Ends of Hair Curl Inwards

Cutting hair
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Q: I have a question about my hair that I cannot find the answer to anywhere online. Basically, I cut my hair about 3 to 4 months ago, and I just cut the damaged ends off. Usually, when I get my hair cut I ask for them to layer it, but I kind of forgot to ask that. I noticed pretty early that the ends of my hair started curling inward. I thought it was because I have very thick hair, so I tried to thin it a bit myself.
 
I cut my hair so that the ends would be a lot thinner than the rest of my hair, but this didn’t help at all. My hair is pretty straight, so it doesn’t really make any sense. I have tried to straighten my hair several times, but the ends just won’t stay straight. Will they become straight if I ask a hair stylist to layer it? Is there anything I can do myself to make sure the ends don’t curl?

 
A: This is a hard question to answer, as there can be a lot of reasons for your hair to start curling at the ends. It is possible that it has nothing to do with the cut, but with something else entirely. Did you change shampoos? Did the seasons change, making the air more humid, windy or wet?
 
Change of hair-structure can also be caused by hormones, a change in diet or stress levels, etc. Did you move to a new place with different water, climate, etc.? Bleaching or coloring hair also changes the way that hair curls or falls.
 
You seem pretty sure that it was caused by cutting it, so I’ll elaborate on this. Yes, it is possible for hair to start curling inward after being cut. This has nothing to do with the fact that you didn’t ask for layers, though. The angle at which the blades of the scissor are held determines to a large extent whether the hair will fall straight, or whether it will curl inward or outward. An experienced hairstylist will be able to cut a hairstyle which curls into the direction that it should, on its own.
 
The fact that you tried to thin out the ends on your own probably only worsened the problem, and you’ll most likely have to lose some of your length to rectify this problem. If I were you, I’d go to a seasoned, professional stylist, show her the problem and describe carefully what you want your hair to look like. You’ll lose some length, but it grows back quicker that you’d think. And it’s better to have a bit shorter hair than hair that irritates you on a daily basis.
 
Never, ever try to cut your own hair, especially thick, long hair. Most people really have no idea of how to cut, or especially thin out, their own hair or the hair of someone else. Remember that qualified hair-stylists went to college for 3+ years to learn the basics, the absolute basis of the knowledge needed to cut and style hair effectively.
 
After college and qualifying, stylists often attend lectures and extra courses given by top professional stylists to improve their knowledge and skills. And they work with hair all day and every day of their lives, meaning they continually build up an extensive source of experience concerning all hair-types, cutting, styling, different techniques, etc.
 
The chances that you’ll cut your own hair more effectively than a professional stylist does, is slim to none. Most often than not, people intensify the problem by cutting their own hair, leaving little space for the stylist to rectify it.
 
In the meantime, apply a heat-protection product to the ends of your hair and use a straightening-iron to iron the ends straight. Then apply a small amount of silicone-based smoothing product to keep the ends shiny and block out humidity, which tends to make the ends of hair to curl or frizz.
 
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See also:
 
Hair straightening
 
How to maintain your hairstyle in humid weather
 
Menopausal changes in the hair
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