Why Your Hair Texture is Changing
Has your hair changed a lot since you were younger?
It’s not just your imagination, lots of things can change the texture of your strands through the years.
Over time, you may notice your hair become more curly, straight, coarse, or thin. Hair changing texture is not uncommon and can be influenced by various factors.
Some reasons why curly hair might change its texture include:
Age
As we age, changes in hormone levels can lead to changes in hair texture. Some people may experience a change from a tighter curl pattern to a looser one or vice versa.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations due to pregnancy, menopause, puberty, or other health-related issues can affect the texture of curly hair.
Any increase or decrease in your body's hormones can directly influence how your body functions, including your hair growth. During times of great hormonal shifts, like pregnancy and menopause, it’s very common for changes in the texture of your hair.
Talk to your health care provider about any concerns and ask whether there's anything you can do for hair texture changes that result from altered hormone levels.
Health Conditions or Medications
Certain health conditions and medications can impact the structure of hair. For instance, chemotherapy or other treatments may affect hair texture. Always speak with your doctor before starting or stopping medical treatment and ask for advice on managing potential hair changes.
Poor Diet
Inadequate nutrition can affect hair health. A lack of essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals may lead to changes in the texture of curly hair.
Your hair is primarily composed of protein, not eating enough protein can cause the texture of your hair to become weak and brittle. Be sure to maintain a well balanced diet in order to give your hair proper nutrients for healthy curls.
Stress
Chronic stress can affect the body in numerous ways, including impacting hair health. Stress can alter the hair growth cycle and affect the texture and quality of hair.
Cortisol, the stress hormone, can disrupt the balance of other hormones in the body, including testosterone and estrogen. These hormones play a significant role in hair growth and maintenance. When their levels are altered, it can lead to hair loss.
In addition, cortisol can cause inflammation in the body, including the scalp. Inflammation can damage hair follicles and prevent them from producing new hair, leading to hair loss.
Heat and Chemical Damage
Excessive use of heat styling tools, such as flat irons and blow dryers, and chemical treatments like relaxers, perms, or coloring can alter the texture of curly hair and make it more susceptible to damage.
Overuse of Hair Products
Using the wrong or excessive amount of hair products that may not be suitable for your hair type can cause buildup and affect the texture of your hair.
If you are experiencing a change in your hair texture, it’s important to treat your hair with tender, love and care as your hair settles. Use a gentle moisturizing shampoo and a strengthening deep conditioner to replace missing proteins in the hair and build up the hair structure.
In between wash days use a moisturizing leave in conditioner to protect the hair from stressors that may be damaging your hair.
It's important to note that while some of these factors might contribute to changes in hair texture, there isn't always a way to prevent them.
Embracing and adapting to changes in hair texture is a normal part of life. Taking good care of your hair, having a healthy lifestyle, and minimizing exposure to damaging factors can help maintain the health and quality of your curly hair.
