When you hear the words “healthy hair,” what images come to mind? Are length, shine & minimum split ends some of the first things that you think of?
There’s more to be considered, including these 3 signs to determine if your hair is healthy without considering length.
3 Signs your Curls, Waves & Coils are Healthy
Sign #1 – You aren’t experiencing excessive breakage
This is a good sign that your curls, waves & coils are healthy! On the flip side, if you’re noticing little pieces of hair on counters, floors, or your shoulders, then that breakage is a sign of damage.
You might ask yourself – what’s causing this breakage? Breakage happens when the hair shaft breaks and results in a shortened strand that often has a split end.
Frizz and length retention can result from breakage. However, these are some steps you can take to minimize breakage:
Keep your Curls Moisturized
Breakage often results from dryness. Ensure you’re using products that provide your curls, waves & coils with the moisture they need. If your curls are feeling dry or brittle, it can be a sign that you need to add more moisture into your routine.
Our Untie the Knot Nourishing Leave-in Conditioner gives you the perfect, moisturized foundation for your best curls. For our Curlies who need extra moisture, try our Curl Supreme 4-in-1 Hydrating Crème. This thick, smooth, and rich product provides DAYS of hydration and moisture to your curls.
Protein
If your curl strands are weakened, it can lead to breakage. To address a lack of protein, look for products that contain protein to help strengthen your curls, waves & coils.
All TréLuxe products contain keratin amino acids, which is a protein curly hair needs to thrive. Keratin amino acids aid in strengthening and fortifying the curl strands.
Detangle Properly
Improperly detangling your curls can cause breakage. Avoid detangling dry curls and opt for detangling your curls while they’re still wet. Use a product that has enough slip in it to make detangling easy.
Our Curl Renew & Restore Gentle Cleansing Rinse is formulated with slippery elm extract to aid in gently detangling knots while washing your curls, waves & coils. Follow this with our Untie the Knot Nourishing Leave-in Conditioner and/or Curl Supreme 4-in-1 Hydrating Crème for slip and moisture.
Choose your Accessories Carefully
Your choice of pillowcase and towel also play a role in breakage. Go for satin pillowcases and microfiber towels because they’re much gentler on your curls, waves & coils due to the softer material and minimized amount of friction on your curls.
Sign #2 – Your curls regain their form (elasticity)
Give your curls a gentle tug? Do they bounce right back? If your curls bounce back after a slight tug, protective style, or temporary straightening, then that’s a sign that your curls are well moisturized and protein-balanced.
Elasticity refers to your curls’ ability to stretch and then return to their original shape without breaking. If your curls have low elasticity, then your strands aren’t able to handle too much tension before breaking.
Actions to add to your routine to improve curl elasticity:
- Deep condition your curls regularly.
- Apply a protein treatment if needed.
- Minimize heat and color when possible.
- Avoid prolonged UV exposure.
- Drink water! Make sure you’re staying hydrated.
Sign #3 – Scalp is free of excessive greasiness, flaking, and itching
Your scalp is crucial to the health of your curls, waves & coils!
Actions to add to your routine to maintain a healthy scalp:
- Massage your scalp regularly to encourage blood circulation.
- Eat a balanced diet – how you nourish your body is important.
- Protect your scalp from the sun by applying hair products with UV protection (Yes, there are sunscreens specifically for the scalp!) or wearing a physical covering, like a hat.
- Avoid products that are too harsh on your scalp as they can strip the natural oils needed. Our Curl Renew & Restore Gentle Cleansing Rinse gently lifts product residue, dirt, and debris from your delicate curls and scalp, without stripping natural oils.
Length is not the sole indicator to the health of your hair and there is so much more that you should consider when assessing your tresses, including breakage, elasticity, and the health of your scalp.
What are your tell-tale signs of the health of your curls? Share in the comments below!