What causes damage to curly hair?

Before figuring out how to repair your hair, you must first identify the cause of the damage. While some culprits are obvious, like heat and coloring chemicals, others can fly under the radar.

Sometimes, things like rough detangling, over-styling or harsh weather can cause wear and tear on your hair over time. How do you know if your curls are damaged? Check to see if you have any of these 10 Signs of Damaged Curls.

The Road to Repair: Healthy Care Care

Curly hair has its own needs, different from other hair types. Using the right products is essential to making sure that your curls are getting everything they need. While it’s easy to get caught up in trying to achieve “perfect curls,” it’s important that what you’re putting in your hair is doing more than just making it look good.

What your curls need most is MOISTURE! This is what helps them grow and adds shine and definition. Look for products that’ll hydrate your hair and are free of harmful and drying ingredients. Being curly girls ourselves, we made sure that every part of our 3-Step System will not only hydrate and repair your hair, but is also free of harsh chemicals and synthetics.

4 Steps to Repair Damaged Curly Hair

Luckily there are a few things you can do at home to help bring your curls back. Here are a few easy steps you can take to treat your hair:

1. Eliminate the source of damage

It’s not enough to just recognize damage. If you’re committed to getting your hair to bounce back, you may have to examine your routine to eliminate the source of damage entirely.

If you’re trying to repair heat damage to you curls, for example, you’ll have to stop using heat-styling tools. Otherwise, you’re only causing more damage to your curls and lengthening the road to repair.

2. Deep Condition

Think of each of your curls as having a memory that allows it to spring back into shape after each wash. Damage disrupts your hair's ability to revert. This can lead to frizz and/or straight, stringy ends, which can persist even after you stop coloring or straightening your hair.

A good deep conditioner will hydrate and infuse your hair with nutrients that work to repair, fortify and minimize the appearance of damage. Check out this blog post to learn the Do’s and Don’ts of Deep Conditioning. 

3. Oil treatments

Oil treatments are especially ideal if you’re trying to repair curls damaged by color or bleach. Using oil in your hair will not only help smooth frizz and add instant shine, but it can also strengthen your ends and seal moisture into your curls.

Many natural oils are also packed with vitamins and minerals that contribute to the overall health of your hair. New to using oils on your curly hair? Check out @gkccouture_ in this vid to see how she applies our Elixir Oil formula to treat her red-hot curls.

4. Handle with care

If your curls are damaged, they’re already in a fragile state, so be gentle with them! Take your time when detangling, making sure to tackle knots while your hair is wet and has plenty of slip.

Taking the extra step to protect your curls and give them a break will help with a speedy recovery. Simple things like rocking protective styles and taking time to protect ur curls while you sleep can help shield your hair from damage by preventing dryness and friction.

Trust the Process

The most important thing is to trust the process. Whether you’ve damaged your curls from straightening your hair or bleaching too often, it’ll take time for your hair to start bouncing back – healthy hair doesn’t happen overnight! You just have to treat it well and be patient, and slowly but surely you’ll see that your curls will thank you for it.