The Shape of Your Hair Follicle: Why Texture Is More Than Just Genetics

Kristen Clark
Oct 1
2 min read

Have you ever wondered why some people are blessed with tight coils while others have silky straight strands—or why your own hair texture seems to have changed over the years? The answer lies in something beautifully small yet powerful: the shape of your hair follicle.

How Follicle Shape Determines Hair Texture

Each strand of hair grows from a tiny pocket in your scalp called a follicle, and the shape of that follicle determines your natural texture pattern.

Round follicles produce straight hair.
Oval follicles lead to waves or loose curls.
Elliptical or flattened follicles create tighter curl patterns or coils.

Think of your follicle as the mold that shapes each strand as it grows. The more curved the follicle, the curlier the hair. It’s nature’s artistry—written right into your DNA.

Why Texture Can Change Over Time

Even though our follicle shape is genetic, life and health changes can influence the way your hair grows. Some of the most common reasons include:

Hormonal changes: Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can all shift your hair’s texture. You might notice straighter hair becoming wavier—or vice versa.
Health and nutrition: Nutrient deficiencies or thyroid imbalances can alter how the follicle produces keratin, the protein that gives hair its structure.
Aging: As we age, follicles may shrink or change their oil production, leading to finer or more wiry textures.
Stress and trauma: High stress levels can affect blood flow and energy circulation at the scalp, occasionally leading to changes in growth patterns or texture.
Chemical and heat exposure: Repeated coloring, lightening, and heat styling can weaken the outer layer of the hair shaft, making texture appear looser, frizzier, or more fragile—even if the follicle shape itself hasn’t changed.

Energy, Wellness, and the Health of Your Follicles

Our hair doesn’t just respond to physical factors—it’s also sensitive to our internal energy and emotional well-being. When we’re under chronic stress or emotional strain, our bodies divert nutrients and energy away from “non-essential” systems like hair growth. Regular energy work, such as Reiki or scalp massage, helps restore balance to the crown chakra and encourages healthier growth by supporting blood flow and relaxation. When clients visit my Noblesville studio, we explore ways to balance hair health with energy alignment.

Caring for Your Natural Texture

Whether your texture has evolved or stayed the same, honoring it is an act of self-love. Here are a few gentle reminders:

Choose cleansing and styling products that support your natural pattern rather than fight against it.
Protect your hair’s cuticle by using lukewarm water and avoiding harsh heat.
Schedule regular trims and deep-conditioning rituals.
Treat your scalp like sacred ground—because it is.

Every follicle holds a tiny reflection of your unique energy. When you nurture that connection, your hair not only looks better—it feels more alive. At Espoir Hair Salon, I often teach guests how to care for their texture with gentle scalp rituals. As a Reiki stylist, I’ve seen how scalp energy work can restore shine and confidence.

Ready to reconnect with your natural texture and energy? Book your personalized Hair + Reiki Ritual or Malibu Detox Treatment at Espoir Hair Salon.