Change In Hair Pattern
by Rebecca Raj
Then--good shot of the curls, was almost never that shiny.
The reason I'm writing is because I've noticed a definite change in my hair pattern in the last couple of years, and I'm hoping (a little desperately) that it can be fixed. I'll include descriptions and pics of my hair as well as treatment and care history. My hair used to be poofy, thick, snarly, and full of ringlets and naturally tight curls (first pic). Now, my hair is much oilier, softer, has looser curls, and feels significantly flatter (second pic). I change up my shampoos & conditioners every once in a while, but for a while now I've been using Herbal Essences conditioner and generic Head & Shoulders shampoo. Growing up, I used whatever my parents would buy (TreSemme or Suave), and for a while I used Matrix Curl Life (LOVE it). I've dyed my hair several times and used irons. I got highlights for the first time when I was 17 and between then and now (I'm 21), I've dyed my hair about 4-6 times. The first time was meant to be an auburn color, but because of my natural cherry highlights, my hair turned copper-colored. All the other times were I dyed my hair black. The last time I dyed my hair was well over a year ago, as I have wanted my natural hair color back and didn't want to kill my curls. As far as irons, I used to flat iron my hair on a regular basis (4-8 times a month?), but again, stopped doing that over a year ago. I now almost never straighten my hair. However, I do curl it on a regular basis, but it's still pretty seldom (4 times per month? sometimes less). PLEASE tell me this is just the result of a haircut (even if this has been over so many months)? I've been noticing the hair change for several months now, not sure how long or when I first realized. I know that I stopped having bangs and started growing layers when I was about 16, and I've gotten different kinds of layers since then. I hated how curly my hair was when I was younger (when I was 10 or 12 yrs old), but I've grown to love and cherish it, and now it's no longer that way! I'm very upset and have been hoping it would revert to how it was. I hope this has enough info but isn't too long. Thank-you for any input you can give! ************* The changes you're going through with your hair pattern are quite common. Its mostly attributed to aging, genetics, and hormones and has little to do with haircuts, straightening your hair, coloring your hair, or curling your hair. As you age, your hair changes, just as your body does. Look at pictures of your mom or dad's hair when they were young, then look at their hair now. Its changed hasn't it? There's no real way to get your old hair pattern back unfortunately. You might try curling shampoos as they do work well for some people. Also, volumizing shampoos might be good to try. Curly hair often feels thicker than straight hair, so it may well be, that you simply thought you used to have more hair than you do now because you've lost a lot of the curl. Occasionally, you also need to clarify your hair to get rid of product build up if you're using products (gels, mousse) to help hold your curls when you do curl it. Product build up can make your hair look greasy and dirty, even when its not. You can use clarifying shampoos occasionally or do a clarifying rinse. Clarifying Rinse Mix one part apple cider vinegar with 4 parts water. Use as a rinse after shampooing. If you have long hair, be sure to condition your hair well or you won't be able to comb it out afterward.
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