The Science Behind Why Your Hair Suddenly Turned Curly

To understand how our hair texture is determined, we should perhaps first understand the structure of hair itself. Our hair contains three layers: the medulla, the cortex, and the cuticle. The medulla forms the innermost of the three layers and is made up of cells that are loosely packed together. It is the middle layer, the cortex, which is the major determinant of most of the strength and elasticity of hair. The very outermost is the cuticle, made up of overlapping scales that protect the hair from damage.

The Role of Genetics in Hair Texture

Gene composition principally controls the shape of all our hair follicles to a very great extent, and this means that some people may have straight, wavy, or even curly hair. For example, if your mom and dad have curled hair, then the obvious thing is that you will have curled hair too. However, hair texture may change with time due to other factors.

Hormonal Changes and Hair Texture

Of course, one of the primary factors in changing our hair texture has to do with hormonal changes. Hormones are the body's chemical messengers helping define various functions within it, such as growing or changing hair. One hormone visibly affecting hair texture can be cortisol, which is released into the body in times of stress. Cortisol studies show it can affect the shape of our hair follicles, turning straight hair curly.

Environmental Factors That Affect Hair Texture

Apart from hormonal changes, environmental factors may also cause texture changes in our hair. An example of this is the way humidity makes one's hair frizzy and full of curls. Exposure to dry air causes the hair to lie flat and lifeless. Other causes that may change hair texture include dietary changes, medication, and hair care.

Hair Care Practices that Can Alter Hair Texture

Other robust factors which may impact upon the texture, however, are within our control. For example, the manner of our treatment of our hair, including the use of heat styling products such as flatirons and curling wands, could serve to further damage the hair over time and result in a limp and frizzy texture. Another modification to the natural hair may be from chemical treatments, including hair coloring or perming, which permanently alter the shape of the hair follicles and result in a change of hair texture.

Medical Conditions That Can Suddenly Change Your Hair

Sudden changes in the texture of hair, in some cases, may indicate some other health problem. Some diseases, such as hypothyroidism and PCOS, have an effect on hormonal contents that can be manifested in the change of texture. Other conditions like alopecia areata and telogen effluvium make falling hair or thinning, thus affecting even the texture of other hairs.

Treatment Options for Sudden Hair Changes

If you are dealing with sudden changes in the texture of your hair and this is indeed alarming you, speak to your doctor or see a dermatologist who can find out the exact underlying cause of the change and then discuss some proper treatment options with you. Sometimes, treatment of the underlying cause may be enough to reverse your hair back to its normal texture.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Our hair texture is the result of a complex interplay between genes, hormones, and environment. While surprising, sudden changes in hair texture can be very frustrating; however, such changes are usually a normal response to things such as stress or some change in the pattern of hair care. With an understanding of how science works on hair texture, we should know how to take care of our hair so it will look after itself for health and appearance over time. If you have a sudden change in your hair texture, seek a medical opinion.

Sudden hair texture changes can be quite alarmist in nature, but more often than not, it's just a normal response against external factors such as stress, hormonal changes, or changes in your hair routine. Understanding the science behind your hair texture should give insight into the things that help maintain healthy-looking locks for the longest time possible. Always consult with a medical professional if you have concerns about sudden changes in your hair texture.

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