Dry & Frizzy Hair

Why is my hair super dry and frizzy?

Curly hair tends to be dry and frizzy for several reasons, primarily related to the hair's unique structure and its ability to retain moisture. The spiral or coiled shape of curly hair makes it more difficult for natural oils produced by the scalp to travel down the hair shaft, which leads to dryness and frizz.

Feel like you have frizzy hair? Here’s why curly hair is often dry and frizzy:

Natural Structure of Curly Hair: The twists and turns of curly hair prevent the scalp's natural oils (sebum) from coating the entire length of the hair, unlike straight hair, where oils can easily spread down the shaft. This lack of natural oil leaves curly hair drier, making it more prone to frizz.
Your Hair's Porosity Level: Many people with curly hair have higher porosity, meaning their hair cuticles are more open, allowing moisture to escape quickly. This makes it difficult for curly hair to retain moisture, leading to dryness and frizziness.
Sulfates in Hair Products: Sulfates are harsh detergents commonly found in shampoos that strip hair of its natural oils. Since curly hair already has less moisture, using sulfate-containing shampoos can exacerbate dryness and frizz.
Overwashing: Washing curly hair too often strips it of the little natural oil it has, leading to even drier hair and more frizz. Curly hair generally needs less frequent washing to maintain moisture.
Heat or Chemical Damage: Frequent use of heat tools or harsh chemicals such as relaxer or bleach often results in damage that weakens the hair’s structure, increases porosity, and causes further dryness and frizz.
Humidity and Environmental Factors: In humid environments, the hair absorbs moisture from the air, which causes the strands to swell, leading to frizz. Conversely, in dry environments, curly hair may lose moisture to the dry air, worsening its dryness and frizziness.
Friction and Manipulation: Rough handling, such as using a regular towel to dry hair or sleeping on a cotton pillowcase, can create friction that leads to frizz. Using a microfiber towel and sleeping with a silk/satin bonnet or pillowcase can minimize frizz.

How to Combat Dryness and Frizz in Curly Hair:

Before trying the below tips, try to understand why your particular head of curls is dry and/or frizzy. Is it your hair's porosity type? Is your hair damaged from heat or colour? Do you live in a very humid or dry climate? Understanding your circumstances will better equip you to tackle your specific concerns!

Here are some easy tips to help combat dry and frizzy hair:

1. Use Moisturizing Shampoos and Conditioners: Opt for sulfate-free, moisturizing products designed for curly hair.

2. Deep Condition Regularly: Incorporate deep conditioning masks weekly to hydrate and nourish dry hair.

3. Don't Skip Leave-In Conditioner: Use a leave-in conditioner after washing to keep hair moisturized.

4. Seal Moisture with Oils: After applying moisturizer or leave-in conditioner, seal it in with oils to prevent moisture loss.

5. Avoid Overwashing: Wash your hair less frequently (every 3-7 days, depending on your hair type) to prevent it from becoming too dry.

6. Use Heat Protectants: Always use heat protectant sprays when using heat-styling tools to minimize heat damage.

7. Reduce Friction: Use a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt to dry your hair and sleep with a silk/satin bonnet or pillowcase to reduce friction that can cause frizz.

Final Thoughts

By adopting the right hair care practices and using the appropriate products, you can manage dryness and frizz in curly hair more effectively. With that being said, some dryness and frizz is totally normal for all types of curly hair! As long as your hair is healthy, try to embrace the frizz. 😊

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Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Medical advice should always come from your physician or a trained professional.