Why Does Our Hair Change Texture Over the Years? When Straight Hair Turns Wavy, and Wavy Hair Turns Frizzy

Skin & Wellness Magazine

There are women who spend years trying to straighten their hair, and others who actually dream of curls. But what happens when the hair decides to change direction on its own?

Hair that was straight for decades suddenly starts to curl at the ends. Curls that were defined become less orderly. And hair that was once soft and shiny feels dry, rough or harder to comb.

We switch shampoos, try a new mask, blame the weather, but sometimes the reason is inside our body.

Because just like the skin, hair also changes over the years.

First of all, what actually determines whether our hair is straight or curly?

The shape of the hair is determined to a large extent by our genetics and the structure of the hair follicle.

The hair follicle is the small structure in the skin from which the hair grows. Its shape, together with the way the hair cells organize during growth, affects the shape of the hair that is created.

The internal structure of the hair and the chemical bonds between the keratin proteins also affect the degree of its curl.

Therefore, two women can use exactly the same shampoo, and still one will have straight hair and the other tight curls.

But although genetics determines a lot, it does not guarantee that the texture of the hair will remain the same throughout life.

Can hormones change the shape of the hair?

Yes. Hormonal changes may affect the activity of the hair follicles, the rate of growth and the characteristics of the new hairs.

This is one of the reasons why some women notice changes in their hair during puberty, during pregnancy, after childbirth or around menopause.

During perimenopause and menopause, estrogen levels change and later drop. In some women these changes are accompanied by hair thinning, a change in the diameter of the hair and a feeling of increased dryness.

Sometimes it seems that the hair itself has become curlier, although the prominent change is actually in the thickness of the hairs, their density and the way they settle next to each other.

It is important to know that the direct connection between menopause and a change from straight hair to curly has not yet been researched enough. Therefore not every change in hair texture can be attributed to hormones.

Why does the hair become drier?

Here the sebaceous glands in the scalp enter the picture.

These glands secrete sebum, a natural oily substance that helps lubricate the scalp and the hair.

Over the years, changes may occur in the activity of the sebaceous glands, and so in some women the hair feels drier.

But there is also another simple reason: the longer the hair, the older its ends are.

They have been through more washings, brushings, sun exposure, hair-dryer heat, straightening and coloring.

All of these can damage the outer protective layer of the hair, called the cuticle.

When the cuticle is damaged, the hair loses its smoothness, tangles more easily and looks less shiny.

Sometimes we interpret this roughness as a natural change of age, when in practice part of it stems from damage that accumulated over years.

Why does hair that was straight suddenly start to curl?

This is one of the most intriguing phenomena.

There are women who discover that at age 45 or 50 small waves begin to appear in the nape or temple area, although they never had wavy hair.

In some cases the change is related to the characteristics of the new hairs growing from the follicles. In other cases, changes in density, thickness and dryness cause the hair to settle differently.

Hair length also has an effect. Long, heavy hair may look straighter because of the weight pulling it down. When it becomes shorter or thinner, the natural waves can be more prominent.

That is, it is not always a complete change in the shape of the hair. Sometimes a trait that was there before simply becomes more visible.

And what happens to curly hair?

Curls can also change.

There are women who discover that their curls are less defined, that the hair becomes puffier or that certain parts of the head behave differently.

Curly hair tends sometimes to be drier along the hair shaft, because the natural oil has difficulty spreading evenly from the root to the ends.

When heat damage, coloring and changes in the state of the hair are added to this, the curls may lose their elasticity and definition.

That is why a rich mask or a suitable conditioner can sometimes greatly improve the appearance, even if they do not change the shape of the hair growing from the follicle.

Does gray hair behave differently?

Quite a few women feel that their first white hairs are hard, thick or more unruly.

But is white hair really different from dark hair?

When the hair loses its pigment, age-related changes also occur in the follicle. In some people the gray hairs are different in thickness, texture or the way they reflect light.

However, gray hair is not necessarily thicker or rougher in everyone.

Sometimes it simply stands out more against the dark hair, and so we notice every hair that stands in a different direction.

Can coloring and straightening change the texture permanently?

Chemical treatments can change the structure of the existing hair.

Certain straightening treatments change chemical bonds inside the hair fiber, and lightening can damage its protective layer.

But the new hair growing from the scalp is not necessarily affected in the same way.

That is why after straightening we sometimes see roots with a natural texture, while the lengths of the hair remain straight.

On the other hand, significant damage to the scalp or follicles can also affect the growth of the new hair.

Can the hair be restored to the texture it once had?

It depends on the cause of the change.

If the hair feels rough because of dryness or heat damage, it is sometimes possible to significantly improve the appearance and feeling with a suitable care routine.

Conditioners, masks and ingredients that coat the hair can reduce friction, improve combing and give a smoother, shinier look.

But if the change stems from the growth characteristics of the new hairs, a care product cannot return the hair follicle to its previous state.

It is also important to remember that a hair is a fiber that is not alive after it leaves the scalp. Care products can protect it and improve its external state, but cannot heal it the way the body heals living tissue.

How should hair whose texture has changed be cared for?

I think one of the common mistakes is to keep using the same care routine for years, even when the hair already behaves differently.

If the hair has become drier, it may need a richer conditioner or reduced use of heat.

If it has become wavy or curly, sometimes it is worth changing the way of combing and drying to allow the waves to settle naturally.

And if the hair has become fine and sparse, overly heavy products may make it look flat and lacking volume.

A few simple habits can help:

• Use a shampoo that suits the state of the scalp, and not only the hair type.
• Apply conditioner mainly on the lengths of the hair and the ends.
• Reduce the use of high heat and use a heat-protection product when needed.
• Avoid aggressive brushing, especially when the hair is wet and vulnerable.
• Trim damaged ends when needed, instead of trying to fix them again and again.
• Let the new hair that grows show us what its natural texture is today.

When does a change in hair texture justify an examination?

A gradual change in hair texture is not necessarily a sign of a problem.

But if it is accompanied by significant shedding, sudden thinning, unusual fatigue, changes in weight or additional symptoms, it is worth checking whether a medical cause exists.

Disorders in thyroid function, iron deficiency and certain medical conditions can affect hair health.

Changes in the scalp as well, such as redness, pain or areas where the hair stops growing, justify professional assessment.

And to finish — maybe our hair simply asks for something else

For years we learn to know our hair.

We know which shampoo suits it, how it behaves in humidity, when it looks good and how to arrange it in the morning.

And then one day it decides to behave differently.

I think that instead of fighting every change, sometimes it is worth being curious about it.

To check whether the hair needs more moisture, less heat, a different haircut or simply a new care routine.

Because our hair, just like our skin, does not remain the same throughout life.

And sometimes the new waves that appear in our hair are not a problem to solve, but a new texture worth learning to know.

Skin & Wellness Magazine | OrOrgani

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