Reader question:
Cindy, I’ve always been known for my sleek, pin-straight locks that required minimal fuss. But recently, after years of predictable behavior, my hair has thrown me a curveball — it’s taken on a life of its own, becoming frizzy with a curly texture I’ve never dealt with before. Could this sudden change be a result of my environment, or perhaps an indicator of underlying changes going on in my body?
Wendy Petulla
Eugene, Oregon
Hi Wendy, your straight hair can turn frizzy and curly for a few reasons:
- It could be from medication. If your hair has taken a sudden change in texture it could be related to a change in medicines. If you have not changed any medications another reason could be from going gray.
- Graying hair. Gray hair has a tendency to be more coarse and wiry. This could result in frizzy, curly hair that you are not used to dealing with.
- Major life change or stress. Believe it or not, stress and a traumatic experience can affect our hair and how it grows. Having a baby is a common cause for hair texture to change as well.
- Change in hormones. Another reason hair can go from straight to curly or frizzy is due to your hair texture changing over time. Our body and hormones change over time and this change can result in a change in hair texture.
Steps You Can Take To Help with Frizzy Hair
If you have unwanted frizz when you didn’t have this problem before, try changing your hair care routine.
You may want to use a shampoo and conditioner meant to deal with frizz and curls. Products that say hydration or hydrating is a good place to start. Be careful of products that contain keratin. Too much protein in your hair can lead to more frizz and even breakage.
If you are blow-drying your hair, you’ll want to use a heat-protecting spray. This will help you to smooth out your hair along with protecting your hair from the damage heat tools can cause.
Lastly, invest in a good serum or frizz-control oil, something you can add to your hair after blow drying.