Dr. Crystal has contributed to L’Oréal’s global classification of curl in hair and has authored numerous scientific journals, presentations and book chapters on various topics such as hair straightening and ethnic hair. Her hair research on people of African descent has been quoted in leading reference materials within the areas of dermatology and cosmetic science.

Dr. Crystal lives in the suburbs of Chicago with her husband of over 20 years and her two girls. Over the past fourteen years, she has shared her ethnic hair expertise with fellow scientists and the public sector at global venues.

Long Bio

Crystal E. Porter, Ph.D. is a hair scientist and owner of Mane Insights, Inc, a company that conducts research to further understand the specific needs of the hair and scalp.  As a recognized contributor in the world of hair science, she also provides knowledge about hair to individuals, professionals and industry leaders. She is passionate about debunking myths and empowering others to properly care for their hair. Her patented process uses science to help professionals understand their clients’ hair so they can provide customized solutions.

Dr. Porter began her career in cosmetic science at Unilever in the year 2000. While there, she was part of a measurement science group and conducted research for aid-to-formulation. She spent the majority of her corporate career at L’Oréal, USA where she managed the Physics Laboratory and Consumer Insights teams studying the biophysical characteristics of hair and pigmented skin within different global ethnic groups and to understand behaviors that are related to consumers’ experiences. She has shared knowledge about ethnic hair with fellow scientists and the public sector at global venues. She has also contributed to L’Oréal’s global classification of curl in hair and has authored scientific journals, presentations and book chapters on various topics such as hair straightening and ethnic hair.

During her undergraduate education, Dr. Porter received her Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Chicago State University. She participated in internship programs at Argonne National Laboratory where she studied chronobiology and researched NMR shift reagents at Rochester Institute of Technology. Her doctorate degree was received in the field of Physical Polymer Chemistry from the Missouri University of Science and Technology. During her graduate studies she thermally characterized polymer thin films using modulated differential scanning calorimetry and studied the mechanical behavior of polymer composites. She also patented a skin cream and was inducted into the scientific research honor society, Sigma Xi.

Dr. Porter is a wife and mother of two daughters. She is a member of the American Chemical Society, the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Within Delta, she has served on the Educational Development Committee for the Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Chapter and served as Chair of Sciences and Everyday Experiences, an informal science education project funded by the National Science Foundation, from 2007 to 2011. Also, Dr. Porter is a member of the Fermilab Community Advisory Board.

Dr. Porter’s personal passion resides in the educating and mentoring of underrepresented youth about the opportunities in the field of science. She works with Chicago State University’s Center for STEM Education and Research to help develop research programs in hair science which expose underrepresented STEM students to research opportunities that will result in scientific breakthroughs. In addition, she actively initiates efforts within Chicagoland area schools and the general public to close the academic achievement gap that exists among Black students. As such, she is one of the founding members of P.A.T.H.S. (Parents and Administrators Together Helping Students), a parent group within Indian Prairie School District 204 whose mission is to work with school administrators to empower parents in helping their children to excel academically. Her commitment to philanthropy is further exemplified as a current supporter and past member of the Board of Directors for C.H.A.R.M, a not-for-profit outreach and mentoring organization.

She has served in the capacity of a presenter, master trainer and/or consultant for several organizations including, American Academy of Dermatology, American Association for the Advancement of Science, PowerNetworking Conference, Society of Cosmetic Chemists – Ohio Valley Chapter, Textile Research Institute, and Trichologists on a Mission.