Free Carbon Neutral Shipping On Orders $75+, Plus 4 Free Samples!

Buy Now and Pay Later in interest-free installments with Klarna!

Connect with us and get FREE Shipping. Sign up!



Why Your Hair Texture Changes and What To Do About It



If you’ve noticed changes in your hair recently, it’s not just your imagination. Lots of things can change the texture of your strands through the years. Over time, it’s possible for your hair to become more curly, straight, thin, or coarse. If you’re dealing with hair texture changes, we’ve got everything you need to know, including how to deal with your new texture. Read ahead for the causes and solutions for combating the problem.


Why Your Hair Texture Changes and What To Do About It

Your genes play a major role in determining the shape of your hair follicles, but other things affect how your hair will grow. Hair strands are made up of a protein called keratin. Keratin is made up of amino acids. Depending on how these amino acids bond, the bonds increase the chance that the hair will bend. If a hair follicle is thick and round, amino acids called cysteines are less likely to gather close enough to form tight bonds, so the strand is more likely to be straight. Besides genetics, there are several other factors that can contribute to why the texture of your hair can change.


The following can cause changes in your hair texture...


Androgenic Alopecia

One of the most common reasons for texture change is androgenic alopecia, or pattern hair loss. Androgenic alopecia occurs when hair follicles on the scalp are genetically predisposed to be overly sensitive to normal levels of androgens (male hormones). This causes hair follicles to become smaller, and for hair to gradually become finer and shorter with each passing hair growth. This leads to an overall reduction in hair volume. If you suffer from alopecia, switching out your regular shampoo with a shampoo for hair loss can help.


Hormonal Changes

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. When estrogen levels rise during pregnancy, hair can become shinier, and more manageable. This occurs because the hair follicle gets slightly sturdier, and less prone to frizzing. Many women experience their best hair texture during pregnancy. On the other hand, menopause causes androgen hormone levels to increase, while estrogen levels drop in response. This results in thinning hair. Adding a biotin supplement to your diet and a thickening tonic to your hair care routine can help you combat the hair texture changes associated with menopause.


Aging

Just like you don’t have the same skin or muscle tone in your 20s or 30s as in your 50s and 60s, the same goes for your hair. Over time, your hair follicles experience wear and tear, resulting in slower hair growth. Loss of hair pigments leads to graying of hair, and this increases with age. Hair aging can also affect the health of follicles causing hair to fall out, and grow back as coarse hair. If you have mature hair, make sure you’re using an anti-aging shampoo and conditioner. Add an intense moisture boost weekly with an antioxidant-infused hair butter mask. For more on masking, see our previous post on hair masks.


Baderbeauty bob haircut Davines


Stress

Stress isn’t good for your body, and for the same reason, it’s not good for your hair. The type and amount of hormones present in your body when you are under stress can create changes to the texture of your hair. Stress can cause a person who normally has very thick hair to have significantly less. If you’re stressed out (and who isn’t in the days of coronavirus?) and you’ve noticed that your hair seems thinner, or is even falling out, revamp your hair care routine to include hair loss products. Using a multipurpose hair oil that can also be used for a facial massage can be a great act of self-care when you're stressed. Try this quick facial massage on yourself and try some stress management activities

  • Move your fingers in a zig-zag motion across the forehead
  • Lift your brows
  • Pinch the lower part of your face
  • Sweep down the neck


Heat Styling

Excessive heat styling can make the texture of your hair feel dryer and become more fragile. Hot styling tools like blow dryers and flat irons add a pulling tension combined with the heat that’s incredibly harsh on your strands. And heat that is too hot can burn the hair causing it to blister and form bubbles on the hair shaft. This makes the hair coarse and promotes breakage. Wendy Fox-Warfield, Owner of Davines Concept Salon Parlor Hair Studio in Montclair, NJ says “The maximum heat of your hot tools depends on your hair texture, how much curl or straightening you want and how processed your hair is. For coarser hair, 380-400 degrees is ideal. For finer, more fragile hair, stay between 350-380 degrees.” Always, ALWAYS use a hair primer before heat styling.


Baderbeauty bob haircut Davines


Poor Diet

Because your hair is primarily composed of protein, not eating enough protein can cause the texture of your hair to become weak and brittle. Keep your hair strong and healthy by loading up on lean proteins like beans and poultry. Fatty acids are also crucial to maintaining the texture of your hair, so make sure your diet also consists of things like nuts, seeds, and fish. And supplement your diet with vitamin C, which your body needs in order to create the protein known as collagen, an important part of your hair structure.


Chemical Treatments

Chemical treatments, like bleach, weaken your hair bonds, leading to a drier texture and chemical damage. Chemically damaged hair looks dry and brittle, with little to no shine. Jen Plaia, Color Specialist and Co-Owner of Davines Concept Salon Ladybird Society in Austin, TX says “Pushing the hair with chemicals/lighteners will take all of the guts and glory out of your hair, leaving limp strands with holes in the cuticle layer. Your hair will become unmanageable, dull, and dry.” If you’re experiencing a change in hair texture due to chemical damage, Jen recommends washing less often and using a nourishing shampoo when you do. “Follow up with a vegan conditioner, and once a week swap the conditioner with a hair repair mask to replace your hair’s missing proteins,” says Jen. For more on treating thirsty, chemically-damaged strands, see our previous post How to Moisturize Your Hair.


Medical Conditions and Illness

Sudden hair changes in texture could signal a more serious condition. Anemia and insufficient vitamin D levels can bring on thinning hair. A thyroid disease can also result in a sudden change in the texture of your hair. If you're experiencing a sudden and unexpected hair change, it’s advisable to consult a doctor as soon as possible.


Final thoughts on why your hair texture changes

Dana Sova, founder and stylist at Alchemy & Reverie Salon, knows that there are many different factors that can affect your hair. "Stress, diet, aging, minerals in your water, seasons changing, hot tools and chemical services…the list can go on! It’s important to talk with your stylist to help narrow down the factors you can control to bring your hair back to its best self. Between lifestyle changes and treatments from Naturaltech targeted towards your specific hair and scalp challenges, you can approach the solutions from every angle. When you link arms with a stylist who has the proper knowledge and experience, you can work together to breathe life back into your hair. Just like you, we want the very best for your hair so we can continue to create the very best finished results."


by Jaclyn LaBadia, featured contributor

cover photo by @karlibobarley

How to straighten your hair without heat
Heat styling can wreak havoc on your hair. So how do you get your strands sleek? We’ve got the best...
Is lemon juice good for your hair
Looking for a bleach-free alternative to lighten your strands? You’re in luck because we’re telling you how to lighten your...
Titanium vs ceramic flat iron: Which is Better for your Hair?
We’re breaking down the differences between titanium vs ceramic flat irons and telling you which is better for your hair-...

11 Comments

11 Responses

Teresa
Teresa

October 02, 2023

My hair all over my head has been coming out , I’m 67 years old my hair has become so thin and ugly , I would love to have this shedding stop any advice would be wonderful. It stayed about a month ago globs of hair in the drain .

hauwwh
hauwwh

October 02, 2023

i am 18 yrs old now and i had fine hair most of my childhood but since the last few years(3-4),i’ve suffered through major hair loss and my hair is becoming coarse and breaking at the top of my head

Tabitha Glass
Tabitha Glass

May 02, 2023

I started noticing changes in my hair volume, texture etc.but still very think in most areas ❤️ lucky .e lol I feel I have at least that much to work. I never really had to work at that hard to get it to do what I want it to no matter how much I stand in front of the mirror 🥰 limp lifeless hair but still have lots of it if I could just get it’s natural Groove going on its own again lol plz help! ☆☆ I have never had this problem in the past that I I am

Dene vlach
Dene vlach

May 02, 2023

I’ve always had very fine, thin hair that doesn’t seem to grow much past my shoulders ( except my bangs grow very fast.) I’ve been coloring with a Hi-lift natural blond for probably 20 years. Now a days I’m constantly looking like I stuck my finger in a light socket. Yet anything I use on it makes it look oily. I occasionally straighten it with a flat iron with no product for that same reason. Any recommendations would be appreciated. FYI I’m 49 years old female living on northern Cali. Coast. Don’t swim much in the ocean but I love the lake…thanks for your time…

Stella Dunn
Stella Dunn

February 22, 2023

I am 71 year old women I developed frontline Alopecia about 5 years ago my hair has receded a fair amount at the front and sides and also the texture has become very coarse I cannot go to hairdresser any more as I feel to self conscious.I am going to be going through a divorce soon which is very traumatic to me . My hair was never very thick and could not grow it long but it used to have a straight bob with highlights I really miss it and feel a mess. Have you got any advise

Adriane F McCann
Adriane F McCann

April 18, 2022

I have an autoimmune disease (MS)and caught COVID. My hair thinned and some hair loss (alopecia areata). It has grown back a coarse texture. It is very wiry. What can I do?

Coleen
Coleen

April 11, 2022

I recently used a mask called K18 and have noticed texture change as used to have beautiful waves. Please advise.

Sherry
Sherry

May 04, 2021

I am experiencing change of my hair texture and I have started taking blood pressure medication since January 2021. Can this med cause the change in my hair? I have no hair loss; my hair grows fast. My hairdresser mentioned the change she has seen and I can feel my hair is not as straight as it used to be; it is very curly and thick

Kathleen S Riley
Kathleen S Riley

April 24, 2021

A dermatologist is the doctor to see.

JoAnn Kohler
JoAnn Kohler

March 25, 2021

Pretty much am aware of all things you mentioned. What I don’t know is what type of doctor could help with the hormone or DHT driven hair loss? Not a GP or Endocrinologist.

Saloni Tandi
Saloni Tandi

July 31, 2020

very nice article, check my blog too Women’s Blog

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.

Subscribe