Get ready for a follicle-filled adventure as CBC’s The Nature Of Things presents Hairy Tales, a captivating documentary by acclaimed filmmaker Leora Eisen. Premiering Thursday March 7 on CBC Gem and CBC TV at 9:00pmET (9:30pm NT), this entertaining and informative film takes viewers on a hair-raising journey from the salon to the lab to the circus, exploring the fascinating science behind our locks.
In Hairy Tales, hosts Anthony Morgan and Sarika Cullis-Suzuki lead viewers through common hair dilemmas that resonate with audiences worldwide. From bad hair days to genetic predispositions, the documentary sheds light on the struggles we face in our quest for perfect hair.
Anthony Morgan, facing a family history of receding hairlines, and Sarika Cullis-Suzuki, grappling with postpartum hair loss, share their personal experiences while untangling new research and old myths. With insights from doctors, geneticists, leading researchers, and even a Guinness World Record holder for the world’s strongest hair, the film showcases why the science of hair is anything but cut and dry.
Hairy Tales features notable experts such as Tina Lasisi, a biological anthropologist, who takes Morgan on a desert trek to uncover the evolutionary significance of human scalp hair. Marc Meyers, a materials scientist, challenges Anthony to a “thin hair vs. thick hair” duel, highlighting the remarkable strength of human hair.
Dr. Renée Beach, a dermatologist, delves deep into the social and scientific implications of our hair and explains why do-it-yourself hair hacks common on social media are questionable. Dr. Carolyn Goh, a hair loss expert who has been bald since age three, reveals the incredible growth process hidden in the 100,000 follicles in our scalps.
Viewers are introduced to a stem cell scientist exploring a bald new frontier as he attempts to develop a kind of “botox for baldness”. And a Canadian researcher pulls his hair out trying to determine whether stress can actually make us go gray.
In addition, Anthony and Sarika meet with family members and even a childhood barber to understand how genetics shape hair growth, texture, and color.
“I don’t know anyone who doesn’t have hair issues,” remarks dermatologist Dr. Renée Beach in the film. Our obsession with hair is universal. Hairy Tales provides answers to some of the fundamental questions at the root of our follicles’ fate.
Hairy Tales is written, directed and produced by Leora Eisen, co-directed by Chris Strikes. Director of Photography is Michael Grippo, and Editor is Ken Yan. Producer/Researcher is Jackie Carlos, and Line Producer is Diana Warmé. Produced in Association with Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and Produced with the participation of Canada Media Fund, Rogers Telefund, Funded by the Government of Canada, and Ontario Creates.
