Why Is Curly Hair Usually Dry?

Curly hair tends to be drier than other hair types. Believe it or not, deep conditioners and hair masks aren't the only things that keep your hair and scalp hydrated. Your scalp is made up of thousands of glands that moisturize and protect your skin and hair.

These are called "sebaceous glands" and they produce "sebum." Sebum has a hairder time moving through curl patterns. (Before diving into curly hair, make sure you know your curl type.) Sebum is a natural oil that is produced all over your skin, especially your scalp. Think of it like a protective barrier to prevent damage and speed up healing.

It's easier for sebum to move down the shaft on straighter hair types. The curlier your hair is, the more difficult it is to retain moisture from scalp to ends. This can lead to scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis.

Unhealthy Scalp Signs

If you have an inkling that your scalp isn't in the best shape, you may be experiencing some or all of the following:

• Slow hair growth or none at all
• Hair loss
• Flakiness
• Itchiness
• Dryness
• Damage
• Frizz
• Lack of definition
• Dullness

An unhealthy scalp = unhealthy hair. If you want your curls to thrive, you will have to make some changes so you don't dry your hair and scalp. Remember, scalp care is skincare, so you need a well-rounded routine.

Tips For A Dry Scalp

Here are some pointers for helping you manage your dry scalp & curly hair.

• WASH LESS OFTEN: Over-washing your hair can strip your scalp, making it dry and itchy. Harsh chemicals like sulfates can also suck out all the moisture from your curls. A gentle, sulfate-free shampoo on wash day will be your BFF. Check out some of our favorite shampoos for curly hair here.
• MASSAGE YOUR SCALP: Scalp massages are a great way to stimulate blood circulation and promote hair growth. Add this step to your wash routine, massaging shampoo into your roots to remove dirt, buildup and excess oils. This will help your scalp with natural oil production, making your hair soft, supple and smooth.
• DRINK MORE WATER: You're probably heard this enough already, but we've got to stress the importance of hydration! Dehydration can lead to or worsen a dry scalp (and dry skin in general). Definitely up your H2O intake!
• PUT DOWN THE HOT TOOLS: Heat damage can alter your curl pattern and make your hair brittle. So many people with textured hair have lost their curls or damaged their scalps from too much heat styling. Don't let it happen to you!
• PROTECT YOUR CURLS WHILE YOU SLEEP: Since curly hair is prone to dryness, it's also prone to frizz. So, when you move in your sleep, your hair rubs against the material of your pillow, causing breakage, knots and more frizz.
• DEEP CONDITION YOUR CURLS: Adding a deep conditioner to your curly hair routine will help immensely. Consider using it at least once a week. Even if sebum was easily moving down your hair, it won't go all the way to the ends.

  After you wash your hair, use a deep conditioner to help seal and protect your strands with emollients (a fancy word for moisturizers that soften and lubricate hair and skin). Try using a wide tooth comb to distribute the product.

• USE NATURAL OILS: Essential oils and nutrients in them can be very stimulating for your scalp. Use a small amount of oil from root to tip. Oil in with fingers, using them to warm it up for a more therapeutic experience. Not only will these oils help hydrate your scalp, but they'll also encourage healthy hair growth and help reduce split ends.

Best Ingredients For Curly Hair

Looking for the right ingredients for dry scalp and curly hair? We've got you covered. While searching, watch out for hair care and styling products with power-packed formulas.

• ALOE VERA: Aloe vera is incredibly soothing for your scalp. It also helps gently cleanse hair strands. With fatty acids and vitamins A, C and E, it'll promote hair health and add stunning shine.
• ARGAN OIL: Argan oil is known for restorning moisture to your scalp and hair. Since it has vitamin E in it, it's also super nourishing. Argan oil balances the scalp, promoting softness and shine.
• CASTOR OIL: Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, making it an excellent option to accelerate blood circulation to your scalp. It can protect curls, strengthen strands and boost shine. It also has anti-fungal properties that promote a healthy scalp. Additionally, it acts as a humectant, drawing moisture from the air into your hair follicles and shaft. Jamaican black castor oil is always a fan favorite.
• CHEBE: Chebe will hydrate and nourish hair, leading to less breakage. It can also help your curls and coils look thicker and fuller.
• COCONUT OIL: Coconut oil is a go-to ingredient for curly hair care. This oil is also known to moisturize deeply. It’ll help keep your curls shiny and smooth. Plus, it’s anti-inflammatory!
• HONEY: Studies have shown that honey can help grow epithelial cells (AKA what your scalp is made of). When your scalp is healthy, healthy hair will follow. Honey locks in moisture, adds shine and renews dull, aging hair.
• JOJOBA OIL: Jojoba oil is perfect for replicating your all-natural sebum. It seals in moisture, adds shine and reduces frizz without clogging the pores in your scalp.
• OLIVE OIL: Yes, you can probably find this in your kitchen, but this moisturizing oil is vital for curls. It’s great for adding moisture and shine to your hair. It also has a lot of slip, making it amazing for detangling. Here are some great textured hair products that use olive oil.
• RICE WATER: Rice water is a favorite across the world for helping with healthy hair growth. Many people see an improvement in the strength, texture and length of their hair after regular use of rice water.
• ROSEMARY MINT: Looking for length retention for your curls and coils? Rosemary & mint are a powerhouse combination. It’s known to aid in healthy hair growth which can be challenging for those with dry scalp. Find an incredible selection of rosemary mint products for textured hair here.
• SHEA BUTTER: Shea butter is a rich, natural emollient, sealing moisture into your hair. With a high level of vitamin E, it helps with itchy scalp and dryness. It can also help tame frizz without weighing your hair down.
• TEA TREE: Tea tree is a natural hydrator. You’ll also find that it’s pretty common in scalp treatments — and for good reason. It can reduce itchiness, inflammation and flakiness. It also has a cool, tingling sensation, letting you (and your scalp) know that it’s working its magic. Here is a wonderful scalp leave-in conditioner for curly hair that uses tea tree (+ olive oil)!

Check out our selection of growth aids and hair oils to kickstart your new curly hair care routine. Looking for more ingredients? Our textured hair glossary on this page can help you improve your knowledge.

Final Thoughts On Curly Hair Care And Dry Scalp

Having those gorgeous curls and coils can be a lot of work, but it's worth it in the end! As long as you stay committed, you can bring moisture back to your scalp andd hair to achieve long, bouncy, defined curls.

Be patient. Experiemtn with products until you find what works for you. This is a journey! Embrace it.