Between frizz, stringy strands and split ends, it can be hard to know what to do with damaged curly hair that just isn’t looking right. If you feel like you haven’t had a good hair day in forever, you may think the only option left is to reach for a pair of scissors. But not so fast! There are actually other steps you can take first to help repair your damaged curly hair and get it back on track — no snipping required. (Not sure if you’re dealing with damaged hair or just plain ol’ dryness? Check to see if you have any of these 10 Signs of Damaged Curly Hair.)
While dry hair isn't always necessarily damaged (it could just be dry due to the weather, for example), both damaged and dry hair have one thing in common: they lack moisture. Without proper moisture, you lose shine and definition. And as your hair becomes drier and drier, you’ll probably notice signs of damage creeping in, like split ends. Excessive dryness can cause damage, which can create even more dryness, which can cause even more damage and… well, you get the picture.
Before we get into how to repair damaged curly hair, you need to first identify the cause of the damage. While some culprits are obvious (think: heat-damaged hair or one too many bleach dye jobs), others (like using harsh products or over-washing) can fly under the radar and continue to wreak havoc on your curls.
5 Things That Cause Damaged Curly Hair
Color Damage
Color lifting agents are harsh, especially on curly hair, which tends to be more delicate and fragile. Lightening your hair too much (or too quickly) can break down the structure of your hair and make it even more porous than it naturally is. And while high porosity hair absorbs moisture from water and hair products quickly (yay!), it can lose that moisture just as easily (boo).
Over-Washing
Obviously, shampooing is important for lifting things like dirt and oil from your scalp and hair. However, too much shampoo can strip curly hair of its much-needed natural oils and moisture, particularly if you’re using a shampoo loaded with sulfates, which can be extra-drying on curly hair. Thankfully, LUS (Love Ur Self) Shampoo is gentle, sulfate-free and formulated with just the right amount of shea butter and moringa oil to leave your hair feeling clean and moisturized with every wash. Use it only when needed, and for an extra deep-clean that keeps your scalp healthy and allows your curls to thrive, pair it with our new Scalp Massager.
Mechanical Damage
Rough styling, detangling, using heat tools and even pillow friction can all cause breakage and suck moisture out of fragile curls. Treat your curls gently by wrapping freshly washed hair with a cotton T-shirt instead of a towel, using a detangling brush specifically designed for curly hair, and wrapping your hair in a satin scarf at night to prevent breakage and frizz.
Using the Wrong Hair Products
Not everything on the shelf is good for your curls. Avoid products that are sticky, drying or create build-up and block moisture from penetrating your hair. (We’re looking at you, mousse and hairspray!)
Heat Damage
You didn’t think we’d leave out heat damaged hair, did you? Unsurprisingly, heat tools are a major cause of curl damage. If you absolutely must use tools like flat irons and curling irons, try adjusting the heat to the halfway mark to minimize the amount of damage to your curls. Better yet: go on a heat tools strike and embrace your curls.
How to Repair Damaged Curly Hair
Whether you’re just starting out on your curl journey or you’re a seasoned pro who’s stumbled upon a slight setback thanks to some curl damage, there are steps you can take to get your curls back on track. Five steps, to be exact.
Enter: the LUS (Love Ur Self) Curl Reset Kit. Our formerly limited edition bundle, consisting of five of our best-sellers: Shampoo, Conditioner, All-In-One Styler, Deep Condition & Repair, and Irish Sea Moss Gel, is now a permanent part of the LUS (Love Ur Self) lineup (!!!).
Featuring our cult fave 3-Step System plus the best deep conditioner for high porosity hair and Irish Sea Moss Gel (Canada-made!), our Curl Reset Kit is a curly hair kit that gives you major results in minutes (no, really!!). Here’s why Curl Reset has everything you need for getting damaged curly hair back into shape.
Shampoo
Our best-selling shampoo is suitable for all curl types, cleanses your hair and balances your scalp without ever being stripping or drying.
Conditioner
Our conditioner makes detangling a breeze and leaves curls feeling super soft.
All-In-One
The iconic All-In-One is customized for different curl types and moisturizes and enhances your natural texture in one (ONE!!!) easy step.
Deep Condition & Repair
This ultra-rich deep conditioning mask repairs past damage and brings your curls back to life. You’ll notice a difference after just one use. Seriously.
Irish Sea Moss Gel
On the hunt for the best product for frizz-free curls? Our game-changing Irish Sea Moss Gel reduces frizz and defines your natural curl pattern. The best part? It literally drenches your hair in moisture and hydration as you wear it throughout the day.
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