How to Fix Dried Out Curls
For curly girls, moisture is the key to success, but did you know that some hair care practices can make curly hair dry, frizzy and unmanageable?
Curl expert, Ouidad, addresses the most common moisture zappers and how best to treat thirsty curls.
01. High pH levels and sneaky sulphates
Products high on the alkaline scale can change the natural pH balance of curly hair (which is slightly acidic), causing the cuticle to open and moisture to escape. This leaves behind dry, brittle hair that is susceptible to frizzing. Sulphates (the chemical behind the foaming action of shampoos) can strip hair of its essential oils and leave the hair feeling dried out. Stick to products with a low pH to protect the moisture balance of curls and opt for sulphate-free cleansers to gently remove dirt and product build-up while restoring essential moisture to thirsty curls.
Ouidad recommends
Ultra-Nourishing Cleansing Oil Shampoo - This award-winning oil-based formula is sulphate free and features a CR-4 Repair Complex. It gently cleanses while restoring essential moisture to dry or damaged curls by mimicking the hair's natural oils to cleanse and rehydrate dry, damaged curls. Helping curls regain softness and adds brilliant shine to curls from root to tip. The hydrating formula is ideal for those who wash their curls more frequently.
02. Skimping on conditioner
Whether curls are loose, classic, tight or kinky, conditioning is paramount to maintaining healthy, moisturised curls. A lightweight conditioner is best for loose and classic curls to prevent weighing them down, and a heavier one to penetrate tight and kinky curls will help to hydrate.
Ouidad recommends
Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Conditioner - It is a fact: Dry hair equals frizzy hair. That's because curls that lack moisture look to absorb it from anywhere, they can get it by exposing them to frizz-causing humidity in the air. Cleanse and defines with anti-frizz nano technology. The pH5.5 gentle sulphate-free formula respects the hair’s natural protective barrier.
03. No prep time
Using a primer on curls before styling helps to restore moisture. It essentially ‘fills in’ some of those gaps on damaged, over-processed hair, so that products absorb evenly and, ultimately, work more effectively. Add a primer in your mix to seal in moisture and prepare the hair for optimal curl formation and less frizz.
Ouidad recommends
Whipped Curls Daily Conditioner & Styling Primer - This formula wraps each curl with intense hydration, using Ouidad’s healing triple olive oil blend combined with shea butter and glycerine to deeply moisturise and nourish. Use it as an intensive hydrating conditioner in the shower or a leave-in styling primer to smooth and define soft curls.
04. Over-processing
Colouring curly hair is not off the table, but the potential for damage can occur when the hair is lifted several levels above its natural tone. Curly hair is naturally porous which can affect how the hair absorbs and maintains colour, so colour with care and stick to products that work double-time to preserve colour and nourish chemically treated hair.
Ouidad recommends
Ultra-Nourishing Intense Hydrating Mask - Rich in natural oils, Ouidad’s deep conditioning treatment restores essential moisture to dry, damaged, or over processed curls. It replenishes parched curls with maximum moisture and instantly detangles to restore softness, elasticity and shine to help prevent breakage.
05. Cotton pillowcases
How your curls spend the night can affect how nourished they are in the morning. Sleeping on a cotton pillowcase or sheets can pull moisture out of your strands and snag your curls, leading to frizzy, split ends. Try slipping a silk or satin cover on your pillow instead. Your strands will slide over it with ease throughout the night and curls will not snap and break; and it can also help preserve the definition of tight and kinky curl types.
To find out more about Ouidad products and to become a Ouidad Salon, visit www.wonderful-brands.com or call 023 9400 3660.