The more you get into the nuances of curly hair, the more questions you’re likely to have. For example, what exactly determines the curl aspect of your hair? Can your hair type be changed or does it transform over time? Once you’re happy with your curl regime you might wonder if you can stick to the same routine or need to tweak it with factors such as time and age. To understand these and more, keep reading. We’re here to unlock a few mysteries of the coveted curly hair type and delve into how it might transform over time. 

Let’s begin with the most commonly asked question by seasoned Curlies:

Can curly hair types change with age?

The short answer to this is – Yes. The longer answer has something to do with hormones. The natural hormonal secretions that occur internally have an impact on the curl type of your hair. Curls can sometimes loosen, change pattern or shape due to hormonal conditions that fluctuate with age. Any big hormonal changes such as puberty, menopause and even pregnancy can alter natural hair. Some women see an increase in hair growth and volume during pregnancy but this might be short-lived when it comes to the postpartum stage. We say, accept the changes and glow and grow with them along with your consistent curl care routine. To avoid aging getting in the way of your dream curls, do not slack on giving your curls the TLC they need. Continue enthusing your scalp and curls with moisture to retain the bounce, no matter what the changes. Ageing hair can naturally turn grey and dry but we’re loving that the curl community is embracing these silver locks with pride. Rather than dousing and covering up your silvery strands with chemical-laden dyes, learn about the nature of grey hairs and you will be able to go natural and embrace them with ease and grace. Your curls will surely thank you for it! 

Factors influencing your Curly Hair Transformation:

Who doesn’t love a good curly hair transformation? Especially when they’re a side-by-side collage of limp curls turned into luscious bouncy and shiny ringlets. Yes, transformations can come true, but it isn’t always what it seems. What works for one may not for another and the factors that influence it include your natural curl pattern, porosity, weather conditions, water quality and more. As long as you have the basic rules of the CG Method in place – No Baddies (Sulphates, Silicones etc), No fine-toothed combs, Moisturizing and Styling well etc, you will still need to experiment with different ingredients, products and techniques to determine what works well for your hair. Another major factor is time – transformations don’t happen overnight. You will need to be consistent and patient in your routine to achieve worthy results. So, keep at it, and watch the curl pattern of your dreams come to life with time. 

Do Hormones impact Curly Hair and its texture?

As we’ve briefly covered before, they most certainly do. Hormonal changes in the body can affect and change the shape and pattern of your hair follicle. Your hair follicle can cause curly hair when it has a slight curve and forms straighter hair when the tube or follicle is straight. Hormones can also affect the texture and coarseness of your curls. The various hormonal shifts that occur in life, especially for a woman, can make it feel like your curls have a mind of their own. But rather than stress and worry about these factors that are out of your control, simply ride the wave of change. If your curls turn thicker and coarser, go for thicker and more moisturizing curl creams and products. If you feel your curls thinning or straightening out, go for lighter products and a strong hold gel to reinforce your curl pattern. Consider the external factors that are in your control and tweak them to keep your curls lively.

The role of genetics in hair type changes:

We all know that what we see in the mirror is a direct reflection of our unique genes – that is, a mixture of your parents’ genes. Hair types in particular, are determined by the genetic information passed down to you and all comes down to your DNA. If both your parents are natural curlies, you’re more likely to have curly hair other than the rare chance of curly haired parents producing a straight-haired child. In the world of genes, curly hair is a dominant gene trait while straight hair is of the recessive kind. So you’re more likely to inherit curly hair even if only one parent has curly hair. While environmental factors do come into play, genes play a much stronger role in your hair type. But that being said, curls still need a lot of care and consistency to keep them curly and bouncy over time. 

Curly hair care routines for different life stages:

There’s no limit to the amount of care you can give your curls. We advise curl care right from a young age and there’s a whole lot of information for parents on curl care for little ones. As one ages, your curl care routine will evolve and change based on factors such as accessibility to curl care products, time for routines and even your lifestyle. Some may be able to spend a substantial amount of time and resources dedicated to curl care while others may have to make do with a quick one or two step routine between rushing out the door every day. As Curlies age, we may not feel as inclined to care for and pay attention to curls as our priorities change. But whatever stage of life you’re in, a little curl care can go a long way in making you and your curls feel your best. Stick to products you trust and opt for brands that are dedicated to curl care such as our carefully crafted Curl Up Range. 

We hope your love and care for your precious curls stay stable through these transformations and you feel confident and flaunt your curls in every stage of life. Have a few tips of your own on how to embrace these curly changes? Let us know and be a part of our amazing Curl and Wave Community at customercare@letscurlup.com, +91 9945373597 or @letscurlupdotcom on Instagram!