Why is My Hair Curly?


graphic of four different curl patterns and their variations
by Chief Educator Claire

All hair textures are biologically the same but differ in fibre shape and the follicle. Curly hair is born deep in the scalp, growing from an oval-shaped follicle, taking on its winding shape due to irregularly distributed keratin, the building blocks of hair.

Curly hair is due to several factors, the first being genetics; your genes determine the shape of the follicle; if one or more of your parents has curly hair, you hve them to thank for yours!

In addition to genetics, as mentioned previously, the hair follicle and the distribution of Keratin (the building blocks of your hair) also affect the shape of the hair and, in turn, how wavy or curly it can be.

The above are the main reasons our hair is the way it is. However, hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can physically change follicles' shape and curl pattern.

Curly hair follicles are oval, whereas straight hair has a round follicle. Straight hair follicles grow vertically; curved follicles lead to hair that curls as it grows. This twisting feature of curly hair makes it more difficult for it's natural oils (sebum) to travel down the hair shaft which can result in drier curls

The physical structure of curly hair is also different from that of straight hair. The cortex (the inner layer of the hair) is made up of many strands twisted together like knitting wool. In straight hair, the cortex runs evenly throughout the hair shaft, whereas curly hair has two different types: an inner and outer side curve! This brings different parts of the hair strand closer together, allowing more bonds to form and making the hair denser.

Using the right curl products and understanding why your hair is the way it is can empower you to take better care of your curls, ensuring they remain healthy and look their best.

Love Claire x
To learn more about our Chief Educator click here