News: Tips for Maintaining Curly Hair

If you have curly hair, you might be curious about how to keep your curls looking their best. Caring for thick curly hair can seem overwhelming at first. Compared to straighter hair types, curly hair is more prone to breakage and dryness. However, by learning more about your hair type and providing the right care, you can maintain healthy and shiny curls.

What Is Curly Hair?
Curly hair comes in various shapes. Although the basic structure of hair fibers is the same, several factors influence the curl shape, including ethnicity and geography. Researchers categorize curly hair based on the degree of curl, which includes:
- Straight
- Wavy
- Curly
- Extra curly

Most curly hair care guides focus on achieving twists or kinked curls, while wavy and crimped curls are less structured and easier to maintain. You can train twisted and kinked curls to become more uniform.

What Causes Curly Hair?
Keratin, a fibrous protein found in your skin and nails, makes up about 90% of your hair. The way keratin bonds to your hair shafts determines how curly your hair is, with these bonds formed through disulfide bridges that contain sulfur. The shape of your hair follicles, which grow into your scalp, influences your curl patterns. Asymmetrical follicles lead to curlier hair. Your hair's formation is determined by your DNA and remains unchanged, even with temporary treatments.

By adulthood, your hair shape generally stays consistent, although your hair follicles do undergo a renewal process with each hair cycle. Changes in curly hair can occur due to certain medications or mutations in your epidermal growth factor receptor. If you notice changes in other hair areas, like eyebrows or eyelashes, consult your doctor, as these occurrences are rare. Some limited studies suggest that environmental temperature may also affect curly hair, with curls helping to keep your head cool in warmer climates.

Curly Hair Patterns
Understanding your curly hair patterns can aid in proper care and styling. Your curl pattern is what your hair looks like when it dries naturally without heat, and it's possible to have multiple curl patterns on your head. There are four primary curly hair patterns, but factors such as follicle porosity, density, and texture also play a role.

The shape of your hair follicles affects your curl patterns. Flatter or oval-shaped follicles produce curlier hair, while circular follicles result in straighter hair. The follicles at your roots determine the degree of curl you have. Curl patterns can change due to various factors, including age, environment, health conditions, and pregnancy.