Have you ever wondered what determines your curls and why they can sometimes change? The answer lies in your body, specifically your hair follicles. Here's what you need to know about how your curls are shaped, how they can evolve, and why inconsistency is entirely normal.
The Science Behind Your Curls The shape of your hair follicle is the primary factor that determines how curly or straight your hair is. A follicle is a tube-shaped opening in your scalp that surrounds each hair strand. If the follicle is perfectly circular, the hair will grow straight. If the follicle is slightly oval, the hair will be wavy. The more oval the follicle, the curlier the hair becomes.
On average, a person has over 100,000 follicles on their head, each contributing to the overall look of their hair. It would be unrealistic for every follicle to have the exact same shape. Nature thrives on variation, so it’s common to have multiple curl patterns throughout your head. Some areas may have tighter curls, while others might be looser. This is a normal and natural occurrence.
Debunking the Myth of Curl Variation and Damage In the curl community, there's a misconception that varying curl patterns mean your hair is damaged. Let’s set the record straight (pun intended): having a mix of curl patterns is not a direct sign of damage.
A great way to manage these variations is with a dry cut, where your hair is cut in its natural state. This technique allows a stylist to balance the shape by trimming looser curls more and tighter curls less, creating a cohesive look and extending the life of your haircut.
Why Your Curl Pattern Might Change The same factors that determine your curl pattern can also cause it to change over time. One major culprit? Hormones. Hormonal fluctuations can influence the shape of your follicles, making them more circular or more oval and altering your curl pattern.
Here are some common life stages and treatments that can lead to curl changes:
Puberty
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Menopause
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Birth Control
Antidepressants
Steroids
Thyroid Medication
Chemotherapy
Each of these scenarios can impact hormone production and, as a result, your hair. While the changes can be surprising, they’re a normal part of life.
What You Should Know Understanding that variations and changes in your curls are part of a natural process can help you embrace your unique hair journey. Whether you're navigating new curl patterns due to hormonal shifts or working with naturally varied textures, the key is to adapt your hair care and styling to suit your current needs.
Remember, your curls are as unique as you are. Whether they change over time or vary across your head, they’re still beautiful. The more you understand about your hair, the better you can care for it and love it just as it is.
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