Others have curls and straighten them out. But for a few people, their hair actually changes shape and texture on its own — and not just because of the weather. Scientists don't know exactly why this happens, but it probably has to do with a combination of genetics, hormones and body chemistry.
Your Hormones are changing
Hormones – and their effect on our bodies – extends to every part of us, including our hair. Hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy, puberty and menopause can alter your curl pattern dramatically. Your hair follicles' shape is what determines your curl pattern and texture.
This change to your hair can be initiated by many factors such as genetics, lifestyle and stress. Your health can also impact on your hair. If you have a thyroid condition, as I do, you'll know your hormones can quickly change your hair thickness and curl pattern.
Buildup. Buildup is so common, it's one of the top causes of limp curls. Especially with people just starting to embrace their curls, since they often use heavy products, or too much product, and go months without clarifying. Heavy products, as well as silicones, waxes, and hard water all build up on the hair.
That loss of curl you're seeing could be down to broken bonds within the hair shaft. These play a big role in the shape and structure of hair strands, but when locks are over processed, bonds can change due to chemical damage.
You're not properly prepping your hair
One trick to getting your curls to last is using a product with hold before you put the iron on your hair. Whether it's a moose, a heat protectant, a hair spray, or a dry texture spray, your hair will already be prepared to hold onto the curl.
Over-shampooing is one of the biggest causes of damage to curly hair. It is because it strips away oil and moisture from the scalp, which leads to frizziness and flyaways. It may also cause a lack of elasticity in the curls due to dehydration, so they lose their bounce and springiness over time.
Hair is no longer wet
Many curly girls have super thick hair and those curls, coils, and waves are bound to take hours to completely dry and form their natural pattern. First-day hair is usually wet and forming definition while second-day hair is completely dry and can be fluffed or altered to get your desired style.
Sleeping on your hair crushes your curls, making them look flat and dull the next day. This is why you need a sleep routine to keep your curls defined even on no-shower days. How to break the habit: Before you go to bed, put your hair up in a pineapple or a loose ponytail on top of your head.
Less than 20% of the world's population is born with naturally curly hair, so in terms of pure numbers, it's fairly rare.
Individuals of African ancestry, for example, are more likely to have curly hair due to the oval shape of their hair follicles. Additionally, the Keratin Associated Protein (KAP) cluster genes, responsible for the structure of keratin fibers, have been found to have variations in many African populations.
To invigorate your curls, water is your BFF. 'Use a water spray and spritz the hair. Then, reapply your leave-in conditioner, gels or serums to reactivate the curls,' says Sultan.
Luckily, it is possible to get your curl back - but it will take some time and effort. First, you'll need to deep condition your hair to restore moisture levels. Next, cut off any damaged or split ends. Once your hair is healthy and strong, gradually start introducing heat-free styles, such as braids and bantu knots.
Your Fifties
Throughout menopause, your hair's texture changes. It often happens around the age of 51 and might be the reason why your hair will change from curly to straight.
It depends on your curl type. Loose and classic curls can lather up two to four times a week. Coily curl types can co-wash weekly, and deep cleanse with shampoo once a month. Tight curls fall somewhere in between - shampoo or co-wash every few days to a week.
"If there is too much weight in the hair, it won't hold a curl. Personalizing techniques such as 'twist cutting' can keep the integrity of your curl but release a lot of the weight and literally spring life back into your strands," says Philip Downing, TIGI creative & education director.
Here are some tips for getting your curls to stay throughout the night so you can wake up in the morning with a head full of bouncy curls. Use a scrunchie: If you have long hair, use a scrunchie to loosely secure your hair to the top of your head. This will prevent you from sleeping on your curls and flattening them.
Yes, you can use hair mousse for curls on dry hair. Mousse is a styling product that provides hold and volume, making it ideal for styling wet and dry hair. It's also beneficial for curly hair because it gives curls more definition without weighing them down or making them stiffer than usual.
Simply tie up your curls into a loose ponytail to the top of your head and you're good to go! This idea behind this is that your hair will come into less contact with your pillow, preventing unnecessary friction and maintain your curls.