The diversity of human skin types and its appendages is a result of various stages of evolution, climate changes and migration. Studying the complexity of ethnic variations in human hair and skin is not only interesting from an anthropological point of view but certainly of interest for the dermatologist as well as for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. Ethnic difference in scalp and body hair, including eyelashes and eye brows, as well as vellus hair will be reviewed. Differences in hair shape, thickness, density, color, hair growth parameters, hair biochemistry and hair care and styling practices will be discussed