5 Steps to Rebuilding Hydration In Your Curly Hair
July 19, 2024 | Louise O'Mullane
There are a lot of ways to keep your hair healthy. But there is ONE thing that sets really healthy hair apart
Hydration.
You can use all the right techniques, treatments, sleep protection and more, however, without adequate hydration, your curly hair will never reach its full potential. On the other hand, even if you skip those other steps, prioritising hydration will put you miles ahead.
When curls become dry, damaged, or brittle, it’s crucial to know how to effectively restore moisture and restore balance to your curls.
Why Hydration Matters
Hydration is essential for curly hair because it tends to be more porous and prone to dryness than other hair types. Proper hydration keeps curls defined, reduces frizz, and prevents breakage. Moisture helps maintain the elasticity and strength of curly hair, making sure it remains bouncy and vibrant.
Here are five steps to help you rebuild hydration in your curly hair.
What To Do When Your Curls Feel Dry & Damaged
- Deep Conditioning Treatments: Incorporate a weekly deep conditioning treatment to replenish lost moisture. Products like Nourish & Flourish Conditioner or Drench & Quench Curly Hair Mask penetrate deep into the hair shaft to provide intense hydration.
- Hydrating Leave-In Conditioners: Use a leave-in conditioner daily to maintain moisture levels. Look for products with ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera, and coconut oil, which are known for their hydrating properties.
- Limit Heat Styling: Reduce the use of heat styling tools, as they can strip hair of its natural moisture. When you must use heat, always apply a heat protectant before hand. We recommend if your hair is dry and damaged, avoid heat styling altogether.
4. Use a hydrating curl cream: Curl creams are specially formulated to provide moisture and nourishment, penetrating deep into the hair shaft to restore hydration. They often contain ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera, which are known for their moisturising properties and help to seal in moisture, smooth frizz, and enhance curl definition. By using a curl cream, you create a protective barrier around your hair, preventing moisture loss and environmental damage.
5. Hydrating Hair Oils: Apply a lightweight hydrating oil like Hush Nourishing oil to seal in moisture and add shine. Use it sparingly to avoid weighing down your curls.
How To Dry Curly Hair To Avoid Damaging Your Curls
Drying your curls with too much heat can cause significant damage, leading to dryness, frizz, and breakage. Excessive heat strips the hair of its natural moisture, weakening the curl structure and making it more prone to split ends.
Learning how to dry curly hair without damaging it is really easy, and essential for maintaining healthy, defined curls. Using a diffuser is step 1. Knowing how to diffuse curly hair correctly is step 2. Distributing heat more evenly and minimising direct heat exposure reduces the risk of damage. A diffuser also enhances your natural curl pattern, providing volume and definition without the harmful effects of high heat.
How To Dry Curly Hair To Avoid Damage
- Air Drying: Allow your hair to air dry occasionally. This method minimises heat exposure and retains natural moisture.
- Microfiber Towel or T-shirt: Instead of using a regular towel, opt for a microfiber towel or a soft cotton T-shirt to gently squeeze out excess water. This reduces frizz and breakage.
- How to Diffuse Curly Hair: If you prefer using a blow dryer, attach a diffuser. Knowing how to diffuse curly hair correctly is key—use a low heat and speed setting, and avoid touching your hair too much while drying. This method helps enhance your natural curl pattern without causing excessive dryness.
- Avoid Rubbing Your Hair: Rubbing your hair with a towel can cause friction, leading to frizz and breakage. Instead, gently pat your hair to remove excess water.
- Scrunching Technique: After applying your styling products, scrunch your curls upwards to encourage definition and volume while they dry.
What Is Over Moisturising Your Hair And How To Avoid It
Over-moisturising, also known as Hygral Fatigue, occurs when hair absorbs too much moisture, leading to a weakened and overly stretchy hair shaft.
How to tell if you have Hygral Fatigue
- Your Hair keeps breaking
- Your Hair feels dull and limp
- There's no elasticity in your curls
Here’s how to avoid it:
- Balanced Routine: Maintain a balance between moisturising and protein treatments. While moisture is essential, protein helps strengthen the hair shaft and prevent it from becoming too soft.
- Watch for Signs: Be aware of signs of over-moisturising, such as limp or gummy hair that lacks elasticity. If you notice these symptoms, reduce the frequency of deep conditioning treatments and incorporate more protein-rich products.
- Use Lightweight Products: Opt for lightweight, water-based products that provide hydration without overloading the hair with moisture.
- Clarifying Shampoos: Use a clarifying shampoo once a month to remove product buildup and excess moisture. This helps reset your hair and restore its natural balance.
By understanding how to diffuse curly hair and how to dry curly hair correctly, along with maintaining a balanced hydration routine, you can keep your curls healthy, hydrated, and full of life.
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