Reasons Why Your Curls Dry Out
There are many reasons why your curly hair could be drying out. Some of these factors include:
Low Sebum: Your scalp is moisturized and nourished by the natural oil secretion known as sebum. This oil coats the hair strands and seals in moisture, thus making your hair strong and healthy. Any imbalance in sebum levels can lead to dry hair especially, at the hair ends. Moreover, curly hair is more prone to drying as its coiled structure prevents even sebum distribution to the hair tips. So, the curlier your hair, the harder it will be for your natural hair oils to moisturize the ends. This might lead to sebum accumulating on the scalp and making it greasy, while the hair ends are left dry and frizzy. This results in lackluster hair that appears parched and thirsty.
Overwashing: Many people aren’t aware of how often should curly hair be washed, which often leads to overwashing. While washing your hair is important for its health and hygiene, frequent or improper washing techniques can strip away your hair’s natural oils and moisture, leading to dry hair. You can wash your hair once or twice a week to maintain the bounce in your curls. You can find a detailed tutorial on how to wash your curly hair.
Using The Wrong Products: Curly hair often needs styling products that hold the curls in place. However, overuse of styling products can leave behind product residue, leading to scalp build-up and dry hair. If your shampoo contains sulfates and alcohol, it can strip away your hairs moisture, leading to dry curls. These dehydrated curls may also cause static in your hair.
Skipping Conditioner: Curly hair needs hydration and conditioning to keep it healthy. Condition your hair every time you shampoo it to lock in moisture. If you skimp on conditioning, you will end up with dry, wiry, brittle, and lifeless curls that are prone to breakage.
Excess Chemical Processing: Hair dyes, bleach, and relaxing agents make your hair porous and vulnerable to dehydration. Thus, coloring or chemically processing your hair too often can strip away the natural oils and moisture from your hair.
Poor Styling Practices: Using hot styling tools, such as blow dryers, curling irons, and hair straighteners, too often can cause mechanical damage to the hair. Rough styling without prepping your hair with a detangler and a heat protectant can lead to dry hair.
So, there are multiple reasons why you end up with dry hair. So, it is important to learn about the telltale signs of dry hair so you can take care of it properly. Find out below if you have dry curly hair.
Signs Of Dry Curly Hair
Fatima Sayyed, a blogger, recounts her personal experience with dry curly tresses and the difficulty she dealt with in combating them. She shares in her blog post, “My curls were never coiled; my hair has always been a frizzy, thick ball of mess. It was the same in school and college. Straighteners and blow dryers had a toxic relationship with my hair (i).” Don’t worry if you notice these signs. We have come up with some simple tips that can help you take care of dry curly hair. Keep reading to find out how.
How To Care For Dry Curly Hair
Use The Right Shampoo: For your daily hair care routine, look for shampoos with a low pH, as they are best suited for curly hair. Avoid shampoos with sulfates and alcohol as they strip away the moisture from your hair.
Condition Your Hair: Apart from regularly using a conditioner after washing your hair, it is recommended to use deep conditioners and hydrating hair masks once a week to replenish moisture in the hair. They add softness and shine to your mane by locking in moisture and sealing the cuticles. You can even whip up DIY hair masks with ingredients found in your pantry.
Avoid Hot Temperatures: Switch to washing your hair with cold water to prevent your curls from getting dry. You can also use lukewarm water. Similarly, limit the use of blow dryers and other styling tools such as flat irons and curling tongs.
Limit The Use Of Silicone-Based Products: Although silicone adds shine to your hair, it can also lead to dryness. It is advisable to use such products sparingly.
Sleep On A Silk Pillowcase: Cotton pillowcases tend to absorb moisture and oil from your hair. Silk, on the other hand, prevents friction on your hair, thus reducing dryness, frizz, and hair breakage.
Get Regular Hair Trims: It is important to trim the hair ends to get rid of split ends. These split ends can progress along the length of your hair, leading to rough and damaged hair.
Hydrate Your Body: It is also a good idea to keep up with your daily water intake as it is important for healthy hair growth (1). Water helps in absorbing essential nutrients and nourishing the hair and scalp. Thus, drinking adequate water can prevent dehydration, split ends, and hair breakage.
Scalp Massage: Massage your scalp gently with coconut oil, castor oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil to regulate sebum production and boost blood circulation.
Can I use hair oils or leave-in conditioners to help with dryness in curly hair? You may use both hair oils and leave-in conditioners to help with dryness. Dr. Anju Methil, a dermatologist specializing in Cosmetic Medicine, says, “Both contain properties that help manage dry curly hair.” She further adds, “They serve to add additional moisture and lock it into the hair shaft, create a barrier on the hair to retain hydration, and decrease frizz by smoothing the hair cuticles” What is the best oil for dry curly hair? There are several good oils for dry curly hair. Dr. Fidous Ibrahim, a postgraduate in Medical Cosmetology, Cosmetic Dermatologist & Trichologist, recommends choosing hair products based on hair porosity. She says, “When selecting hair products, consider your curl pattern and hair porosity. High-porosity hair may benefit from thicker oils, while low-porosity hair might prefer lighter options. Choose products with natural oils to avoid harsh chemicals and alcohol.” Should you brush curly hair every day? No. You should avoid brushing your curly too often to maintain its natural texture. You can brush it once in 3-7 days, depending on your hair type (dry or oily) and washing schedule. Is coconut oil good for curly hair? Yes. Coconut oil is suitable for curly hair as it goes deep into the hair shaft and helps to treat protein loss, making the hair stronger and moisturized. It is one of the best home remedies for curly hair. Why do my curls feel crunchy? Your curls may feel crunchy for various reasons, including dryness, damage, chemical processing, and harsh products that strip all moisture from your hair shaft. Is it okay to wet curly hair every day? Yes. It is okay to wet your curly hair daily to maintain its moisture and detangle it easily.
Illustration: Dry Curly Hair: Reasons Signs & How To Treat It With Care
Discover simple home remedies to get smooth and silky hair. Check out the video below to get rid of dry hair with natural ingredients in the comfort of your home.
