I’ve been trying to write this post ever since Monday but I haven’t been able to focus. My sweet cat of just 6 short years died on Monday suddenly. I still can’t stop crying. However, keeping my mind occupied with writing helps so here’s a post I’ve been trying to get out for a days.
After over 1 year of wearing my hair in its naturally curly state I decided to straighten it. I wasn’t thrilled with it being straight again after all this time so you can imagine how eager I was to wash it so that it would return to its former curly self.
A Texture Change?
Prior to straightening my hair, if you were to use Andre Walker’s Hair Typing system, you could classify my hair as 3c with a crown that’s closer to a 4a.
After this last wash I notice my hair texture has changed. At first I thought, “This must be heat damage.” Now I’m wondering if its something else because my ends are not straight and they were also trimmed. As a matter of fact my hair is a more defined type of curly but with less density.
It’s as if my 4a crown has relaxed to a 3c texture and the rest of my hair is leaning toward a 3b curly. My hair is also super manageable which it was not before. I let it air dry and the crown did not frizz up into a puff like it did the last time I tried a wash and go. What’s up with that?
The only products I used on my hair before getting it blown out were:
- Shea Moisture Hair Thickening Shampoo
- As I Am Naturally Hydration Elation
- Salerm 21 Leave In Conditioner
- Jojoba Oil
- Beyond The Zone Turn Up The Heat Protection Spray
I didn’t have any breakage and my hair felt very soft afterward. Also, when I exercised 2 days after straightening, my roots began to revert. Now, that I’ve done a full wash I notice that there’s definitely a texture change. After a few more wash days I’ll be able to confirm it for sure.
Check out the comparison pics:
The photo on the left was after a wash a few months ago. This photo on the right is after my wash this past weekend. Does that look like the same head of hair to you? The texture is different. The curls are more visible but the hair looks less dense. It’s not thin curly hair but it’s definitely not the same head of curly hair I had before straightening.
What do you think?
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I agree with you about your texture. Your curls look different and not as dense. Do you have any theories on why this has happened since it’s not heat damage?
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who knows. like leah said maybe it will revert back in a few washes
Omg I am soooo sorry to hear about your cat. I know pets are like family and it hurts just as bad. I pray that God gives you peace of mind in this tragic time.
Oh an I do see the change. Mine is like this too when I wash it after I’ve straightened it. It lasts for about two washes an then it reverts back to its tightly coiled state… I actually like mine looser so I’m always sad to see it go back to normal lol
thanks Leah. i’m still very sad and still crying. she was the best pet ever.
i hope my hair returns to its thicker state. we’ll see.
Hi Michelle!
Sorry to hear about your cat!
The density of your hair did change. I don’t think you have heat damage, but everyone’s hair reacts differently to heat. I think your hair appears to be less dense because the hair strands have been changed a tad from the heat.
Is your hair wet in both photos?
When I straightened my hair last year, I noticed some changes too (not like yours), but things went back to normal over a period of a few weeks.
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Thanks Eve. yes my hair is wet in all the photos. that’s how i noticed the difference. i wonder if mine will normalize. i actually like that the crown is looser
Michelle, I’m so very sorry to hear about your cat! I know the feeling so well. Please know that you guys are in my thoughts and prayers.
thank you. every day seems as hard as the previous.
First, I want to say that I am truly sorry for your lost. I know that your cats’ spirit will always be with you. Secondly, as far as your hair texture go I do see a huge change. I dont think its heat damage per se, but I do think it might be “heat trained” or healthy heat damage as some call it lol. I think if you don’t straighten for a while then it will turn back to normal. Good luck girly!
Beijos!
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Thanks Bdanni
My cat was such a huge part of our lives. My family will never be the same.
Re: my hair, it’s so weird that it reacted this way because I truly did not expect a change after just one blow out when I had not used heat in my hair for over a year. Let’s see how it all works out after a few more washes.
i’m sorry about your kitty
that’s so sad
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Thanks Vonnie. My life will never be the same without her around. I’m taking it one day at a time but I still cry and it’s been a week. She was the most lovable and smart cat ever.
I’m pretty sure your hair will revert back. That’s definitely not heat damage. I always feel like my hair absorbs oil better when it’s straight, so when I go back to my natural texture, it feels more moisturized and healthy. That’s what your hair reminds me of. Looks great either way though!
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OK well i’m washing in a few minutes with Terresentials and i’m curious if that will make a difference. We’ll see.
Looks better. You can really see and I can almost feel the texture of the hair. How many times do you give your hair a treatment?
I do protein treatments once a month or so and moisturizing treatments weekly after washing.
Hi Michelle,
I must say that I just love your hair, both the dense curls and the loose curls.
I’m also so sorry to hear about your cat, I know what its like to lose a pet, but even though she’s not with you anymore you can find comfort in the memories you have of her.
Thanks Mia. I guess I’ll get to a point where the memories will be comfortable vs. painful but I’m not there yet.
Writing helps me not think. Actually doing anything makes me not think.
Oh and I think I’m cutting my hair! More on that in a future post