Curls are beautiful and people having curls are really blessed. But not always that curly hair people get their curls in proper shape and sometimes due to carelessness, we also lose our curls. Yes, losing curls is one of the biggest fears every curly-haired person has and I have lived with this fear.
A few years back, I saw my curls were not curling anymore and that was my biggest nightmare, as I love my curls so I decided to research it- my hair is naturally curly but won’t curl anymore, this was my first question to Google. But then, after a lot of research and seeing my own lifestyle I came to know the reason for my curls going flat.
Yes, and this was the time I decided that there might be many people like me, whose curls were becoming flat. So, here are some reasons why your curls are not curls anymore.
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Why is My Naturally Curly Hair Not Curly Anymore?
1. Extreme Product Build-Ups-
One of the most common reasons for the curls not being curly anymore is because of the extreme product build-up. Over time, hair products such as gels, creams, oils, and sprays can accumulate on your strands and scalp. The product build-up creates an invisible barrier in your hair and weighs them down.
How to Fix Curly Hair-
- Clarify your Hair-
Use a clarifying shampoo to remove product build-up from the hair. Shampoo with ingredients like apple cider vinegar helps to take care of it.
- Lightweight Products-
Opt for products specifically designed for curly hair that won’t leave heavy residues and are light in weight.
- Do not Overuse-
Use the styling products on your curls sparingly, to prevent buildup.
2. Dry and Damaged Hair-
If your curls are very dry and damaged, then it becomes difficult for the coiled structure to be formed. They lose their elasticity and curls cannot be defined properly.
Some of the causes of dry and damaged hair are-
- Exposure to harsh weather
- Lack of proper hydration in the routine
How to Restore Curly Hair-
- Deep Conditioning-
It is necessary to provide deep conditioning to your curls, to make them hydrated and moisturized. Use products with ingredients like- Shea butter, Aloe vera, and Glycerin for deep conditioning.
- Protect your Hair-
Protect your hair from a harsh environment by covering it with a hat or a scarf. Also, in the night use a satin bonnet to prevent curls from friction.
3. No Trimming or Hair cut-
This I have experienced personally, sometimes back I didn’t get time to cut my hair or even trim it, and this led to the curls not curling anymore. Therefore, skipping regular trimming can cause your curls to lose their shape.
Also, giving your curls a regular haircut helps to remove split ends and frizziness.
How to Fix Curly Hair-
- Trim Regularly:
Schedule a trim every 8–12 weeks to remove split ends and maintain the shape of your curls.
- Seek a Curly Hair Specialist:
Visit a stylist experienced in cutting curly hair for the best results.
4. Too much Heat Styling-
If your curls are exposed to too much hair styling, then it is time to keep a check on it. Tools like flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers on high heat can break down the bonds in your hair that create its curl structure.
Symptoms of Heat Damage:
- Brittle texture
- Loss of curl elasticity
- Frizzy curls
How to Restore Curly Hair-
- Limit Heat Usage-
It is good to limit heating usage on your curls. It eventually dries your hair, therefore, try to air-dry your hair as much as possible.
- Use Heat Protectants-
Always apply a heat protectant spray before using any hot tools.
- Low Heat Setting-
Still, if you want to use heating on your curls, always keep it at the lowest setting and attach a diffuser.
5. Not following the Curly Girl Method-
The curly hair person must follow CGM, this method is designed specifically for curls, to keep them soft, smooth, and defined. The method emphasizes on avoiding harsh ingredients like sulfates, silicones, and drying alcohols while focusing on hydration and gentle care.
Principles of CGM:
- Always avoid sulfates
- Skip silicones, as they cause buildup.
- Detangle curls when they are wet.
- Focus on hydration and moisturization of curls.
How to Fix Curly Hair-
It is always a good idea, to check your hair care products before buying, so that, you know what ingredients are there in the product. Check ingredient labels and then decide which product to buy.
- Be Patient-
You need to be patient for your curls to be curled again. Because it depends on the level of damage your curls have suffered in these many years.
- Adopt CGM Techniques-
First start by co-washing, then go to plopping your curls, and then scrunch your curls by applying leave-in conditioner product.
Bonus Points: How to Get My Curly Hair Back
If you love your curls, then seeing them go away is the most frustrating thing. With the above methods, and the right hair care routine you can get your curls back.
So, let’s just summarise and see some more points to get your curls back-
- Once in 15 days, use clarifying shampoo to remove product buildup from the scalp.
- Hydrate and moisturize your curls properly, by doing some deep conditioning treatment once a week.
- Minimize heat styling of your curls, as much as possible.
- Follow CGM for optimal curly hair care.
FAQs on Why Is My Hair Not Curly Anymore
1. Why did my hair just stop being curly?
There are many reasons to your question “My hair is naturally curly but won’t curl anymore” and some of them are-
- Extreme product buildup
- No trimming
- Lack of hydration
- Minimize heat damage
- Follow CGM for optimal hair care
2. Why has my curly hair turned straight?
There are many reasons for the curly hair to become straight. Some of the reasons are-
- Hormonal changes-
Maybe due to some hormonal changes in the body, your curls might have become straight. Hormonal changes can occur during puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or changes in contraceptives and this can cause your curls to become straight.
- Environmental factor-
There are many environmental factors due to which your curls can become straight like a change in water quality or a change in humidity, which can disrupt your curls.
- Aging and stress-
Aging naturally alters hormone levels, and stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle.
- Genetics-
Hair texture is genetically determined but not fixed. The genes for curly hair can remain dormant until activated by internal factors like hormones.
3. Can my hair become curly again?
Yes, your curls can become curly again if the only reason your curls became flat was due to a change in your hair care routine. So, for your curls to be curly again, you need to follow these steps-
- Use sulphate-free shampoo
- Try using a plopping method to dry your curls.
- Reduce stress and maintain a healthy diet
- Avoid using heating tools frequently
