For years, I had a very predictable relationship with my hair. It was straight, flat, and refused to gain volume, no matter how hard I tried. The curling iron made an occasional appearance, but even that couldn't work miracles; any curls would disappear within an hour.

I never thought my hair would change until I became pregnant. Or rather, until I had given birth.

 

March 13, 2026 - 8 min read - Marion Naudts

 

The discovery at the hairdresser's

Three months after giving birth, I finally sat in the hairdresser's chair again (a well-deserved moment of me-time🤭). She cut and dried my hair as usual, but then suddenly said something I thought I'd never hear: "You have some curl at the back here that I can't get flat by drying it naturally."

She showed me in the mirror, and indeed: a few waves, in a spot I would never have seen myself. Very strange.

 

 

The beginning of Mellon's curl line

The idea of developing a hair range for Marion Maakt had been brewing for a while. Along my journey, I met Sil, a curly-haired woman who became completely convinced of natural cosmetics through my DIY shampoo boxes.

Together with Sil, I started developing a curl line for Mellon. This included a light gel and hair mask. The products worked for me, mainly helping me with some volume, but I didn't truly believe there was movement in my hair, despite that little wave at the back. That's why I never bothered to really scrunch or style my hair correctly.

I mainly saw the products as something Sil and I had developed together for people with curls, not as something that could transform my own hair texture. That idea would only change after my visit to Quirina.

 

A meeting with the curl specialist hairdresser

Quirina, our curl specialist hairdresser, used my Marion Maakt books for natural recipes in her salon and was already a huge fan of our first flaxseed gel and hair mask.

Her message: "I've noticed for a while that there's a wave in your hair, probably due to pregnancy. I think you have curls."

My first reaction? "What is she saying? Of course not!" But I was intrigued. Could it be?

 

The transformation at Quirina's

From Ghent to Wiekevorst, a journey that would completely change my idea about my hair texture. When Quirina had cut and styled my hair with the right techniques and, of course, with our products, I was amazed. She showed me how to really use gel: not just apply it, but also scrunch to activate the waves.

I immediately sent photos to my friends with the message that my curls would probably be gone by tomorrow. But they weren't. The waves stayed for days.

That was the moment I had to believe it. I truly have beautiful wavy hair. Although I have to put in some effort, if I do, I have beautifully wavy hair until my next wash day.

 

The science behind hormones and hair texture

My experience is far from unique. Hormones have a huge impact on your hair texture, and this is scientifically proven.

Pregnancy and estrogen

During pregnancy, your estrogen levels rise significantly. According to research published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, estrogen influences the hair cycle and can change the structure of the hair follicle.

Increased estrogen levels keep more hairs in the anagen phase (growth phase), resulting in thicker, fuller hair during pregnancy. But after childbirth, when these hormone levels drop, postpartum hair loss often occurs – and hair texture can permanently change.

Hormonal changes and hair structure

Research by the American Academy of Dermatology shows that hormonal fluctuations can alter the shape of the hair follicle. A round follicle produces straight hair, while an oval or asymmetrical follicle creates wavy or curly hair.

For many women, the follicle shape changes during or after pregnancy, which explains why straight hair can suddenly become wavy or curly. This phenomenon is not limited to pregnancy; it can also occur during puberty, menopause, or due to other hormonal changes such as starting or stopping contraception.

Other factors influencing hair texture

In addition to hormones, nutrition, stress, and hair care also play a role. A study in Dermatology Practical & Conceptual emphasizes that nutrient deficiencies (such as iron, zinc, and biotin) can affect hair structure and lead to finer, weaker hair.

 

From denial to acceptance

After my visit to Quirina, I began to discover and embrace my natural texture. I learned how to breathe life into even the straighter sections with the right products. And I noticed that I got more and more curls by:

• Using the right products that activate my waves
• Getting a curl cut from a specialized hairdresser. Did you know we have a complete list of curl specialist hairdressers where you can make an appointment? Click here for our list.
• The right techniques and proper drying ensure that my wavy hair also lasts longer and doesn't fall flat as quickly. Of course, I consciously have to take some time for this after showering, and time is quite precious as a mom.

 

The reality as a Mom

Now, I'll be honest. Especially after becoming a mom for the second time, that effort is often too much for me. I don't use our gels and diffuser daily because it does take some time. But I love making the most of my hair on date nights, outings with friends, or events. And the compliments are truly incredible.

Just the fact that it's possible, without a curling iron and with a purely natural result, I find fantastic.

Because our Mellon shampoo and lightweight conditioner are specially developed for waves to curls, I get beautiful voluminous hair with a wave even without styling. The wonderful thing about my hair is that I don't have to try hard to have a good hair day. And if I want to put in the effort, I can truly transform my hair. It's a win-win.

 

Marion's tips for wavy hair

After years of experimenting and learning, I have some tips that really work for people with wavy hair, especially those with busy schedules:

Tip 1: Weekly clay mask for optimal texture

If you don't want to use gel every day, but still want to get the most out of your natural texture, use a clay mask every week. I do this when the kids are in the bath, multitasking at its best. Clay helps to remove product residue and truly bring out your hair texture.

Tip 2: The 'Lazy Method' for optimal results

In theory, I get the best curls with all of Quirina's tips. But that just doesn't always work. What also works well for my hair:

• Directly in the shower, apply strong hold gel to combed hair (with our Mellon brush)
• Do not apply Defining Gel first, only apply the Strong Hold Gel, scrunch well
• Let it air dry (or first only a few minutes with a diffuser)
• Remove the cast when my hair is 100% dry

Then I also have really beautiful waves that last a long time. I mainly do this when I work from home, so that the wet-look (from the cast) doesn't bother me. By the time I pick up the kids, it's completely dry and I break the cast out. Perfect for evenings out!

Tip 3: The Praying Hands Technique

For a newbie to the gel and cast story, it wasn't always easy to get the cast out of my hair. Until I discovered the praying hands technique:

• Put your hands flat together (as in prayer)
• Gently squeeze your strands between your palms, and slide your hands down
• Work your entire head this way

Now I truly get all the cast out completely without damaging my curls. I also apply the technique to small strands that tend to stay stiff, truly a must-try!

See my short tutorial video here.

 

The right products make all the difference

At Mellon, we developed our natural hair care line specifically for wavy to curly hair. As an herbalist, I know how important it is to nourish your hair with botanical ingredients without harsh chemicals.

Our products are:

• Sulfate-free – no harsh cleansers that strip your natural oils
• Silicone-free – so your hair can breathe and absorb products better
• Full of plant extracts that hydrate and define curls
• Specially formulated for slightly wavy to very curly hair

 

For anyone who doubts... Maybe you have waves too!

If you're reading this and you recognize yourself in my story—flat, straight hair that refuses to gain volume, curls that quickly fall out—then I want to tell you this: maybe you also have a natural texture hidden beneath the wrong care.

Many women only discover their waves or curls later in life, often due to:

• Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause, stopping the pill)
• Stopping heat tools and aggressive care
• Switching to natural products without sulfates and silicones
• A visit to a curl specialist hairdresser who cuts your hair differently
• Or by a simple clay mask that removes all dirt and suffocating silicone layers from your hair, allowing movement to emerge.

 

Conclusion: embrace your natural texture

My journey from straight to wavy hair has taught me that your body is constantly evolving, and your hair is part of that. Hormones, life stages, care – it all influences how your hair looks and feels.

The best part of this whole story? I no longer have to fight my hair. I now work with it, and that feels incredibly liberating.

Whether you've just become a mom, are in menopause, or are curious about your natural texture,… Give your hair the chance to be who it wants to be. With the right care, products, and a little patience, you might discover a whole new version of yourself.

You don't have to follow the perfect curl routine every day. And for those special moments? Then you pull out all the stops and shine with your waves.