Get Curly Hair Back

Hair that lost its curl
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Q: I gave birth for the second time a year ago. Just after that, my dad died, so for the last year, I have been under a lot of stress. After giving birth, I lost lots of hair, but it started growing back. However, I now think the stress of the last year has taken its toll.
 
I have naturally curly hair, but I can't get it to curl anymore, so I have to put it up every day. My hair is dry and flyaway. I have it highlighted, but I always have. I don't do anything differently. This problem is really getting me down.
 
My ends are really dry and damaged. Do I have to wait for it to grow? Should I have it all cut off? I want my curly hair back. I have been to the doctor and was tested for iron and zinc levels, which are fine.
 
A: My initial thought is that you are experiencing a combination of emotional stress, physical recovery, and significant post-pregnancy hormonal shifts. It is actually very common for hair texture to change after having a baby. Fluctuating hormones alter the actual shape of your hair follicles and reduce natural scalp oils, which can cause naturally curly hair to grow back looser, straighter, or much drier than before. Additionally, the short new hair growing back after your initial postpartum shedding can create a dry, flyaway look while those new strands catch up in length to the rest of your hair.
 
While it is great that your doctor checked your iron and zinc, it is worth asking them for two specific follow-ups:
 
1. Serum Ferritin: Make sure they tested your ferritin (stored iron) rather than just standard serum iron. Depleted ferritin stores are very common after childbirth and can directly impact hair regrowth and strength even if serum iron looks normal.
 
2. Thyroid Panel: Ask to have your thyroid levels checked, as postpartum thyroid shifts are also a frequent culprit behind sudden changes in hair texture and dryness.
 
To get your curls back on track, focus on targeted hydration rather than daily washing:
 
• Conditioning Routine: Use a rich deep-conditioning mask 1 to 2 times a week. Avoid wetting and conditioning your hair every single day. Soaking hair daily can cause hygral fatigu (where hair expands and contracts too often, weakening its structure) and cause heavy product buildup that weighs curls down.
 
• Off-Day Care: On days you don't wash, revive your pattern by lightly misting your hair with water or a spray-in curl refresher rather than soaking it completely.
 
• Styling Technique: Apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to soaking-wet hair right in the shower, and gently scrunch upward to encourage curl formation rather than brushing it when dry.
 
If your ends still feel dry and damaged after a few weeks of deep conditioning, have a stylist trim them away. You definitely do not need to cut all your hair off, but taking off those weathered, highlighted ends will remove heavy weight and give your natural curl pattern the freedom to bounce back.
 
One word of caution: Avoid the temptation to get a perm to force the curl back. Chemical treatments on hair that is already highlighted, dry, and under stress can lead to severe structural damage and breakage. Stick to deep conditioning, gentle handling, targeted trims, and a quick check-in with your doctor. As your body and hormones continue to settle, your natural curl pattern has a great chance of returning on its own.
 
This answer is intended for informational purposes only. For medical advice or a diagnosis, contact a doctor.
 
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See also:
 
Curly hair and hairstyles
 
Perming hair and body wave services
 
I lost my curl after straightening it with an iron that was too hot. How do i get my curls back?