1. Moisture vs. Oil: Know the Difference: Water-based products are essential to hydrate dry hair. Without proper moisture, your hair will remain dry and brittle. Implementing a moisturize-and-seal routine can help revive your strands.
  2. Regular Trims to Prevent Split Ends: Regularly trimming your hair every three months helps eliminate split ends and keeps your hair looking healthy and hydrated.
  3. Deep Conditioning for Hydration: Deep conditioning treatments can transform your hair care routine. Look for conditioners that hydrate and rejuvenate your hair. Apply to damp hair, focusing on the ends, and consider using a shower cap for deeper penetration.
  4. Steam for Low Porosity Hair: If your hair struggles to absorb moisture, using a hair steamer can help. Steam opens up hair cuticles, allowing for better hydration.
  5. The LOC/LCO Method: To maintain moisture, try either the LOC (Liquid, Oil, Cream) or LCO (Liquid, Cream, Oil) method. This ensures that moisture stays locked in and helps combat dryness effectively.

Tips for Maintaining Hydrated Hair

  • Use a Satin Pillowcase: Protect your hair from friction and moisture loss while you sleep with a satin pillowcase. I noticed a significant reduction in frizz after switching to one—especially after those long, rough hikes where my hair felt extra dry!
  • Protective Styling: Styles like twists or braids can help reduce exposure to the elements that cause dryness. I learned this the hard way while hiking in the Tatra Mountains last year without proper protection, leaving my hair feeling frayed and brittle.
  • Limit Heat Styling: Excessive heat can damage hair and lead to dryness. Always use a heat protectant when styling, and avoid overusing diffusers—like I did when I was trying to get super-defined curls, which ended up causing more dryness.
  • Don’t Overwash: Washing curly hair too often can strip it of its natural oils, leading to dryness. I’ve found that simply rinsing my hair with room-temperature water each day, instead of using shampoo, helps maintain moisture without removing essential oils. This gentle approach keeps my curls hydrated and healthy.

What does it mean if your hair is always dry?

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why is my curly hair always dry?”. Well.. Many people with curly, coily, or kinky hair face dryness and dullness. The good news? Understanding your hair’s unique needs can help you fix dry curls and restore their natural shine.

The Unique Nature of Curly, Coily, and Kinky Hair

Curly hair can become dry due to its spiral structure, which makes it challenging for natural oils from the scalp to travel down the hair strands. As a result, your ends may feel dry and brittle, leading to overall dryness.

Why Traditional Methods Fall Short

Most advice is tailored for straight hair, focusing on mid-lengths and ends. This can mislead you into thinking your entire hair feels dry when it’s just the ends.

The “Stretch and Glide” Method: Assess Your Hair’s Real Condition

Want to know how dry your hair really is? Here’s a better way to test:

  1. Take a small section of your hair.
  2. Gently stretch it straight.
  3. Slide your fingers down the shaft from root to tip.

This technique reveals whether your hair is truly dry and brittle or just experiencing product buildup.

Common Causes of Persistent Dryness in Curly Hair

Split Ends: Dry, curly, and coily hair is especially prone to split ends, which can make your hair feel dry and brittle. Regular trims are essential to keep your strands healthy and prevent further damage. If your hair feels frizzy or tangled at the ends, it may be time for a cut.

I learned this the hard way after a hiking trip in the Tatra Mountains. I didn’t think much about sun protection for my hair, and the constant exposure to the elements left my ends completely frayed. My hair felt brittle for weeks afterward, and I had to trim off a good portion to restore its health. Now, I never skip a protective layer when I’m outdoors. see below.

Environmental conditions: 

  • Lack of Moisture: Curly and coily hair tends to dry out easily in low humidity or dry climates and pollution. Frequent exposure to chlorinated or salty water strips moisture, making your hair feel parched and brittle.
  • Harsh Elements: Sun and wind exposure damage the hair cuticles, leading to frizz and dryness. Protect your hair from heat and sun to keep moisture intact.

Hair Care Habits:

  • Over-washing: Washing your curly or coily hair too often can strip it of natural oils, contributing to dryness and frizz. For moisture retention, wash your hair no more than twice a week.
  • Heat Styling: Excessive use of heat styling tools can damage the protein structure of curly hair, causing it to dry out and break easily.
  • Chemical Treatments: Processes like coloring, relaxing, or perming curly and coily hair can damage the cuticle, leading to dryness as a result of moisture loss.

I used to rely heavily on heat styling to tame my curls, hoping to achieve those perfectly defined spirals. In my quest for definition, I ended up overdoing my routine—applying too many products and using a diffuser way too often. Instead of helping, this just led to more dryness and frizz. Switching to air-drying and embracing my natural texture not only saved my hair but also gave me a newfound sense of confidence. Now, my curls are healthier, and I don’t feel the need to force them into a particular look.

Product Buildup: Using too many styling products or not clarifying regularly leads to buildup, preventing moisture from penetrating the hair strands. Incorporate clarifying treatments into your routine to fix dry hair.

When I first started my curly hair journey, I piled on the products, thinking more would equal more moisture. It took me a while to realize that regular clarifying treatments were essential for getting rid of buildup and truly moisturizing my hair.

Underlying Health Issues & Nutritional Deficiencies:

  • Health Problems: Issues like hypothyroidism or hormonal imbalances may cause curly hair to become dry and brittle.
  • Nutrient Deficiencies: Lack of vital nutrients such as Vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, and zinc can make your hair feel dry and brittle. Incorporating a balanced diet will help maintain the health of your hair.

For a long time, I thought my hair was dry simply due to a lack of moisture, but things changed after a visit to my dietician. I was diagnosed with leaky gut syndrome, which makes me intolerant to gluten and dairy, and it turns out I was having a hard time absorbing essential nutrients. Before this diagnosis, I was clueless that my hair’s dryness wasn’t just about hydration—it was also due to a nutrient deficiency. Once I adjusted my diet, I noticed a significant improvement in how my curls felt and looked.

Final Thoughts: Your Hair’s Journey to Hydration

Achieving soft and shiny curls is a journey, not a quick fix. By addressing the causes of dry hair, like product buildup and environmental exposure, and implementing effective hair treatments, you can transform your hair care routine. Be patient and listen to what your hair needs. Your perfect routine is just around the corner!