We're committed to loving our hair in 2023. Healthy hair is our goal and curl appreciation is our passion. We know that caring for curly hair isn't always smooth sailing. Sudden changes in your hair type can throw your whole style routine off kilter. When that happens, it's easy to fall into negative hair care patterns like harsh chemical treatments and heat styling just to get your curls back to the shape you love. Let's commit to nourishing our hair, not damaging it in 2023. Knowing the telltale signs of curl damage can empower you to stop the damage in its tracks.
Stay on track with these 4 warning signs of damaged curls and learn how to fix your natural hair without damaging your beautiful locks further. Let's enjoy a healthy hair lifestyle by honoring our curls with gentle care and plenty of love this year.
1.) There's a Tangle in Your Hair Care Routine
You're combing your fingers through your beautiful curls when suddenly you happen upon a stubborn snare. Then another. And another.
If you've been finding more tangles than usual in your curls, this may be an indicator of curl damage. Healthy curls should have plenty of elasticity and movement to allow you to style them without battling snares. Healthy hair retains the soft, springy curl texture we all know and love. Tangles are often the result of dryness which in turn creates too much friction between the hair strands. When this happens, your hair can fray, leading to split ends and eventually breakage.
Escape the tangled spiral by creating a proactive detangling routine. The first step to preventing tangles in curly hair is the begin using the right conditioner. You'll want to rely on a conditioner that's blended from all-natural oils and nutrients, free of sulfates, parabens, and other nasty additives that are known to cause dryness. The right conditioner should also have plenty of "slip" -- or allow you to easily glide your fingers or a wet brush through your hair in the shower. Once you've found your perfect formula, commit to keeping up with your curls with a detangling routine.
Always brush your hair when wet to avoid snapping off any fragile strands. Coat the hair in a generous layer of conditioner and work your wet brush through in sections. A wide-toothed comb is also a great tool to use when separating your curls. Gently work through any smaller knots with your fingers and avoid tugging and pulling on your hair. Opt for a static-free bonnet or silk pillowcase at night for tangle-free mornings.
2.) Your Shine Is Dull
The telltale signs of curl damage are often subtle. When your normally radiant hair begins to appear less reflective, this can gradually shift to overall dullness. Damaged hair tends to have less luster than healthy hair as the protective cuticle layer is stripped away. If you find that your shine has dimmed recently, this is a good indicator that you aren't getting enough moisture. Dryness can cause your color to fade and the overall tone of your curls to become less luminous.
Your hair's sparkle not being quite as show-stopping as it once meant it's time to up your hydration game. Work in deep conditioning moisture mask at least once a week. Supplement your natural hair care routine with a daily moisture serum. The best DIY serums utilize natural oils to bring back the shine in your locks. Try jojoba oil, coconut oil, or Moroccan argan oil for the best results. Mix with a pinch of water, aloe for clarifying, and your favorite scents like rosemary or lavender for a dull curl revival. Not only will this give your hair the boost it needs in the interim, but applying hair oil regularly can support your curls' natural oil production to combat recurring dryness.
Not sure if your hair is truly losing its luster or if you're imagining things? Save pictures of your hair on its best days. Not only is this a great reminder of all the reasons you love your healthy hair, but pictures are a good tool to reference when you're having a dull moment in your curl lifecycle. References can help identify your hair's needs and restore your natural locks to their former glory.
3.) Brittle Ends and Hair Clumps in the Brush Are Common
If you've noticed an increased amount of shedding accompanied by a change in texture, this is a good indicator that your hair has been compromised. Healthy curls are soft and vibrant. While all curls experience some shedding, excessive breakage can mean that your hair is experiencing weakened protein bonds alongside frizz and split ends. You might also notice an aggravated scalp. Dryness leads to flaking, inflammation, and redness throughout the scalp line which contributes to brittle, fragile ends and slowed hair growth. Hair loss can be seasonal, hormonal, product related, or caused by a variety of other factors. Identifying the key issue can help us better address the damage before it leads to increased shedding.
Start at the simplest root and work your way out. What products do you typically use? Are they curly hair approved, and free of harsh chemicals and additives? When was the last time you changed your protective style or are you due for a trim? Are you eating right and getting enough water throughout your day? Has there been a major fluctuation in weather, temperature, or season? Are you brushing too hard or are you brushing your hair while it's dry and fragile? Do you know your hair's porosity and are you sealing the ends to ensure hydration retention? How is your scalp care routine? If you don't have one, now is the perfect time to start!
Asking yourself these questions can help narrow down the factors that may be affecting your hair. Often, the best solution is a combination of healthy hair practices to begin addressing dryness and shedding. As you become more confident in your curl care routine, you can modify it to best suit your unique hair type and texture. Start here with our simple, healthy hair tips to lock in softness and promote new hair growth.
4.) Your Curls Are Losing Their Shape
Have you always had an S-shaped curl pattern? What about tight coils that lay perfectly against your head? Of course, we can expect some variation in our curl pattern over time. Factors such as age, hormones, and even moving to a new climate can alter the natural shape of our hair. However, if you suddenly notice your curls losing their shape without any easily identifiable cause, this may be a telltale sign that you're losing elasticity and structural integrity. This often occurs as a result of hair damage that causes the keratin protein bonds to break.
If you notice a distinct change in the curls you love, there are a few fixes you can implement to reverse the damage and get your hair back on track. First, try a keratin protein treatment. Fortifying your hair with the naturally occurring protein that gives it strength, volume, and shape is a great first step. If your curls don't return to their desired pattern in a couple of weeks, it may be time for a trim. Get rid of some of those dead ends and start fresh. Shorter hair tends to give more voluminous curls which can be stretched over time to return to their desired length. If you're missing longer hair, try rocking a protective style during the interim. Knotless braids are a great option for adding length without causing root tension and excess damage.
Gentle hair care will be a key area of focus for preventing curl pattern disruption in the future. When developing a good proactive hair care routine, consider what factors contribute to protein damage. If we think back to chemistry class, we know that heat is the main disruptor of protein bonds. Be mindful of sun exposure and always apply a lightweight SPF to your curls. When it comes to your home style routine, consider a low-maintenance and low-heat approach to natural hair care. More and more naturalistas are turning away from traditional blow dryers and flat irons to embrace healthy hair-focused styling. RevAir's uniquely engineered low-heat design makes our device the perfect solution for drying, stretching, and styling without frying your curls. Check out what using the RevAir looks like for your daily style routine.
With all the changes our curls can undergo, one thing is certain; we love our hair. We embrace all of its texture, volume, and dynamic movement. Knowing when a change in curl pattern and feel is an indicator of damaged hair empowers us to adjust our natural hair care routine for healthier locks. These small details can help identify bigger needs like dryness, over-processing, and too much heat exposure.
Treat your curls right by loving them at every stage in their lifecycle. Our team is here to support your healthy hair journey. Reach out to RevAir to learn more about natural hair care and making the switch to low-heat styling.
