Hair texture changes throughout life, and it's common for curl patterns to alter from childhood to adulthood. This isn't unusual and can be attributed to several factors.
Reasons for Changing Hair Texture
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Genetics: Curl pattern is genetically determined, much like eye color or height. However, genetics alone don't fully explain all the changes. The expression of those genes can be influenced by other factors. (Genetics, Jan 22, 2024)
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Hair Follicle Maturity: A baby's hair follicles are immature. As we age, the structure of the hair follicle changes, impacting hair shape and texture. (Quora, Sep 2, 2019) This is a key reason for changes in curl patterns.
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Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during puberty and beyond can significantly affect hair growth and texture. (Beautycon, Jan 22, 2024; Quora, Jan 27, 2019)
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Environmental Factors: Changes in environment, such as humidity, water hardness (Reddit, Apr 5, 2024), and even the use of certain hair products can alter hair's appearance.
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Hair Care Practices: Frequent heat styling, harsh chemical treatments, and tight hairstyles can all damage hair, leading to changes in texture. (Note: This answer does not include specific advice on hair care.)
Other Contributing Factors
It's important to remember that hair changes are often gradual. What may seem like a sudden shift could be a cumulative effect of these factors over time. The degree of change can vary greatly depending on individual genetics and life experiences. For example, while some experience a significant straightening of their curls, others might simply see a shift from tight curls to looser waves.
A change in curl pattern does not always indicate a problem. Most often, it's a normal part of development and aging.
