The change in your hair from curly as a baby to wavy now is primarily due to biological changes in your hair follicles and hormone levels as you grow.
Biological Changes Affecting Hair Texture
Several factors can influence your hair's texture over time:
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Changes in Hair Follicle Shape: Hair texture is determined by the shape of the hair follicle. Round follicles produce straight hair, oval follicles produce wavy hair, and flatter, more elliptical follicles produce curly or kinky hair. The shape of your follicles can change as you age, transitioning from a shape that produced curls to one that produces waves.
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Diameter of Hair: Hair tends to thicken as you move into adulthood. This change in diameter can affect the curl pattern, as heavier hair can weigh down curls. This change can make curls appear looser, resulting in waves.
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Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty, can significantly alter hair texture. These changes can affect the protein production within the hair follicle, altering the shape and subsequently, the curl pattern.
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Genetics: While you inherit genes that predispose you to certain hair types, gene expression can change over time. This means that even if you have genes for curly hair, they may not be expressed as strongly as you age.
Other Potential Contributing Factors:
- Hair Care Products and Styling: The products you use and the way you style your hair can affect its apparent texture. Heavy products can weigh down curls, making them appear wavier. Heat styling can also loosen curls over time.
- Hair Length: Longer hair tends to appear wavier than shorter hair due to the weight pulling down on the curls.
In summary, the shift from curly baby hair to wavy adult hair is a common occurrence, primarily driven by biological changes affecting hair follicle shape, diameter, and hormonal influences as you grow.
