7 Reasons Why Hair Texture Changes ...

7 Reasons Why Hair Texture Changes ...
By Chelsie • Jun 21, 2026 • MD

When I was young, I had extremely curly hair, but when my hair suddenly turned straight after having an appendectomy I wondered why hair texture changes. I always thought I would have curly hair for life. It never occurred to me that my hair texture could actually change. However, hair texture does change throughout a person’s life, and there are many reasons why hair texture changes, including medical and lifestyle reasons.

1. Hormones

Hormones play a large role in hair texture, which is why changes in hormone levels often result in changes. The thyroid hormones are especially involved when it comes to hair texture. If you do not have enough thyroid hormones, your hair can become brittle and fall out. There are other hormones can make your hair change as well. For example, pregnancy hormones can make hair very thick and shiny. While hormones are a major reason for hair texture changes, there are other reasons why hair texture changes, including medication.

2. Medication

Certain medications can change the texture of your hair. As you may suspect, medications that regulate hormones can have a huge impact of hair texture. Thyroid medications and birth control pills can often make hair brittle. Sometimes people even experience hair loss on these medications. Other medications, such as those used to treat autoimmune diseases can also alter hair texture.

3. Diet

What you eat can have a direct impact on the texture of your hair. Your hair needs certain nutrients to grow healthy and strong, and if these nutrients are lacking, your hair can become brittle, coarse, dull, or thin. For example, a deficiency in iron can result in brittle hair, which is one of the reasons you should eat iron rich foods like spinach, raisins, nuts, and legumes. You also need vitamin A, biotin, zinc, protein, and omega 3 fatty acids for healthy hair.

4. Medical Treatments

My appendectomy caused my hair texture to change dramatically, but other medical treatments can cause changes in hair texture as well. Chemotherapy often results in hair texture changes, especially when all of the hair is lost. As the hair begins to grow back it come back with a completely different texture. It can be thicker, curlier, or straighter.

Embrace your individuality and transform your look by trying out a unique shade. Did you know that green hair is associated with nature, creativity, and growth? So go ahead, experiment with this bold hair color to represent a new phase in your life, waiting to blossom like a fresh spring leaf.

5. Graying Hair

Hair texture changes when it begins to turn gray. Gray hair is naturally thicker and coarser, which is why people notice big changes in hair texture when gray hair starts to show. Since gray hair is thicker and coarser, it is a good idea to use moisturizing conditioners and hair masks. Adding moisture to gray hair can make it much softer.

6. Over Styling

If you color, blow dry, curl, or straighten your hair frequently, your hair texture will probably become more dry and brittle. Styling your hair can be very damaging, which is why you may notice your hair looks dull and breaks easily. Thankfully, it is easy to fix the hair texture changes caused by styling. You just need to give your hair a break from styling for a while and embrace your natural texture!

7. Stress

Everyone experiences stress on a daily basis, but if you have a significant amount of stress, your hair texture may change. Specifically, it can become much thinner. This is because stress can make more hair follicles go into the resting phase, and when these hairs shed several months after the stressful event, you will have some hair loss. This is usually temporary, and in six months your normal hair texture should return.

I used to think that the hair texture you were born with is the hair texture you will have for life. However, that is not the case. Hair texture can change throughout your life for many reasons. Has your hair texture ever changed?

webmd.com, naturallycurly.com, livestrong.com, webmd.com

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  • MrsSweetQuack

    2019-10-25T03:55:56.988Z

    Any tips on how to take care of your hair when under a lot of stress?
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