior
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physical traits reflect these changes
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development is shaped by environment and society
Hair becomes, in this context, a visible indicator of these transformations.
Conclusion of Chapter IV
Chapter IV presents one of Nessler’s most ambitious frameworks.
His key ideas:
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Hair is linked to biological development
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Physical traits reflect internal processes
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Society influences human behavior
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Environment shapes physical expression
The chapter attempts to connect biology, psychology, and society into one unified perspective.
Modern Scientific Perspective
Modern science does not support the idea that hair growth is directly linked to psychological intensity or instinct.
Instead, current understanding is based on:
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Hormones
Hair growth is regulated primarily by androgens such as testosterone and DHT. -
Genetics
Hair distribution patterns are inherited and vary naturally. -
Puberty biology
Hair development is part of normal sexual maturation controlled by endocrine processes. -
Evolutionary biology
Physical traits such as facial hair may play a role in attraction, but not in the deterministic way Nessler suggests.
Historical Context
Some of Nessler’s interpretations reflect the scientific thinking of the early 20th century.
These ideas are now considered outdated and not scientifically accurate.
What Remains Relevant
One insight still holds value:
hair plays a role in:
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identity
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attraction
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perception
Modern research confirms that:
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facial hair influences perceived masculinity
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grooming affects social signaling
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appearance impacts confidence and social interaction
Navigation
→ Chapter 5
→ Chapter 3
→ Back to Overview
→ The Permanent Wave – Invention, Method and Impact
Original Chapter (1928)
Below you find the original scanned version of Chapter IV from The Story of Hair by Charles Nessler.