The Selkirk Rex's curly hair is due to the spiral arrangement of its internal keratin layer, resulting in a high degree of curl and good elasticity; straight hair refers to the hair's natural straightness, with neat, smooth, and straight fur.

The Selkirk Rex has coarser, stiffer hair due to the orderly arrangement of its internal keratin layers, resulting in less elasticity. In contrast, the straight hair has a spiral arrangement of keratin layers, leading to greater curl and better elasticity.