Puberty can change your hair type, as this period of development involves significant biological shifts that directly impact hair follicles and scalp condition. Hair type is defined by several factors, including the texture and shape of the individual hair strand, the overall thickness or density, and the level of oiliness on the scalp. The transition from childhood to adulthood is governed by a complex hormonal surge. These changes can be dramatic, causing previously straight hair to become wavy or curly, or leading to an increased need for hair washing due to excess oil.
The Hormonal Mechanism Driving Hair Changes
The foundation of hair change during adolescence is the endocrine system’s dramatic increase in sex hormones, particularly androgens. The primary androgens involved are testosterone and its more potent derivative, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). These hormones act as powerful chemical messengers that circulate throughout the body, directly influencing the hair growth cycle and follicle structure. Androgens bind to specialized receptors located in the dermal papilla, the base of the hair follicle responsible for growth. This binding alters gene expression within the follicle cells, dictating how the hair will be formed. While androgens stimulate the development of thick, pigmented terminal hair in areas like the armpits and pubic region, they also profoundly affect scalp hair. The sensitivity of a specific hair follicle to androgens is determined by genetics. This hormonal stimulation is responsible for many changes, including the typical increase in hair thickness and pigmentation. In genetically susceptible individuals, DHT can also begin the process of hair follicle miniaturization, which is the beginning of pattern hair loss.
Alterations in Hair Texture and Structure
The physical change in hair texture, such as from straight to curly, is a direct result of the hormonal surge altering the shape of the hair follicle itself. Hair follicles that produce straight hair are typically symmetrical and round in cross-section, growing perpendicular to the skin’s surface. Hair that is wavy or curly grows from follicles that are asymmetrical, or oval-shaped, and lie at a slight angle to the skin. Androgens can cause the hair follicle opening to change from a round shape to a more flattened, oval shape. This structural change dictates how the keratin protein is deposited and how the hair shaft is twisted as it grows. The resulting change in cross-sectional symmetry causes the internal protein bonds to cluster unevenly, pulling the strand into a curl. This hormonal environment also promotes the growth of a larger, more robust hair strand, explaining why hair can become noticeably thicker during puberty. The new hair that emerges from the newly shaped follicle will have a different texture than the hair that grew during childhood.
Impact on Scalp Environment and Sebum Production
Puberty radically changes the environment of the scalp due to the activation of the sebaceous glands. These glands, attached to hair follicles, are highly sensitive to the increased levels of androgens. The hormonal signal causes them to significantly increase the production of sebum, the natural oil that moisturizes the skin and hair. The scalp has one of the highest concentrations of sebaceous glands, making it a prime location for this increase in oil production. Previously dry or normal hair may become noticeably greasier, requiring more frequent washing. This excess sebum can create an environment conducive to conditions like seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) and contribute to hormonal acne on the scalp and hairline. The overproduction of oil can clog pores and hair follicles, leading to inflammation and skin issues, and alters the hair type from an oiliness perspective.
Duration and Permanence of Puberty-Related Changes
The hair changes that occur during puberty are typically permanent because the sustained high level of hormones fundamentally alters the sensitivity and structure of the hair follicles. Once the new hormonal baseline is established, the hair follicles produce the new hair type. The change in texture, such as from straight to curly or wavy, is not a temporary phase but the establishment of the adult hair pattern. While the immediate changes linked to excess oiliness may lessen slightly as the body adjusts to adult hormone levels, the underlying structural changes in the hair follicle remain. The new texture, thickness, and natural degree of curl are set for the long term. Other life events that involve major hormonal shifts, such as pregnancy, menopause, or certain medications, can cause further adjustments to hair texture later in life.