Why is my hair strand squiggly?

Author: Prof. Bailee Lemke Jr.  |  Last update: Tuesday, August 5, 2025

The Science Behind Crinkly Hair Strands The structure of your hair strands significantly contributes to their texture. Hair that grows at an angle out of the follicle, for example, can result in a wiry or crinkly texture. Furthermore, dry or damaged hair is more prone to being crinkly.

How do you fix squiggly hair?

  1. Try Gentle Cleansing with a Co-Wash. ...
  2. Treat Deeply Damaged Curls to a Reparative Shampoo. ...
  3. Hydrate Curls with Deep Conditioners. ...
  4. Wrap Hair Up in a Microfiber Towel After Washing. ...
  5. Apply a Leave-In Treatment to Rebuild Hair Strands. ...
  6. Use Styling Products with Added Nourishment. ...
  7. Make Sure Heat Protection is Used.

Why is a strand of my hair curly?

It sometimes happens that hormonal changes can make hair follicules change shape. A change from straight to curly can be due to a rise in androgens vs estrogens, and this can be triggered by direct hormonal events, like menopause, but also by things that affect your overall hormonal balance, like stress and illness.

How do you get rid of squiggly hair?

Steps
  1. Use a cream hydrator as a styling product to lock in moisture. After shampooing and conditioning, apply a cream hydrator from the roots of your hair to the tip. ...
  2. Protect your hair from heat. Blow drying too often can damage your hair and lead to unnecessary frizz. ...
  3. Avoid products with isopropyl alcohol.

Why do some strands of hair feel wiry?

Changes in Hair Follicles: Aging can cause changes in hair follicles, leading to variations in hair texture. The follicles may produce hair that is coarser or wirier than before. Decreased Oil Production: The scalp produces less oil as we age, which can result in drier hair.

Thinning Hair? 4 Hormone Deficiencies

Why are some of my hair strands crinkly?

The medulla is the innermost layer, primarily composed of air. If the overall health and condition of these three parts are affected, this could lead to crinkly strands. Moreover, genetics, natural hair texture, and environmental factors like humidity also play a role.

Is damaged hair wiry?

Hair Looks and Feels Dry and Brittle. The first tell-tale sign of hair damage Opens in a new tab is usually that dry and brittle feeling. It's lacking in natural shine, it's permanently parched, and it's more difficult to style as a result.

What causes stringy wavy hair?

One of the most common issues we come across is stringy curls that often result from a lack of moisture in the hair. Styling techniques can also affect this.

Why has my hair randomly gone wavy?

Hair follicles in curly hair have a flatter shape, whereas straight hair follicles are round. When major hormonal changes happen, that previously sleeping gene is activated, which can cause your hair follicles to go from round to flat. Thus, a head full of waves or curls that you weren't expecting.

How often should you wash your hair?

Generally, he says, the range is somewhere between once a day and once a week. “If you have very fine or thin hair, you may need to wash more often, while those with thick or curly hair may need to wash less often,” says Dr Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a double board certified dermatologist and hair health expert.

What are Irish waves?

Irish curls or waves refer to a hair type with more than one texture. This pattern features smoother, straighter hair on the top layers and wavier or curlier hair underneath, typically from the occipital bone down.

What does damaged hair look like?

1.HAIR LOOKS AND FEELS DRY AND BRITTLE

It's lacking in shine, it's permanently parched, and it's more difficult to style as a result. Hair strands can dry out for a whole raft of reasons, whether it's because of heat damage Opens in a new tab, bleach damage Opens in a new tab, or just simple genetics.

Why are some of my hair strands bumpy?

If you feel any bumps or ridges, this indicates porosity. The hair cuticles in the outer layer of healthy hair lie flat against hair shaft, but if the hair is porous they are raised, and can be felt in this porosity strand test.

Does wavy hair mean damaged hair?

If you have curly hair, coily hair, or wavy hair you will already have drier tresses than straight hair, so it is even more important for these hair types to address early signs of damage. Dull Appearance - Dull hair could mean you're suffering with damaged locks.

Why is my hair suddenly wiry?

It can be a natural, normal hair texture or an indication of an underlying condition. Abnormal coarse hair may be associated with damage to the hair shaft, medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, aging, or a genetic condition. Some medications, such as chemotherapy, can also change hair texture.

Can straight hair suddenly become wavy?

Hormones are the main culprit responsible for such drastic hair texture changes. During puberty, menopause and pregnancy, many people will find their will go from straight to curly or vice versa over a period of months.

What hormone makes hair curly?

Fluctuating Estrogen Levels Can Bring About Changes in Your Curly Texture. Estrogen levels often fall for curl changes as estrogen is key for maintaining those helical hair follicles. During menopause, plummeting estrogen is linked to the onset of mixed curl patterns and gradual straightening of previously curly hair.

Does my hair need protein or moisture?

If you've recently highlighted or chemically treated your hair, you also need to use protein regularly. Protein treatments can help strengthen the hair shaft and restore its structural integrity. On the other hand, if your hair feels dry, frizzy, and lacks elasticity, it's likely in need of moisture.

How to fix stringy hair?

10 ways to banish stringy hair
  1. Dry your hair upside down.
  2. Split up with split ends.
  3. Plump up with Argan Oil.
  4. Be wary of plastic combs.
  5. Heat is not your friend.
  6. Keep the conditioner away from the scalp.
  7. Add volume with hair extensions.
  8. Slumber on silk.

Why do I have some strands of wavy hair?

Genetics: Genetics plays a significant role in determining hair texture and curl pattern. You may have inherited different curl patterns from different sides of your family, resulting in an uneven distribution of curls.

What do damaged hair strands look like?

Typically, the hair's cuticle layer appears like scales along a rope. The cuticle of the healthy hair strand appears uniform and consistent, while the cuticle layer, or the “scales,” of the damaged strand looks open and uneven, exposing the cortex to the environmental stressors.

How do I hydrate my hair?

“Look for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera, which hydrate without leaving a greasy residue,” says Garshick. “Use a lightweight conditioner and avoid heavy oils or creams. A leave-in conditioner spray or a volumizing conditioner can also help add moisture without making hair flat.”

Does stress cause wiry hair?

Can stress affect your hair texture? Absolutely. Stress can directly or indirectly change nutrients that provide your hair with strength and shine. Stress can affect blood circulation and damage the sebum or hair follicles.

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