Damaged, Dry Curly Hair

Damaged curls often become very dry and brittle. You might have experienced something like this after heat styling, hair dying or perming your hair. But dryness is not always an indicator of damage. Your hair could be dry for any number of reasons, including climate, sleeping habits or styling products.

Why does moisture matter? Without proper moisture, you lose shine and definition. And if your hair gets even dryer, you’ll probably notice split ends creeping into the tips of your curls. Simply put, excessive dryness can cause damage, which can create even more dryness, which causes even more damage and… well, you get the picture.

5 Signs of Dry Curly Hair

Roughness: Regardless of curl type, healthy hair should feel soft. Try gently brushing the ends of your hair against your cheek. Ideally, your curls should feel like a new make-up brush. Scratchy, prickly ends are a sign of dryness.

Split Ends: They may start small, but these bad boys can cause even more damage if you don’t catch them early. Dryness can cause stubborn split ends to multiply and move up the hair shaft.

Excessive Frizz: Normally, wash day can reset your curls and tame the frizzies. However, if your curls are uncharacteristically frizzy, then you might need to kick your moisturizing routine up a notch.

Dullness: Sebum. It’s the oil your scalp naturally produces to coat and protect your scalp and strands. It’s what makes your curls “shine bright like a diamond!” Dryness in your scalp and hair can limit sebum production, making your strands appear matte or dull.

Extreme Tangles: Every curly girl has to untangle a few stubborn knots once in a while, but excessive dryness can turn your mane into an unbearable mess. Without adequate moisture, our curls become rougher and start snagging onto each other, making detangling a nightmare!

5 Signs of Dry Curly Hair

Roughness: Regardless of curl type, healthy hair should feel soft. Try gently brushing the ends of your hair against your cheek. Ideally, your curls should feel like a new make-up brush. Scratchy, prickly ends are a sign of dryness.

Split Ends: They may start small, but these bad boys can cause even more damage if you don’t catch them early. Dryness can cause stubborn split ends to multiply and move up the hair shaft.

Excessive Frizz: Normally, wash day can reset your curls and tame the frizzies. However, if your curls are uncharacteristically frizzy, then you might need to kick your moisturizing routine up a notch.

Dullness: Sebum. It’s the oil your scalp naturally produces to coat and protect your strands. It’s what makes your curls “shine bright like a diamond!” Dryness in your scalp and hair can limit sebum production, making your strands appear matte or dull. 

Extreme Tangles: Every curly girl has to untangle a few stubborn knots once in a while, but excessive dryness can turn your mane into an unbearable mess. Without adequate moisture, our curls become rougher and start snagging onto each other, making detangling a nightmare!

'Why does my hair get dry?'

Low Sebum: Your natural oils play a crucial role of sealing moisture into the hair shaft. The looser your curl pattern, the easier it is for sebum to travel from your roots to the tips of your curls. In tighter kinks, coils and curls, sebum can get stuck at the scalp, causing dullness and dryness.

Color damage: Color lifting agents are harsh, and our strands are delicate. Lightening your hair too much, too quickly can break down the structure of your hair and make it too porous. High porosity hair can easily take on moisture but can lose it just as easily.

Over-washing: Shampoos work to get rid of all of the gunk like dirt and oil. Sometimes they work a little too well and strip your hair of its natural oils and moisture. Opt for a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and use it only when needed.

Mechanical damage: Our curls are fragile! Rough styling, detangling, heat tools and pillow friction can all suck moisture out of your hair .

Using the wrong hair products: Not everything on the shelf is good for your curls. The best way to go is to avoid products that are sticky, drying or create build-up and block moisture from penetrating your hair (we’re looking at you, gel and hairspray!).

'Why does my hair get dry?'

Low Sebum: Your natural oils play a crucial role of sealing moisture into the hair shaft. The looser your curl pattern, the easier it is for sebum to travel from your roots to the tips of your curls. In tighter kinks, coils and curls, sebum can get stuck at the scalp, causing dullness and dryness.

Color damage: Color lifting agents are harsh, and our strands are delicate. Lightening your hair too much, too quickly can break down the structure of your hair and make it too porous. High porosity hair can easily take on moisture but can lose it just as easily.

Over-washing: Shampoos work to get rid of all of the gunk like dirt and oil. Sometimes they work a little too well and strip your hair of its natural oils and moisture. Opt for a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and use it only when needed.

Read: If your hair doesn’t get oily or dirty quickly, then there’s no reason to shampoo daily!

Mechanical damage: Our curls are fragile! Rough styling, detangling, heat tools and even pillow friction can all suck moisture out of your hair .

Using the wrong hair products: Not everything on the shelf is good for your curls. The best way to go is to avoid products that are sticky, drying or create build-up and block moisture from penetrating your hair (we’re looking at you, mousse and hairspray!).

How do you treat dry curly hair?

Hydrate Better: Remember, it starts from the inside out! Drink more water, and stick to it, your curls will thank you! Besides, your wash day routine is just ONE way to keep your hair hydrated. Try misting your hair daily with a tiny bit of H2O, for extra hydration!

Use sulfate-free shampoos & silicone-free conditioners: Sulfates are detergents that attract dirt and oil and make it easy for shampoos to cleanse your hair. The issue is that they’re too stripping and remove too much of your natural oil, drying out your scalp and ultimately, causing moisture loss in your hair shaft.

Silicones are often used in conditioners to make hair smooth, shiny and soft. Sounds great...but silicones essentially act similarly to rubber or plastic. They coat the hair and give a false sense of softness and shine while actually sealing out both moisture and air. The worst part is that this layer encourages build-up and creates a film/barrier which can make your styling products less effective.

Deep condition often: Deep conditioners are designed to add moisture. They’re typically fortified with humectants—ingredients that attract water and bind moisture to your hair, which helps to keep it soft and hydrated.

Rinse with cool water: This will help close the hair cuticle and lock in the hydration. After conditioning, rinse with cool water, and you’ll see that your curls are noticeably softer.

Use oil for extra conditioning and sealing moisture: Use oils on your scalp and hair that infuse your curls with essential nutrients, like avocado oil or jojoba oil. They also protect your curls from damage by forming a protective coating around each strand, locking in moisture and adding shine. The LUS Elixir Oil is a pure mixture of 7 natural oils plus vitamin E, so it’s packed with nutrients that help to heal damage and promote growth over time.

Protect you hair at night: Pillowcases tend to be made out of fabric that absorbs moisture and oils. They also create friction between your hair and your pillow. Sleeping with a satin or silk headscarf will not only preserve moisture but keep your curls looking fresh for the next day. If you don't like wrapping your hair at night, satin or silk pillow cases are a great option!

Get a trim: We can get so obsessed with reaching our #lengthgoals, but holding on to dead ends can actually get in the way of growth. The fastest method to get on track to healthy, hydrated curls is to snip those bad boys away.

Healthy Scalp, Healthy Hair

Too often we forget to give our scalps the attention they need. Making sure our scalps are clean, conditioned and moisturized can help with many hair related issues. Start by incorporating a 5-minute scalp massage into your nightly routine. Add a tiny amount of oil to the tips of your fingertips and use little circles to gently massage it into your scalp. It’ll help you wind down after a long day while also stimulating blood flow circulation and maintaining a healthy head of hair.