Why Is My Curly Hair Becoming Wavy | 8 Shocking Reasons For Change In Hair Texture

Read this article to know “why is my curly hair becoming wavy” and learn what you can do to prevent this change in hair texture. 

In my tenure as a hairstylist, especially one who specializes in curly hair, I have seen several clients wonder at how their super curly hair lose their definition and turn wavy or even straight. But this is very common!

According to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology vol. 48,6 Suppl (2003), the hair follicle is a “self-renewing organ” in itself and the “the shape of the hair shaft is intrinsically programmed from the bulb”. 

So change in hormones and other causes affecting the follicle (infection, damage, etc.) can change the hair shape. 

Here are some common reasons that cause curly hair to become wavy:

• Excessive Product Buildup
• Depression and Stress
• Hormonal Imbalance
• Lack of Protein In Hair
• Growth in Hair Length
• Not Trimming Hair Regularly
• Heavy Hair Styling Products
• Heat Damage and Color Damage

Why Is My Curly Hair Becoming Wavy

Excessive Product Buildup

One possible reason why your curly hair is becoming wavy is excessive product buildup. When you frequently use styling products like gels, mousses, and creams, they can accumulate over time, weighing down your curls and causing them to lose definition.

To address this issue, here are some steps you can take:

1. Clarify regularly: Use a clarifying shampoo once a month to remove product residue and restore your hair’s natural bounce.
2. Avoid heavy products: Opt for lightweight, water-based products that won’t weigh down your curls.
3. Use a gentle cleanser: Regularly cleanse your scalp to remove dirt, excess oil, and product buildup.

To prevent future buildup, follow a proper hair care routine and ensure you thoroughly rinse out products after use. Remember, maintaining a balance between moisture and styling products is key to keeping your curls defined and bouncy.

Depression and Stress

Both depression and stress can have an impact on the texture of your curly hair, causing it to become wavy. Here’s why:

1. Hormonal changes: Depression and stress can disrupt hormone levels in your body, affecting the production of keratin, the protein responsible for hair texture.
2. Nutritional deficiencies: When you’re feeling down or stressed, you may not eat a balanced diet, resulting in inadequate nutrient intake. This can weaken your hair follicles and lead to changes in curl pattern.
3. Decreased hair care: When you’re in a state of depression or stress, you might neglect your hair care routine. Lack of proper cleansing, conditioning, and styling can contribute to changes in your hair’s appearance.
4. Physical tension: Stress and anxiety can cause you to tense up, leading to tight scalp muscles. This tension can affect blood circulation to the hair follicles and alter your curl pattern.

If you’re noticing changes in your curly hair, addressing the underlying depression or stress is key. Speak to a healthcare professional or therapist for support and consider implementing self-care practices to manage your emotional well-being.

Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalance can contribute to changes in hair texture, causing curly hair to become wavy. Fluctuations in hormone levels affect the shape and size of hair follicles, ultimately impacting the curl pattern. Here are some factors that can lead to hormonal imbalance:

1. Puberty: Hormonal changes during puberty can alter hair texture.
2. Pregnancy: Fluctuating hormone levels during pregnancy can temporarily affect curl pattern.
3. Menopause: As estrogen levels decline, hair may become less curly and more prone to frizz.

Additionally, certain medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hypothyroidism can disrupt hormone levels, impacting hair texture. Consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended to address any potential hormonal imbalances. By identifying and managing the underlying cause, you can potentially restore your curly hair.

Lack of Protein In Hair

Protein plays a crucial role in maintaining the shape and structure of curly hair. When there is a lack of protein, curly hair can become wavy due to weakened hair strands. Here are some reasons why your hair may be lacking protein:

1. Inadequate diet: Not consuming enough protein-rich foods can impact hair health.
2. Chemical treatments: Frequent use of harsh chemicals like relaxers or dyes can strip the hair of its natural proteins.
3. Overstyling: Excessive heat styling or using heat tools without heat protectants can cause protein loss.
4. Improper hair care routine: Using harsh shampoos, over-washing, or not conditioning enough can lead to protein depletion.

So incorporating protein-rich foods into your diet, using protein treatments or masks, and following a gentle hair care routine. Regular trims can also help eliminate damaged, protein-depleted ends, promoting hair health and restoring your curls.

Growth in Hair Length

Another reason why your hair shape changes is the growth in hair length. As your hair gets longer, it naturally becomes heavier, causing the curls to stretch out and appear looser.

1. Trimming regularly: Regular trims can prevent split ends, which can make your curly hair look frizzy and less defined.
2. Moisturizing routine: Maintaining moisture is essential for your hair’s health. Use deep conditioning treatments and leave-in conditioners to keep your curls hydrated.
3. Avoiding heat styling: Heat can damage your curls, leading to a looser curl pattern. Minimize heat styling and consider air-drying or using diffusers.
4. Using appropriate styling products: Experiment with different curl-enhancing products, such as gels or creams, to define and enhance your natural curls.

By following these tips, you can help maintain and enhance your curly hair’s natural texture as it grows longer.

Not Trimming Hair Regularly

If you’ve noticed that your curly hair is becoming wavy, one possible reason is not trimming it regularly. Regular trims help maintain the shape and health of your curls. Here’s why:

1. Split Ends: Without regular trims, split ends can form, causing the hair to appear frizzy and lose its curl pattern.
2. Weighed Down: Over time, hair tends to accumulate dead ends, which can weigh it down and lead to looser waves instead of defined curls.
3. Damage Prevention: Trimming prevents potential damage from traveling up the hair shaft, preserving the integrity of your curls.

It’s recommended to trim curly hair every 8-12 weeks, depending on its length and condition. Be sure to consult a professional stylist who understands curly hair to achieve the best results.

Heavy Hair Styling Products

Using heavy hair styling products can contribute to your curly hair becoming wavy. These products are often loaded with ingredients that weigh down curls and cause them to lose their natural shape. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Product Ingredients: Avoid products containing heavy oils, silicones, and waxes.
2. Product Application: Use a light touch when applying hair products, and distribute them evenly to avoid product build-up on your curls.
3. Product Amount: Less is more! Use a minimal amount of product to avoid overloading your hair.
4. Hair Type: Curly hair varies in texture and thickness, so it’s essential to choose products specifically formulated for curly hair.

Switching to lighter, water-based products designed for curly hair can help restore your natural curl pattern and prevent your hair from becoming wavy.

Heat Damage and Color Damage

Excessive heat styling tools and chemical treatments can lead to changes in the curl pattern of your hair, causing it to become wavy. Here are the reasons why:

1. Heat Damage: Excessive use of flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers can weaken the protein structure of your hair, altering its natural curl pattern.
2. Color Damage: Chemical treatments like hair coloring and perming can also damage the hair cuticle, resulting in a change in the curl pattern. Ammonia-based hair dyes are especially harsh on curly hair.

To prevent further damage and restore your natural curl pattern:

• Avoid using heat styling tools frequently.
• Use a heat protectant before heat styling.
• Minimize chemical treatments or opt for gentler alternatives.
• Deep condition your hair regularly to maintain moisture and prevent breakage.

Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?

The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.

To sum up

In this article, I explored various factors that can contribute to curly hair becoming wavy.

Excessive product buildup, depression and stress, hormonal imbalance, lack of protein in hair, growth in hair length, irregular trimming, heavy hair styling products, and heat/color damage were identified as potential causes.

Regular cleansing and clarifying routines, managing stress levels, considering hormonal balance, providing proper nourishment with protein-rich treatments, maintaining regular trims, choosing lighter styling products, and minimizing heat and color damage can help maintain the natural curl pattern.

Also Read:

All about hair elasticity

Tips for getting Curly Hair With Straight Hair

Making Short Straight Hair Wavy For Guys