Hair can become curlier after puberty due to hormonal changes. These hormonal shifts activate or alter the expression of genes influencing hair texture. This means that a gene responsible for curly hair, potentially dormant before puberty, can become more active, resulting in a change from straight or wavy hair to curlier hair.
Hormonal Influence on Hair Texture
Puberty brings significant hormonal fluctuations, primarily involving androgens like testosterone. These hormones impact the hair follicle's function and shape, influencing how hair grows and what texture it has. The shift in hormonal balance can trigger changes in hair texture, even making pre-existing wavy hair curlier. For some individuals, this change may be permanent. [Reference: Hormonal changes that occur around puberty and pregnancy can affect the function of genes. This can cause the curly hair gene of someone with wavy hair to become more active. This can change their hair from wavy to curly. 15-Jan-2024]
Several Reddit threads and online forum posts confirm anecdotal evidence of this phenomenon. Many individuals report a noticeable shift in their hair texture during or shortly after puberty, often moving from straight or wavy to curly. [References: Reddit posts on r/curlyhair discussing hair becoming curly after puberty.]
Examples and Insights
- Anecdotal Evidence: Numerous personal accounts detail a dramatic shift in hair texture coinciding with puberty, with hair becoming noticeably curlier or thicker.
- Gene Expression: Hormonal changes can trigger the activation or increased expression of genes associated with curlier hair types. This isn't a change in the actual genes, but how they are used by the body.
- Permanence: The change in hair texture is often permanent, meaning it will not revert to its prior state once puberty is complete. [Reference: Your curls will most likely be permanent.]
The Role of Genetics
While hormonal changes are a significant factor, the underlying genetics play a crucial role. Individuals may possess genes for curly hair that remain inactive until triggered by the hormonal fluctuations of puberty. This means that the change is not just about hormones, but the interaction between hormones and pre-existing genetic predispositions. [Reference: There are many reasons hair can get curly. Because your hair got curly around puberty its very possible that puberty triggered a dormant gene.]
Conclusion
Puberty's hormonal shifts significantly influence hair texture. The activation of genes related to curl pattern, previously dormant, and the overall change in follicle function, contributes to hair becoming curlier after puberty for some individuals. This change is often lasting.
