What causes hair texture to change?

Have your clients ever come into the salon complaining that their hair feels different? It could be down to a number of reasons and as hairdressers, it’s important that this is recognised along with the possible causes, to inform clients and offer a helping hand. Which is why, HJ asked the experts to give us the lowdown on what causes hair texture to change, and here are the biggest culprits:

Health and Medical

According to Kerry Mather, Owner of KJM Salons, one of the biggest changes in hair texture is due to health and medical issues. And sometimes as it can take three to nine months to see changes in hair texture when down to health reasons due to the hair growth cycle, clients can feel confused. “For instance, thyroid imbalance can cause hair to become to dry and brittle, and medication can affect hair texture by build-up on the scalp,” says Michelle Brace, Haircare Expert. Additionally, hair that becomes thinner can be down to low iron levels, along with having a poor diet. “Drinking plenty of water and adding vitamins to their diet can help clients protect their hair texture,” advises Kim Alexandra, Curly Hair Specialist.

Pregnancy

Marina Hodgins of Fringe Benefits Gloucester explains when clients are expecting, their hair may often look thicker, shinier, healthier and more manageable due to increased levels of oestrogen which can prolong the hair’s growing stage causing it not to shed. “Curly hair can also become straighter due to the higher levels of oestrogen,” says Tori Kiff, Curly Hair Specialist. “During pregnancy, hormones can cause excess or reduce oil production which may cause dryness, making the hair feel different.” Post-pregnancy, due to the decrease in oestrogen, clients may experience sudden hair loss, but “usually, 6-9 months postpartum, hair will return to its normal state of texture and thickness”, reassures Tori.

Aging

Aging is one of the noticeable causes for changes in hair texture, especially as clients’ hair starts to lose colour pigmentation and become grey. “The diameter of the hair grows smaller and therefore can feel finer and limper,” says Tori. “Although, some clients may notice their hair gets thicker and more wiry. This is because on a grey hair strand, there tends to be more layers of cuticle.”

Stress

Whether it’s work related, home related, or your client is generally just a stressed person, stress can affect the body and hair. “Stress is one of the culprits which can shock the hair into a resting stage, which in turn causes the hair to fall out,” explains Marina. The good news, however, is that this is not permanent, and the hair will in fact grow back.

Heat and Chemicals

Hot tools including hair dryers and irons can sometimes be the main culprits behind hair texture changes in clients. “These can swell the cuticle and damage hair as the texture becomes coarser and can cause breakage,” says Marina. However, heat and chemicals are the causes hairdressers have most control over. “Chemical treatments and heat styling alike can both affect texture, as can colouring, relaxing and perming,” says Anne Veck, Educator and Specialist for textured hair. “It’s important we use appropriate treatments on clients to limit this.”

How can clients protect their hair texture?

Like protecting the hair in general, clients should maintain a good hair care routine. “If the texture of your client’s hair is coarse or dry, recommend a weekly moisture mask,” says Fiona Canning Allen of Arkitec Salon. “This will hydrate the hair and give a smoother texture and glossy look. If the hair is limp and weak, it may require a mask that is both moisture and protein, as this will add strength as well as shine.”