Curly hair is naturally more prone to dryness, because the natural oils produced by the scalp take longer to travel down the strand's twists and turns to the ends. That is why the moisture routine for this hair type differs from straight or fine hair.
Change how you wash
Avoid washing daily, since that strips the natural oils curly hair needs even more than other types. Use a sulfate-free shampoo since it is gentler on strands, and focus conditioner on the ends rather than the scalp.
Effective moisture techniques
- The LOC or LCO method — liquid, then oil or cream, then a sealing layer — is one of the best ways to lock moisture into curly hair.
- Use a leave-in conditioner regularly instead of relying only on regular rinse-out conditioner.
- Try a deep hydrating mask once a week, especially if hair is very dry or damaged from coloring.
- Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce the friction that causes dryness and breakage.
Styling that preserves moisture
Style your hair while damp rather than dry, and use a wide-tooth comb instead of a regular brush to reduce breakage. If you notice persistent severe breakage despite regular moisturizing, it may be time to trim damaged ends or consult a hair care specialist.