Curls are dry for plenty of reasons, so identifying why yours are dry is the first step. Curly hair is more fragile than non-curly hair. When you add bad hair care habits to the already dry, delicate hairs atop your head, your curl health plummets. It probably seems like a common-sense solution to include more hydrating hair products into your routine. But there actually may be contributing factors you haven't considered.
Reasons Your Curly Hair Might Become Dry or Damaged
Below we'll discuss some reasons your curly hair might be dry and what to do about it. If none of the examples we give seem like a fitting reason for your hay hair, talking to your doctor might be best. Some medications or medical issues can cause dryness. We aren't here to diagnose, so if these tips don't seem to work, talk to a medical professional. We know how annoying split ends, breakage, and unhealthy curls can be.
You Don't Know How to Treat Your Hair Type
Knowledge is power. It's super easy to mess up the moisture levels of your curls if you don't know what kind of hair you have. As a first step to understanding your hair type and its needs, take the Vida Bars hair quiz. Then, invest in quality hair products, like the Vida Bars Hydrate Set. Finally, incorporate a hair mask into your weekly routine or use a deep conditioner instead of your regular one occasionally.
You Wash Your Hair Too Much
If your hair is dry, it may be because you're washing it too much. What's too much? Well, if you're washing every day or even every other day, you may be washing curly hair too frequently. Try only washing your hair once or twice a week to prevent stripping the hair of moisture. Invest in a curly girl-approved dry shampoo to use in between washes if needed.
You Use the Wrong Brush
Curly girls can not use the same kind of combs and brushes as those without curls. The wrong ones can tug and break the hair, resulting in damage. Use a styling brush with movable bristles to help detangle wet curls and clump them into a wavy pattern. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle thick hair when it's wet.
You Use Too Many Hot Tools
Curls do not enjoy heat. They can quickly become dry and damaged if you use hot tools too frequently. Ditch the blow-dryer altogether or use it on the low setting only. You can also dry your hair with a soft fabric such as a T-shirt or microfiber towel. Try to use the curly girl method more often than heat styling. Rock the natural look, babe! And use a curly girl-approved heat styling spray if you must use a hot tool.
You Skip Regular Trims
You may love the length you've managed to accomplish, but every head has a growth point. Even though you may desperately want hair to your ankles, it may not be healthy for your curls. Lengthy does not mean healthy. So, don't skip trims! Shaping the body of your curls is essential in preventing dryness, breakage, and split ends.
You have Too Much Sun Exposure
Being a beach babe every day is fun until your hair breaks off in your hands. We know too much sun is harmful to your skin. But you may not know it's harmful to your hair too. Use an SPF spray for hair, especially if you know you'll be in the sun for an extended time. You also can wear a hat outside or limit sun exposure.
You have a Poor Diet
Eating foods that don't contain vitamins and minerals will not do your curls any favors. Your diet affects your hair more than you probably realize. Eat nutritious foods rich in vitamins and minerals like fruits, veggies, and low-fat dairy. Specifically, eat salmon, spinach, guava, sweet potatoes, and cinnamon. And drink plenty of water. Water lubricates hair follicles and promotes hair growth.
You're Dyeing Your Hair Too Much
Some of you are on a schedule that goes something like this: Jade hair in January, fuchsia hair in February, mahogany hair in March, amber hair in April, and so on. It's too much dye. Curls do not do well with an excess amount of chemicals. Even a new color every two to three months can be too aggressive for curls. Instead, wait longer between dye sessions and choose colors within three shades of your natural hair color. And never use box dye. Always go to a professional for color services.
Bringing Life Back to Dry, Damaged Curly Hair
After answering the question, "How do you bring life back to dry, damaged curly hair," you may still be at a loss for where to begin. It will probably take multiple attempts at solutions before you find what works best for you. Dryness is a direct result of damage, so it's essential to take steps now. While you may want to stick with the coolest trends or styles, they don't always keep your curls healthy. They also usually make pre-existing damage worse. You might be in it for the long haul, but you'll be grateful when your hay hair transforms into luscious, hydrated, bouncy curls! And, of course, Vida Bars is here to help with the products you need to make your curls healthy and fabulous again.