Table of Contents

• Why Does Curly Hair Dry Out?
• 5 Signs Your Curls Need Moisturizing
• How to Maintain Moisture in Curly Hair Types
• Add Moisturizing Products Between Washes
• 5 Best Products to Pack Moisture In

Why Does Curly Hair Dry Out?

Curly hair dries out because of its structure and texture. Due to the pattern of curly hair strands, natural oils can’t travel down the hair shaft easily. This is one of the main causes of dryness in curly hair. Here are 4 common reasons why curly, wavy and coily hair types dry out:

A Lack of Moisture 

Although curly hair can absorb moisture quite easily, it tends to lose it just as quickly. This is because curly hair types being more porous than other hair types, which can result in hair looking dry. As curly hair struggles to retain moisture, it needs as much of it as possible, so understanding your hair’s porosity could help you gain a better understanding for how to care for your curls. While curly hair doesn’t do the best job at retaining moisture, it needs as much of it as possible in order to thrive.

Not Using the Right Products 

Using products that have been formulated with curly hair in mind is essential when caring for curly hair. Harsh ingredients such as parabens, alcohol, silicone and sulfates can wreak havoc on curls and you may even notice that your hair is dry shortly afterwards, this is because harsh ingredients can strip the hair of moisture. 

Heat Damage

While it may be tempting to use heat styling tools to style your curls, they can actually do more harm than good when they are used excessively and at a high temperature. A setting of 130 degrees should be enough to curl your hair while 180 degrees is the maximum temperature. Whether you prefer to use a lower or higher heat setting, you’ll need to use a heat protection product before using tools such as flat irons, curling wands or blow dryers as failing to do so can cause damage. 

Environmental Factors

There’s a notion that curly hair doesn’t fare too well in humid climates but the truth is that the moisture levels of curly hair can be impacted by all weather conditions, which is why it’s important to use moisture boosting products as part of your curly haircare routine.

Curlsmith’s selection of moisture boosting products can provide your curls with the nourishment they need in order to thrive.

5 Signs Your Curls Need Moisturizing

Dryness

One of the biggest signs that your curls are in need of moisture is dryness. If your curls feel rough, crunchy or brittle to the touch, then they are probably dry. Curls that are well hydrated are soft and flexible.

Frizz

Curl types are more prone to frizz than straighter hair. Frizz occurs when your strands seek moisture from the environment and when moisture from oils and creams hasn’t been sealed in properly. Dryness is one of the main causes of frizz but it can also occur due to humidity, hair damage, a lack of definition in your curls and using the wrong products.

Lack of Curl Definition

A lack of curl definition occurs when your curls aren’t forming their natural shape. When caring for your curls, it can be helpful to know some of the characteristics to look for in curls that aren’t defined. If they don’t clump together or if you notice mixed textures throughout your head, then your curls aren’t defined. 

Split Ends

Split ends on curly hair can be hard to spot but if this issue is left unaddressed, it can change the look and feel of your curls. If the ends of your hair are frayed or feathered or you have y-shaped or v-shaped ends, you could be dealing with split ends. Some other signs to look out for include dry or rough ends or if your curls aren’t forming the way they should be. 

Low Porosity

Your hair’s porosity levels will determine how you care for your curls. Porosity is basically your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. There are two types of porosity – high and low. If your curls are struggling to retain moisture and feel greasy and weighed down, then you may have low porosity.

How to Maintain Moisture in Curly Hair Types

Curly hair can dry out due to a lack of moisture but the great thing is that there are ways to maintain moisture in curls such as incorporating moisture boosting products into your haircare routine. Maintaining moisture in curly hair is very important to find the moisture balance because curls are drier and more prone to issues such as frizz and breakage. Here are some tips on how you can do this:

Make sure your Hair is Hydrated

Curls need water in order to stay soft. While using oils and butters may help seal in water, water is the ultimate moisturiser. When applying curly products as part of your wash and care routine, your hair should be damp or wet in order for your hair to be able to retain moisture. 

Use the LOC Method

This popular method works wonders for hair types that are naturally drier, helping to seal moisture in your curls in just three steps. L stands for liquid (water or leave-in conditioner), O stands for oil (sealing) and C stands for cream (think moisture and curl definition). When using the LOC method, remember that a little bit of product goes a long way and you don’t want to subject your curls to moisture overload.

Deep Condition Weekly

Deep conditioning gives your curls the hydration and repair they need to stay healthy. As we know, curly hair types lose moisture easily and deep conditioners replenish lost moisture and help your hair hold onto it for longer. Deep conditioners should be used once a week for added benefits, add heat such as a warm towel, hooded dryer or heat cap to help the product penetrate more deeply. A low or medium level of heat is appropriate as higher levels of heat can damage curls.

Avoid Harsh Ingredients 

If you’re using products that haven’t been formulated with curls in mind then there’s a possibility that the ingredients may be too harsh on your curls. As a rule of thumb, avoid any products that have moisture stripping ingredients such as sulfates, alcohols or silicones. Curlsmith’s range of  sulfate-free cleansers or co-wash conditioners are designed to be gentler on your curls.

Protect your Hair at Night 

How you care for your hair at night is important. Keeping your hair protected at night with a silk pillowcase can help prevent moisture loss, friction and damage. When you protect your hair at night, it helps any products you apply stay on your hair for longer, which in turn reduces how often you need to reapply any styling products.

Don’t Over Wash your Hair

You shouldn’t wash your hair too much when you’re trying to keep curls moisturised because over washing your hair will strip away its natural oils and hydration levels. 

• If you have curly hair, you should be washing your hair every 7-10 days.

• If you have coily or kinky hair, then you should be washing your hair every 10-14 days. 

If your scalp gets oily in between wash days, then use a dry shampoo or scalp refresher. A scalp refresher is a spray or liquid that’s designed to cleanse, moisturise and soothe the scalp.

Protect Hair Against the Environment

Understanding the impact that different weather conditions may have on your curls can help with maintaining moisture. The sun, wind, humidity, cold air and pollution can all strip curls of their moisture. The weather in the US tends to be warm and mild whilst the weather in the UK tends to wary, with pollution being present in a number of cities. The UK is also prone to intense summer windows which can last for weeks at a time. To protect your curls from the environment, you can seal in moisture with the help of oils and creams, wear protective styles or use products with UV protection if possible.

If you’re wondering how to moisturise curly hair, then our tips have got you covered. 

Add Moisturizing Products Between Washes

To maintain moisture on wash days, you can use a leave-in conditioner. A leave-in conditioner will replenish moisture and revive your curls. Although leave-ins are lighter than creams and butters, you always have the option to dilute leave-in with water to shape and soften your curls and then layer with a small amount of oil if needed.

Using a spray bottle filled with water or water and leave-in conditioner is a great way to incorporate a moisturising product between washes as they provide lightweight, lasting hydration without weighing curls down. Water-based leave-in conditioners are one of the best products for curly hair as they promote hydration, manageability and curl. Once you’ve added leave-in to your hair, you can style your hair as you normally would.

5 Best Products to Pack Moisture In

Double Cream Deep Quencher 

Deep conditioning is a great way for your curls to retain moisture and this intense deep conditioning treatment nourishes and moisturises even the driest hair types. Created with all curl types in mind, it’s ideal for those who are struggling with dryness and contains hair loving ingredients like avocado oil and shea butter.

How to Use

• Apply the Double Cream Deep Quencher in the shower on wet hair, after your regular wash routine.

• Rake through your curls to ensure each one is evenly coated.

• Twist curls together to lock in the moisture and encourage pattern retention.

• Leave on for 15-30 minutes, then rinse.

Curl Defining Styling Soufflé

Enriched with moisturising ingredients like babassu and shea butter, this buildable hold curling style gel will provide your curls with even more moisture as well as shine and flexible definition. The gel’s jell-o like texture will melt into a serum and spread easily on your curls to bring the definition, bounce and hold you desire. 

How to Use

• Rub the Curl Souffle between your hands and apply on soaking wet hair with the “praying hands” method, smoothing from top to ends.

• Flip your head upside down and scrunch gently with upwards motions to encourage curls to spring back and form their pattern.

• Air dry or diffuse. Make sure you flip your head in all directions while drying to increase volume. Do not touch hair while drying.

• Once completely dry, scrunch again to 'break the cast', the crunchy feeling gels create, and make your hair super soft and bouncy.

Hydrate and Plump Leave-in

Everyone needs a good, hydrating leave-in conditioner in their routine. The Hydrate and Plump Leave-In nourishes the hair cortex to help plump hair and boost volume, resulting in big, bouncy and moisturised curls. Rich in ingredients such as ivy leaf, jojoba oil and watercress, it has been formulated with all curl types in mind and is ideal for anyone who has a coarser hair texture. 

How to Use

• Start with a dime-size amount. Add more if needed. A little goes a long way!

• Rake the curl product through soaking wet hair in sections for even distribution.

• Use the 'praying hands' method to smooth the strands. This helps to seal the cuticles and reduce frizz!

• Follow up with your favourite styler for maximum volume

Bond Curl Rehab Salve

Depending on how long you go between wash days, you might want to prep your curls for shampoo with the help of a pre-shampoo treatment. Created with all curl types in mind, the Bond Curl Rehab Salve is packed with amino acids which work to repair, hydrate and protect your hair against any damage. 

How to Use

• Soak your hair with water. You don't need to wash your hair - just wetting it is enough to create the right foundation for this pre-wash.

• Apply Bond Curl generously from root to tip, making sure the hair is evenly coated, then brush your hair to fully detangle.

• Let it sit on your hair to penetrate deep into the shaft. Leave it between 15 to 30 minutes depending on your porosity.

• Rinse and follow with shampoo and conditioner.

Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash

This 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner will make wash days so much easier. Formulated with a unique cleansing complex, the Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash helps melt away dirt and buildup while being extremely gentle on the scalp, keeping hair soft, moisturised and detangled without stripping away its natural oils. Suitable to use every day if needed, it is perfect for all types, any porosity and it can help with much-dreaded dryness. 

How to Use

• Wet your hair thoroughly, then dispense a generous blob of product on your palms and apply directly to the scalp.

• Massage gently but vigorously to clear the scalp and melt down all dirt and product buildup.

• Add some more product to your lengths and gently detangle using your fingers, a brush or a wide tooth comb.

• Rinse thoroughly. If your hair is particularly dry, follow with Curlsmith Double Cream Deep Quencher!

Curlsmith: Committed to Caring for Curls 

Keeping natural hair moisturised is an essential part of keeping your curls happy and healthy..

Curlsmith’s mission is to bring curl confidence to everyone wanting to embrace their natural wavy, curly or coily hair. Our high-quality, vegan and cruelty-free products are made with textured hair in mind and are packed with superfoods and free from ingredients that can be too harsh on curls. Our experienced team of experts are trusted authorities in hair care and on hand to help you achieve your healthiest hair yet with our collection of styling products on your next wash day and beyond. If you want to find the perfect sustainable products to assist with this, take our curl quiz to receive personalised results.