Chapter Text
Trolls are known for a few things; their tiny stature, varying colors, various body types, but most importantly (well, second to music) their hair.
Trolls' hair is an extension of themselves. Carrying various properties such as shape shifting/stretching, camouflaging/changing colors, glowing, storage, and nesting. It holds many uses, being an essential part of being a Troll. Somewhat like an extra limb.
Of course, not all Troll hair is the same. Often Troll hair attributes can differ based on hatch genre, environmental factors, mental factors and physical health.
When it comes to hatch genre this can deeply affect the texture and structure of Troll hair. Amongst the main 6 genres there are a few noticeable differences.
Starting with the Techno trolls, their hair is flowy, yet slightly coarse with bioluminescence being one of its main characteristics. Its visual structure seems similar to a glow stick. Like all troll hair it is capable of stretching, but less capable of changing texture or shape to any significant extent. This may be due to their environment not requiring it as an evolved survival skill. If left out of water too long, the chances of it becoming brittle increases significantly, making it harder to stretch or change colors. Often out of water, their hair will begin to lay flat rather than float above them, the change in the atmosphere's gravity and density make it harder for them to control their hair when stretching it.
Secondly, Funk trolls have a ranging variety of textured hair from slightly curly to tight locs. Though their hair can be in a protective hair style and relaxed (no updo) from hatching (Or even while still in the egg) this does not affect its ability to stretch, shapeshift, change color, or change texture. (Given during the 1st Trolls movie, Cooper was able to help create the makeshift rainbow wig that Bridget wears as Lady GlitterSparkles. With there being no significant difference between him and his friends' hair within the wig.) It is rather versatile but still holds significant limitations. Such as a low storage compacity which can also affect nesting. Their hair isn't always capable of completely surrounding a trolling or egg (as constantly stretching their hair would prove exhausting). So, although very comfy, their young are still more at risk. (Such as how Queen Essence and King Quincy got their egg (Cooper) stolen by a bird.) Though, it is likely Funk Trolls don't use their hair often as they don't have to due to their technology. More likely their society has taken precautions for these limitations in the future.
Third are Classical trolls, having rather fluffy hair, like clouds made of cotton. Most of their hair is styled alike as it seems culturally, uniformity is rather important in an orchestra. Though it is capable of stretching it is rather weak due to a lack of use whether this be through years of evolution of not really needing to use it or the risk of it messing up the work they put into doing their hair. Of course, not all Classical trolls carry the same style, it's just common to have a thick curled updo. Due to their primary environment consisting of mildly different shades of Ivory, it is less likely that their hair is still capable of changing colors.
Fourth are the Country trolls. Its texture can range from lush and soft to course and scratchy. Often, their hair grows to great lengths (especially on the women). It often starts to grow as an updo, but if it manages to get too long, the weight of it can cause the back end to relax or fall. The purpose of this could range from using it for intense manual labor (wrangling/multitasking) to nesting large families. Their hair holds great strength as it can be used for heavy lifting, defense, offense, and restraining. This applies to all hair, as this genre is fully capable of controlling facial hair as well, unlike other genres who seem to grow it out for aesthetic reasons. Country Troll hair may be one of the most versatile when it comes to functioning and productivity.
Fifth are the Rock trolls "rocking" course, frizzy, wild hair, with varying volume and density. Often still having some sort of updo. Out of the main six, they may have the weakest hair of the bunch. Often seen with damaged hair or split ends, it oddly lacks many properties that other troll genres may have. While capable of stretching and gripping with their hair it can waver in strength depending on the individual. As it's a natural response for the hair to loosen during fast movements. Making it easier to move around with less restraint. Their hair has a special property of being rather heat resistant to an extent as nothing could truly burn it. Though, due to their environment, they also have no real need for their hair to change color as their environment consists of black, red and oranges. Therefore, they are often hatched with darker color hair (with the occasional white), leaving not much evolutionary need to maintain a camouflaging property. Their hair is capable of storage, but the amount ranges on the condition of the hair, this includes the effects of nesting. Which can also range from troll to troll. Given the natural response for the hair to loosen and relax due to fast movement, a rock troll would have to be more careful when carrying a trolling or egg. The evolutionary counter to this is Rock troll eggs are often denser like rocks. (Though a story or info dump for another time.)
Finally, sixth are Pop Trolls. These trolls are well recognized for having rather bright vibrant hair. That stands up with full attention. It's typically soft, though can be slightly gritty depending on the variant (such as a glitter Pop troll.) Their hair is also rather versatile as it can be used for storage, nesting, stretching, having a strong grip, change colors, be used as a weapon (Exhibit A: Branch using his hair as a whip.), and used to mimic other things (such as when Poppy's hair mimicked the flickering of fire when hiding with branch near a candle in the Bergen castle [Movie 1].). One of its most prominent uses for Pop Trolls is climbing. Fostered by their environment, favoring making Pods that hang from the branches of trees. Being one of the few main genres that are constantly using their hair.
Many different properties and limitations regarding troll hair also vary amongst sub genres, but that is to further be explored.
Amongst all Troll societies, their hair is still a rather sacred thing. It is where they grow and nest their young. It is one of their greatest defenses. It is one of their greatest forms of expression, even when unintentional. It is the most vulnerable part of themself. So, something so sacred must come with a few social rules.
Troll's hair is to never be touched by an "outsider". By outsider, it means the untrusted. The only person (regardless of species, gender, or genre) allowed to touch a Troll's hair is a loved one. This can be a close sibling, parent, parental figure, child, close friend, In-Laws (if on good terms or given permission), and lovers. A troll's hair is their main defense and at the same time one of the most vulnerable and sensitive (get your head out of the gutter) parts of their body. Holding all their valuables or necessities, like a pocket of privacy. It would be just wrong to invade it.
Not to mention certain forms of hair touching are only appropriate for specific trolls. The act of intertwining two troll's hair together is strictly for lovers. This is one of the very few ways two trolls may come together as "one". It is both a sign of deep affection and commitment. A display that tells their partner that they trust them with every inch of themselves.
Combing one's fingers into another's hair is often used as an act of comfort. Anyone close is allowed to do this, though is significantly common between familial relationships. Typically, it is used to calm someone down or sometimes just as a form of bonding.
Hair snatching (aka taking possessions from hair) is often as a very taboo act and is only to be done with those who have complete trust in each other. There are no specific roles to be had to be qualified for this action. The trolls just have to be completely trusting in each other with their possessions or given enthusiastic permission/consent.
The brushing /styling of hair can vary. If done by another troll it must either family, a close friend, a lover, or a licensed hair stylist. A licensed hair stylist is the only non-close individual allowed to tamper with a Troll's hair. Not only is the hair sacred and personal, but there are also some physical risks involved with hair tampering. With most species, their hair consists of various dead cells. This is not the case for Trolls. Troll hair, no matter the genre, consist of living cells. This is what allows them to individually move their hair. The closer to the roots, the more sensitive the hair is. Towards the roots lie nerves. Like a dog's claw, one cut too far and it's a world full of pain. With the chances of it growing back being almost zero. Making haircuts such as tapers, fades, or mohawks rather risky and are only to be done by a professional.
Now, regarding physical and mental health, Troll hair can also be affected by these. There are a few physical conditions that can affect a Troll's. Such as Limp or perma-frizz hair. Limp hair isn't as bad as perma-frizz as the owner of said hair can still do about what the average healthy Troll could do with their hair but with significantly weaker results. The impact of this in everyday life is heavily dependent on the society and the society's dependency on hair.
Perma-frizz (permanently frizzy) on the other hand is a lot more challenging. In the younger years it can be easier to manage. Forced into a proper updo position and with multiple hair exercises/therapy, there is a chance that a trolling will have better control of their hair when they grow up. This is not guaranteed though. With it being left unmanaged a troll could quickly loose proper mobility of their hair. Storage would soon become the only proper function portion of a Troll's hair as controlled stretching would be nearly impossible, camouflage would suffer the same, and its grip would be almost nonexistent. Basically, rendering the hair relatively useless. This condition can be a result of hatching/development complications (or genetics), years of hardly any hair care or use, or significant aging. (In my head cannon world, I like to think Clay has Perma-frizz and his is genetic and later just got out of hand, while the Putt-putt Trolls show signs of it from lack of use and stress. Theirs' can be rehabilitated.)
Alopecia is also a rather heavy condition for Trolls. Since their hair consists of living cells, it is almost the equivalent to a limb rotting off. Although rare, it would cause an immense sense of abnormality in the afflicted. And once the nerve/roots are gone, there is no getting the hair back. (I think people can look amazing without hair, I just do think how horrifying it would be in a world like this.)
That is just a few physical hair-based conditions, but Troll hair can be greatly affected by a Troll's mental state as well. For example, greyness, given greyness represents depression, emptiness, and a loss of hope, it can physically affect the property of the hair as well as it had the rest of the body. On a good day (as good as it could get), the hair could do whatever anyone else's could minus camouflage. It would never be able to change colors (or glow) again until the Troll regained their true colors. Unfortunately, on a bad day (or an episode) the hair would be rendered completely useless. Given the Troll's inability to get even out of bed, it would make sense for the hair to not have any give either. At times even becoming somewhat limp.
Stress or anxiousness could greatly affect Troll hair as well. When a troll gets anxious, overwhelmed, stressed, or fearful, their hair may begin to stand on end and even begin to frizz up. Occasionally, this is alright, but constantly, this will ruin the strength of a Troll's hair. The tense feeling it is always being put through will begin to wear it out. Making it to the point where the hair can't relax and will struggle to function properly in a serious threat.