Problem: Lack of protein Keratin is the primary structural protein in hair, and it plays a critical role in maintaining healthy hair. A lack of proteins can lead to limp curls as weak and damaged hair strands will not be able to hold their shape or spring.
Over-shampooing is one of the biggest causes of damage to curly hair. It is because it strips away oil and moisture from the scalp, which leads to frizziness and flyaways. It may also cause a lack of elasticity in the curls due to dehydration, so they lose their bounce and springiness over time.
So what happens to your curls when you straighten them that makes them not bounce back? When your curls aren't protected and heat is applied, the structural proteins within each strand are damaged. “This repeated damage essentially breaks down the strand,” says Wilson. Once the damage is done, there's no coming back.
It's highly possible your hair doesn't curl in the back just because the cuticles aren't naturally as tightly coiled as they on the rest of your head. Certainly heat damage from hot water washing, heat drying ,and hot iron styling may eventually impact natural curl patterns or profiles.
Buildup. Buildup is so common, it's one of the top causes of limp curls. Especially with people just starting to embrace their curls, since they often use heavy products, or too much product, and go months without clarifying. Heavy products, as well as silicones, waxes, and hard water all build up on the hair.
You're not using the right hair tool or heat setting
Your styling tool is the first place to look when determining why your hair won't hold a curl. Using a curling iron that is too large for your desired curls will make looser curls that tend to deflate quickly.
Curl training will help to restore the memory of the curl of the hair. With time, the hair will bounce back naturally. With repeated training, you can get back to the curls you were born with before the damage.
To invigorate your curls, water is your BFF. 'Use a water spray and spritz the hair. Then, reapply your leave-in conditioner, gels or serums to reactivate the curls,' says Sultan.
How long does it take to get your natural curls back? Everyone's hair is different, so while it may take your friend just a few weeks to see their curls return to their former glory, you may have to wait a couple of months. The quickest way to see results is to cut off your damaged strands.
As it grows in length, the weight of your hair starts to pull down and stretch out your curls, making them look looser. The less weight you have on your ends, the springier your curls will look.
Hormonal changes like pregnancy, puberty or menopause can cause your curl pattern to change drastically. The shape of your hair follicles defines your curl pattern and texture, so when your body goes through a major hormonal overhaul, it can also change the shape of your follicles, thus changing your curl pattern.
Genes- Curls are hereditary and curly hair is a dominant trait. If your parents have curly hair (even if one parent does), you'll end up with either curly or wavy hair. Follicle Shape- The shape of your hair follicle largely determines your curl.
Healthy curls are soft and vibrant. While all curls experience some shedding from time to time, excessive breakage can mean that your hair is experiencing weakened protein bonds alongside frizz and split ends. You might also notice an aggravated scalp.
Like everything in life, success takes time. Commit to a minimum of six months being consistent on your curly journey, and I promise you will be shocked at how much your hair is capable of.
You aren't holding the curls in place
Curls aren't set until they cool, so while they're still hot, pin them to your head. You can use bobby pins or clips. If you really need them to stay, spray your hair while they're setting!
Yes, you can use hair mousse for curls on dry hair. Mousse is a styling product that provides hold and volume, making it ideal for styling wet and dry hair. It's also beneficial for curly hair because it gives curls more definition without weighing them down or making them stiffer than usual.
Common mistakes include using too much heat, using the wrong-sized barrel, and curling in the wrong direction. Make sure to start by using a heat protectant on your hair. Using hairspray throughout the process will help your curls last longer.
Just like the wrong temperature can keep your curls from holding their shape, the wrong barrel size can affect them too. With fine, thin hair, thick curling irons tend to create curls that fall flat not long after styling. To troubleshoot this problem, switch to a model with a smaller barrel (around 1-inch thick).
Damage – Heat damage and damage from hair colouring can drastically loosen your curls. Though some deep conditioning and protein treatments can help it a bit, nothing is going to give you back your old curls like growing out the damage and cutting it off little by little.