When curly hair gets damaged, it becomes dry and brittle, which causes your strands to split, break and even fall out. Excessive heat styling or overusing chemical treatments and coloring can wreak havoc on your tresses by robbing them of nourishment. However, the American Academy of Dermatology states that this damage is often temporary. Change your styling routine and use moisturizing products, and you can return your hair to a state of health.
Symptoms
Curly hair is more prone to frizzing than straight hair, a condition that only becomes more pronounced when your locks are dehydrated. Damaged hair may look dull as it frays and splits at the ends, causing an unkempt appearance. Strands can also break off near the follicles, leading to patchy hair loss and an overall slowing of the rate at which your tresses grow.
Causes
Excessive brushing or tight hairstyles can put too much pressure on your roots and lead to hair loss. If you use a hair straightener or blow dryer too frequently or improperly, this can cause your curly hair to become extremely dry, which damages the cuticle and may lead to breakage. Coloring your hair too often can harm it as well. According to Jeni Thomas, a senior scientist for Pantene, chemical hair dyes are formulated with peroxide, which causes a breakdown of your hair's protective layers and makes it more susceptible to splitting, breakage and other kinds of damage.
Treatment
To repair damaged hair, apply an oil-based deep conditioner that will moisturize, reconstruct and strengthen your strands, says "Elle." Do this after washing your hair with a nourishing shampoo, and continue to do it once a week thereafter. If you blow dry or use other hot tools on your hair, apply a heat-protecting spray before doing so. According to hairstylist Christo, this will not only guard your hair against heat damage, it will also make them smoother and less prone to frizzing.
Prevention
Use a blow dryer with a diffuser, keep it on a low heat setting, and hold it at least 2 inches from your head to avoid scorching your roots. Color your hair no more often than every two months, and have a professional do it if you are concerned about damaging your strands. Shampoo your hair with products designed to keep it strong and prevent split ends, and look for hydrating ingredients like shea butter to keep your hair supple and healthy.
Considerations
If you experience excessive hair breakage or loss that does not get better after two weeks of home remedies, see a doctor. You may have an underlying medical condition or be in need of stronger products.
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