Is your naturally straight hair turning wavy?
It’s not your imagination. And you aren’t alone. It is not a rare case either.
Hair loss and graying isn’t the only thing that happens to our hair as we age. Our hair texture can change as well.
While its cause remains uncertain, at least we know that it is possible for our hair texture to change naturally.
So if you have straight hair and you want to become one of those wavy-headed girls, this is great news for you!
How to tell if my straight hair is actually wavy
Some people’s straight hair becomes wavy as they grow old. Other women might not even have a clue that their straight hair is actually wavy since birth.
One reason for this is the excessive use of styling tools. Harsh straightening products are among the culprits too. There’s no one to blame except one’s lack of knowledge about their natural hair texture.
Having frizzy, puffy, and kinky hair might be the reason you are using a lot of harsh products on your hair. But this is actually a sign that you have a different hair texture that you aren’t embracing.
Kinks
Did you notice kinks on your head, especially when it is wet? Your hair will show its natural texture when wet. So do not brush your hair right away. Let it air dry and see how it will turn out. When you see kinks trying to get free, it is a sign that your hair is not straight.
Frizz
Taming frizzy hair isn’t easy. But instead of finding a solution for your frizzy hair, you should focus on identifying its cause. It might be beautiful waves seeking to escape.
Add moisture instead of tying your hair to hide the frizz. Keep your hair hydrated to unleash those beautiful waves that you didn’t know you always had.
CHECK OUT: Why Is My Hair Frizzy All of a Sudden
Puffs
Does your hair look puffy? It’s another sign that you are not embracing your wavy hair. Do not brush the puffiness to straighten it. Let your waves be set free instead.
Now you know what to do the next time you see kinks, puffs, and frizz on your head.
If you still aren’t sure about your hair pattern, you can do a self-test. Wash your hair and don’t apply any product. Then, let it air dry.
If it dries out with: | then your hair type is: |
no bend or curl | Type 1 hair or straight |
slight curve or “S” shape | Type 2 hair or wavy |
defined curl or loop | Type 3 or curly |
tight curls, spirals, or zig-zag patterns | Type 4 or coily |
CHECK OUT: Best way to curl fine straight hair
Why is my straight hair turning wavy
Science can’t fully explain the exact cause of straight hair suddenly turning wavy.
But there are a few things that we do know. And that basic knowledge can give us defined guesses behind the reason why hair changes in texture.
Genes
The curly hair gene is not completely dominant, unlike the recessive straight hair gene.
This means that you can have an inactive curly hair gene now without any clue. For some, it takes a major hormonal change before their curly gene unleashes; for others, it can activate in one fortunate night.
Hormones
Hormones play a prominent role in how one’s hair behaves. Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, for example, don’t only do weird things on a woman’s body. It can also change our hair texture to our great delight, or much disappointment.
Medication
There are hormonal changes that you can manage through proper medication. So if the change in your hair is something that you don’t hope for, seeking medical help is a good option.
There are medications that can affect hormones as well. So if you’re on those kinds of medications, you might need an adjustment.
When can hair change from straight to wavy
Researchers are yet to identify the reason behind the sudden change of hair texture. But it’s likely due to the unique combination of genes, hormones, and aging.
Now that you already know that hair can actually change over time, the next question is when can straight hair become naturally wavy without a stylist?
Puberty
The first major shift in our hormones is when we hit puberty. A teen hitting puberty can easily see the changes in their body by simply looking at the mirror. But for others, it’s more than just that — their hair structure changes as well.
Pregnancy
This is another time that weird things happen to the woman’s body. If you get lucky, you could be among those women who can claim that their hair looks at its best during their pregnancy.
Aging
As we age, our hair strands become finer.
With much lighter hair, gravity can’t do its wonders in pulling each strand down as it used to when your hair is still thicker. This will then turn your thick straight hair into waves or curls. Proper nutrition and a healthy diet will go a long way in preventing this from happening.
Now, what?
Can straight hair look wavy? Can you do something about it?
The answer is yes and yes.
You can either embrace it or reverse the sudden change.
Embracing your new waves
If you choose to embrace your stunning waves, keep it healthy to keep the frizz at bay. Find the right products to keep your hair strong, smooth, and healthy, regardless of its natural texture.
If possible, stay away from harsh chemicals. Coloring, perming, bleaching, and straightening products can take a toll on your hair’s health. Minimize the use of heat tools too.
Well-nourished hair, whether it’s curly, wavy, or straight, will always look stunning.
Reversing the sudden change
Beautiful beach waves aren’t for everyone. If you aren’t ready to embrace your wavy tresses, you can consult with your physician or hairdresser.
Your stylist may recommend techniques on how to make your hair look the way it was. Consult with your doctor if you are on medication to make possible adjustments.
Final Thoughts
Your hair can change from stick-straight to wild waves without warning. Hormones, medications, and genetics have something to do with the changes. This means that your hair texture can change more than once in your lifetime. How and why it actually happens remains uncertain. What you can certainly do is to make the most of the changes, when it happens.