How To Combat These Common Curly Hair Problems
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If you have natural curls, you have likely been told by many people how lucky you are to have such gorgeous hair. People spend hours trying to keep a curl in their hair and some even get treatments like perms, which are making a big comeback, to achieve what you might not have naturally. But what many people don't know is that curly hair comes with a host of problems. For most curly-haired people, washing and drying your hair isn't so easy — in fact, it usually takes quite a few steps and products to get it looking the way you want it to.
People with curly hair suffer from a variety of hair woes, from frizziness to breakage and even dandruff. And with so many products and treatments out there, it can be hard to figure out the best way to combat those issues. If you have curly hair and are suffering from common curly hair problems, here's the best way to fix them.
Frizz and Dryness
Frizz and dry hair are two of the most common issues curly-haired people deal with. Frizz is created when moisture touches the hair, something that curly locks are a bit more susceptible to. Plus, the nature of the curl can prevent your natural hair oils from reaching all parts of your mane, causing the dryness many are dealing with. That dryness can occur from the scalp all the way to the ends, making it hard to find the right hydrating solution.
To help avoid frizz and dryness in your curly hair, make sure you are using a sulfate-free shampoo. The KÉRASTASE Curl Manifesto Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Curly Hair is a super popular option, as it not only helps clean the hair thoroughly but also helps your scalp and hair retain the moisture that is often lost in the curls. After your hair is freshly washed, apply a leave-in conditioner as well as an anti-frizz serum before applying heat products. But most importantly, try to avoid brushing your hair when it's dry — this is a surefire way to instantly introduce frizz.
Breakage
When it comes to curly hair, often one problem leads to another. Having dry locks can cause your hair to break and curly hair usually sees the brunt of it. When the cuticles of the hair are unable to find the moisture they crave, breakage occurs. That breakage can then turn into hair loss and hair thinning when the hair is brushed or hot tools are used.
If you are experiencing breakage, finding the cause can be difficult. If you're at a loss on how to tend to your tendrils, avoiding heat is a great start, but if you can't go without a blow dry, there are other things you can do. Getting your ends cut regularly is super important to avoid breakage, as is applying a hair mask that focuses on hydration. While we often focus on the ends or body of our hair, a truly healthy head starts with the scalp. Consider adding a scalp oil to your hair routine like the Tropic Isle Living Jamaican Black Castor Oil, which helps provide essential nutrients and vitamins to the scalp while increasing hydration and collagen production, keeping hair full and growing.
Dandruff
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, "Dandruff is a common scalp condition in which small pieces of dry skin flake off of the scalp." Many people associate dandruff with dirtiness, making those who suffer from it shy away from getting help or fixing it. If you do have dandruff, it's important to know that this is entirely untrue. Many curly-haired people are prone to dandruff due to the oil buildup in the scalp.
To help get your dandruff under control, oils can work wonders for your hair. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid Scalp Serum is a great option as it hydrates the hair and is particularly great for those with a flaky or dry scalp. The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends using a dandruff shampoo once or twice a week depending on your hair type. If you are still seeing flakes after going through these steps, it may be beneficial to see a dermatologist so you can rule out more serious issues like eczema or psoriasis.
Tangles and knots
No, tangles are not just for toddlers. Tangles and knots are common curly hair problems that pretty much every curly-haired person has dealt with at some point in time. For most, curly hair also means a rougher texture and that texture makes it easier for your hair strands to tangle up together, causing knots.
But before you start brushing your hair or using your fingers to pull out the knots, you'll want to make sure to do it right to prevent further damage, maybe by using a detangling spray before brushing. The Wizard Detangling Hair Primer by Amika works double duty as it helps brush our tangles more smoothly and works as a heat protectant if you plan to style your hair with hot tools after detangling. When your hair is wet and clean, use a wide-tooth comb to brush through your hair rather than a hairbrush, and always start at the end of your hair. To prevent tangles from happening, use a leave-in conditioner and sleep on a satin pillowcase.
Split ends
Damaged and weak hair, which is often the case for curly hair, is more susceptible to split ends. This is when the hair splits into two or more strands at the bottom of the hair. When we start to see split ends, it's important to stop them as best we can. Split ends can lead to hair failing to grow and eventually, can cause thinning or hair loss.
To help prevent split ends, try to skip a few days in between hair washes. This ensures that your body's natural oils are getting enough time to really penetrate the hair follicles. Always use conditioner and as we stated earlier, head to the salon regularly to get a trim. Some products you may want to add to your arsenal include the Pureology Strength Cure Split-End Salve Leave-In Treatment, which strengthens and smooths the hair, and the Living Proof Triple Bond Complex Leave-in Hair Treatment, which works to rebuild the structure of your hair, making it an awesome product for not only your split ends but any type of damage your hair may experience.