Thick, curly hair is more prone to breakage and dryness than other hair types. However, with the right routine and hair care products, you can keep your curls healthy and looking good. To care for curly hair, board-certified dermatologists recommend these tips. Only wash your hair when needed.
Due to the uneven shape of the hair fiber, the hair shaft can have “high spots” where the cuticle is slightly lifted compared to the rest of the hair fiber. When the cuticles are lifted, the internal structure becomes exposed, leaving the hair vulnerable to damage and dehydration.
Fine: thin and fragile with two layers – the cortex and the cuticle – becoming oily and greasy quickly, and breaking more easily than thicker hair. Medium: has more volume than fine hair, is less prone to breakage and holds styles better.
Things like heat, friction, and dryness weaken that cuticle, which is how split ends come about. Added to that, curly hair can be extra fragile and more prone to tangling.
Use a deep conditioner
A deep conditioner in the form of a hair mask for dry and damaged hair helps to restore moisture to damaged follicles, nourishing and repairing thirsty strands. Apply your moisturizing hair mask to damp curls and let it sit for a few minutes to a half an hour, before rinsing it out.
What does curly hair breakage look like? Curly hair breakage can manifest as split ends, thinning strands, or excessive shedding. You may notice shorter pieces of hair scattered throughout your curls or a need for more elasticity when stretched.
How often should you cut curly hair? Curly hair should typically be trimmed every 6 to 12 weeks, depending on your hair's specific needs and the severity of split ends.
Curly and thick hair are most prone to split ends.
Thick hair is characterized by a high diameter and low density, meaning that it contains lots of keratin (protein) molecules in each strand of hair, which makes it more difficult for the ends of your strands to absorb moisture.
Braids are the ultimate go-to for hair protection. They are versatile, stylish, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you opt for classic French braids, loose braids, or cornrows, braids can help to keep your hair neat and prevent breakage. They're also great if you live a busy lifestyle.
Products Meant for Type 4 Hair
Since type 4 hair requires the most maintenance, be sure you're using products designed to nourish your hair. When caring for type 4 hair, it is important to remember not to comb too aggressively or often, as this can lead to damage.
Texture Type 5, is often characterized as very curly, define curls with s-shapes forming into coils.
Curly hair, while beautiful and prone to damage. It can become dry and unhealthy without proper care, losing its natural bounce. If you're dealing with unhealthy hair, you can restore its health with the correct techniques and habits.
Curls need to be handled in a completely different way than your standard hair services provide. For example, a standard wet cut requires the stylist to comb or brush the hair. If you have any type of curls, this will stretch them out. It dissects the curl pattern and can leave an uneven mess.
Curls have a spiral shape that makes it difficult for oils and caring agents to migrate from root to tip. On straighter hair, care products can easily slide along the length of the fiber, hydrating further down the shaft. Curly hair is drier because the caring agents don't reach as easily due to the shape of the curl.
Key Takeaways. As you age, straight hair may become more wavy, and if you have wavy hair, you might see new wave patterns in each section of your head. Over time, those with curly hair may notice looser curls or new curl patterns. If you have coily hair, it's possible for it to become frizzier as you age.
Loose and classic curls can lather up two to four times a week. Coily curl types can co-wash weekly, and deep cleanse with shampoo once a month. Tight curls fall somewhere in between - shampoo or co-wash every few days to a week. A good rule of thumb: If your curls feel dry, try washing less frequently.
This can depend on individual preference, but usually, curly hair should be cut while it's dry.
Wet hair is more fragile and prone to damage. When your hair is wet, the cuticle layer swells, making it more vulnerable to breakage and split ends. This increased fragility can lead to long-term damage, weakening the overall structure of your hair.
The main symptoms are broken hairs in your brush or drain, split ends, fly-aways, extreme dryness, a loss of volume, and tangles or knots after washing. There are many products and practices out there that can help. Keep reading to discover the hair breakage signs to look out for (and more importantly, the solutions).
Our top pick is the Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo because it works on all curly hair types and delivers bouncy, nourished, frizz-free curls. It's formulated with replenishing ingredients that cleanse but don't strip your strands.
Irish curls, also known as Irish waves or Irish hair, are a unique and sometimes challenging hair type. Unlike uniform curl patterns, Irish curls have a distinctive dual texture: straighter on top with waves or curls hiding underneath.