Beauty

I was born with naturally curly hair and, after 26 years, have finally learned how to manage it. Just recently, I began to notice that the hair growing in at the root is changing in texture. It is starting to grow in wavy, and the actual locks are becoming limp and flat. Is it possible that my hair is changing?  Is there anything I can do to stop this?

Nicole C. emailed us at expert@sweetspot.ca, and our hair expert, Howard Barr, answered:

The good news is that what you're experiencing is not an uncommon occurrence. Many people experience changes to their hair texture throughout their lives. Some experience slight variances from their “normal” hair and others experience more drastic changes, especially (but not always) after more traumatic life experiences such as pregnancy, surgery or illness.

The bad news is that, to my knowledge, there is little one can do to restore hair to its original state after such occurrences. My best advice would be to turn your attention to educating yourself on how to deal with your new hair texture. Hopefully, your skills honed after 26 years can be improved quickly to cope with your new situation and you can learn to embrace this change.

Here are some quick tips;

1. Talk extensively with your stylist regarding style maintenance. If he or she is not helpful or appears not to have the time or knowledge perhaps it's time to shop around for a new stylist.
2. Consider adding more layers to your cut as this usually results in more body.
3. Try altering your styling products. For example, try switching from a mousse to a volumizing spray like John Frieda's Luxurious Volume Lavish Lift Blowdry Spray, or from a gel to a cream. Experiment with various permutations of your existing arsenal of products, varying the amounts then perhaps omitting one or another from your routine. Again, your stylist should be helpful in this regard and ethical enough to save you money. Remember to go for lighter-weight products, avoiding oily or silicone-based stylers.
4. Try altering your shampoo and conditioner. Curly hair is usually drier and more porous so it needs heavier conditioning products. You could even try leaving out conditioner in the shower and replace it with a light spray-on conditioner or detangler. A good one to try is John Frieda's Root Awakening Health Kick Detangling Spray.

Howard Barr is a Canadian Creative Consultant for John Frieda, www.johnfrieda.com.
He also owns Howard Barr Studio located at 261A Queen St. West, 416-599-3113.

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