We see you putting in the work to keep your curls poppin’, but even with the best intentions, we can still fall victim to some sneaky mistakes that might be haunting our curls. Sometimes these slip-ups creep into your routine without you even realizing it, and they could be the reason your curls are damaged. Below are four common curly hair mistakes that might lurk in your routine and how to fix them to bring your curls back to life!
Mistake #1: Deep Conditioning Overnight
Deep conditioning is a crucial step for curly hair maintenance, but leaving it on overnight might be more harmful than you think. The idea of soaking your curls in nourishing ingredients while you sleep sounds great, right? In theory, it promises soft, bouncy, and hydrated curls by morning. But here’s the spooky part: over-conditioning your hair, especially when it's wet, can lead to hygral fatigue—a condition caused by the swelling and contracting of your hair strands when they're overly saturated with moisture. This weakens the hair cuticle, making it more prone to damage and breakage.
Plus, sleeping with wet hair can cause scalp issues such as mold and fungal growth. Your scalp is a delicate ecosystem, and locking in moisture for long periods without air circulation can lead to unwanted buildup and irritation. Scalp health directly impacts hair health, so it’s important not to overlook this aspect!
How to Fix It:
Keep your deep conditioning sessions to around 20-30 minutes. That’s plenty of time for your curls to drink up all the moisture they need without putting your hair and scalp at risk. Use a shower cap or wrap a warm towel around your head to help the conditioner penetrate deeper, but remember that more time doesn’t always mean more benefits.
Pro Tip:
Try using a deep conditioner that contains a balance of moisturizing and strengthening ingredients, such as our Unconditional Love deep treatment.
Mistake #2: Skipping Protein Treatments
Hydration is often the star of the show when it comes to curly hair care, but it’s important to not forget about protein! Protein helps to repair damage and strengthen your hair, keeping your curls bouncy and well-formed. Without it, you could be left with limp, lifeless curls that are prone to breakage.
Curly hair tends to be more fragile than other hair types, and protein plays a vital role in maintaining its structure. If you notice your curls aren’t holding their shape as well or are breaking more easily, your hair might be lacking protein. The balance between moisture and protein is key—too much of one and too little of the other can throw your curls out of whack.
How to Fix It:
Incorporate a protein treatment into your routine at least once a month, depending on your hair's needs. Look for products that contain hydrolyzed proteins, as these are small enough to penetrate the hair shaft and provide strengthening benefits from the inside out. Protein treatments don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming, either. Our Curl Repair protein treatment is designed to fortify your strands and restore your curl pattern without leaving your hair feeling stiff or brittle.
Mistake#3: Not Sealing in Moisture
You’ve applied your leave-in conditioner, your curls feel moisturized, and you’re ready to conquer the day. But by mid-afternoon, your curls are dry and frizzy. What gives? The answer might lie in your final step: sealing in moisture.
Simply using a leave-in conditioner isn’t enough to keep your curls hydrated throughout the day (especially for high porosity curls or colder months). Without a sealing product to lock in that moisture, your curls are left vulnerable to dryness, frizz, and breakage.
How to Fix It:
After applying your leave-in conditioner, follow up with a sealing product like an oil or butter. This will help lock in all that moisture and keep your curls hydrated for longer. Our Moisture Lock pomade is designed specifically for curly hair, providing a barrier to keep moisture in and frizz out.
Pro Tip:
For maximum hydration, apply your sealing product when your hair is still damp. This helps to trap moisture in before it has a chance to evaporate. And remember, a little goes a long way—don’t overdo it with the oil or butter!
Mistake #4: Not Clarifying Your Curls
Over time, the oils, creams, and styling products you use can accumulate on your scalp and hair, leaving a residue that’s tough to remove with regular shampoo. This buildup can weigh down your curls, dull their shine, and even prevent moisture from penetrating the hair shaft.
If you’ve been noticing that your curls are more frizzy, flat, or difficult to style than usual, it might be time for a good chelating shampoo.
How to Fix It:
Clarifying your hair should be a regular part of your curly hair routine, especially if you use a lot of styling products. Look for a clarifying or chelating shampoo that’s specifically formulated to remove product buildup and impurities from your hair. Our Curl Renaissance clarifying shampoo is designed to gently cleanse your curls without stripping them of their natural oils.
You don’t need to clarify your hair every wash—once every 4-6 weeks is usually enough, but this can vary depending on how often you use heavy products. Make sure to follow up with a moisturizing deep conditioner to restore any lost hydration.
Final Thoughts
So, have you been making any of these spooky mistakes? It’s easy to fall into these common traps that can prevent your curls from reaching their full potential. By being mindful of these mistakes and making a few tweaks to your routine, you can keep your curls healthy, hydrated, and full of life!
