What do unhealthy curls look like?

Author: Dr. Jordon Herman DDS  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Hair looks dull, and has lost its natural elasticity and shine. Split ends and visible damage may appear along the hair shaft. You hair looks frizzy and is hard to manage.

How do you know if your curls are unhealthy?

Unhealthy curls may feel rough and brittle to the touch, lacking the smoothness and softness that healthy curls typically exhibit. This can result from damage, lack of proper conditioning, or exposure to environmental stressors.

What do damaged curls look like?

Some signs of damaged curls are inconsistent curl formation and changes in texture. Compromised curls and coils can even look looser than usual, like a rope starting to unravel as it gets weaker. Your strands can also feel rougher, duller, or drier than usual.

How do you fix unhealthy curly hair?

What does unhealthy hair look like?

A damaged hair strand refers to a hair fiber that has lost its natural structure and strength due to various factors such as heat styling, chemical treatments, and environmental stressors. Damaged hair strands may appear dry, brittle, and dull, and can also have split ends and frizz.

3 PROVEN REASONS WHY YOUR HAIR IS NOT GROWING!

How to tell if hair is healthy?

How to bring natural curls back?

Why is my curly hair so frizzy?

Curly and coily hair, aka every hair type from 3A to 4C, are the most susceptible to frizz due to a lack of moisture. Unlike straight and wavy hair, curls and coils are made up of strands that twirl, making it challenging for oils to travel down the hair shaft.

How to define damaged curls?

What destroys a curl pattern?

Overdoing it on heat treatments too often can leave your curl pattern permanently damaged, and your hair feeling dried out and fragile. This means tangles, split ends and fried hair that doesn't curl like it should.

How long does it take for curls to heal?

Everyone's hair is different, so while it may take your friend just a few weeks to see their curls return to their former glory, you may have to wait a couple of months. The quickest way to see results is to cut off your damaged strands.

Why is my curly hair going straight?

Hormonal changes like pregnancy, puberty or menopause can cause your curl pattern to change drastically. The shape of your hair follicles defines your curl pattern and texture, so when your body goes through a major hormonal overhaul, it can also change the shape of your follicles, thus changing your curl pattern.

What damaged curls look like?

What does damaged curly hair look like? Damaged, dry curly hair may look straighter or looser the first wash after styling it - your curl pattern may also appear and feel totally different, and more 'relaxed' than before.

How do I tell if my curls need moisture or protein?

If your hair breaks or snaps when brushing or styling, it is not strong and needs protein. If your hair looks limp, matte and dry, it needs moisture. Keep reading to discover to understand what is really needed, why and how to bring your curls back into balance.

How can I make my curls healthier?

How do I hydrate my curly hair?

How to stop curls from frizzing?

Why is my curly hair flat on top?

In conclusion, having curly hair underneath but straight on top can be attributed to various factors such as genetics, hair damage, styling techniques, and product usage. However, with the right approach and the help of Controlled Chaos hair products, you can address this issue and achieve a more uniform curl pattern.

Why does my hair not hold a curl anymore?

Using The Wrong Products: The products you use—and how you use them—can make or break curls. Some formulas are designed for damp hair, while others work best on dry hair. Using the wrong one or applying products improperly can lead to issues like "wet spots," which can cause damage when exposed to heat.

How can I stimulate my natural curls?

What is the curly girl method?

Is it normal to see your scalp through hair?

In most cases, seeing your scalp through your hair is perfectly normal. It's influenced by things like your hair thickness, density, genetics, and of course, aging.

Does apple cider vinegar unclog hair follicles?

Apple Cider Vinegar keeps scalp and hair pH balanced and works to seal the hair's cuticle for increased shine. It also helps to gently exfoliate the scalp and unclog hair follicles.