If your curly hair looks like a frizzy mess, adding water may seem like the solution. But water may make your hair look worse, because it strips your hair of its natural oils, according to Thomas Goodman, Jr., M.D., a dermatologist in Memphis, Tennessee, in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." By changing the way you treat your hair, your hair will look silky with no hint of frizz.
Causes
Hair that is coarse and curly may be more dry than thin hair because the thick strands cannot be completely coated with sebum, the oil that is released from the hair follicles. Hair may become even more dry due to frequent shampooing, swimming in the ocean or chlorinated water, frequent blow-drying or exposure to the sun and wind. Dry hair may cause frayed, split ends that can make hair look frizzy and out of control.
Washing Habits
If your hair is dry and curly, shampooing less frequently may help lubricate your hair with oil and keep it from drying out. Wash it only when it seems excessively oily. You may only need to wash your hair once a week, according to KidsHealth in the article "Taking Care of Your Hair." Use a mild shampoo that is formulated for dry hair, says Dr. Goodman.
Leave-In Treatments
In an interview with "Cosmopolitan," David Cannell, senior vice president of research and development for hair product manufacturer Redken, suggested using a leave-in treatment for dry hair once a week at the most. Leave-in conditioners may weigh down hair and cause buildup, which can make hair look flat and greasy if you use it more than once a week, notes Cannell. If hair is severely dry, use a leave-in treatment once a day for three days.
Prevention
To keep your hair from getting dried out, wear a bathing cap when you go swimming and protect your hair from the elements, like wind and sun, by wearing a hat, says Steven Docherty, senior art director at New York City's Vidal Sassoon Salon in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." Use a blow-dryer as little as possible and instead, allow your hair to air dry. Trim split ends from your hair every six weeks to keep your ends from fraying.
Expert Insight
According to KidsHealth, people with curly hair usually also have dry hair. Dry hair is particularly susceptible to damage, so use heat styling products, like curling irons and straighteners, as little as possible. To prevent breakage, do not brush or comb your hair while it is wet.
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