If your hair is curly, you already know the challenges that come with managing and styling your mane. Those curly coils are more prone to frizz, breakage and dryness than their straight and wavy counterparts. Caring for them can also be a bit of a handful, so you’ve probably turned to different hair products to help you tame those unruly curls.
But the truth is, mixing those gels, creams and serums can often do more harm than good to your hair. Perhaps, you’ve been trying out different products to find the best combination or applying generous amounts of cream to your curls, all to no avail. If that’s your experience, you might want to pause for a bit and rethink your haircare solution. Although curly hair needs extra TLC, you need to know how much product to use to avoid common mistakes and keep your hair thriving.
Four Clear Signs You’re Using Too Much Product
Sometimes, less is more, no question. But before making any assumptions, let’s first determine whether or not you’re going overboard with your haircare products.
Stiff Or Crunchy Curls
Does your curly hair feel crunchy, stiff or stringy? Its ends may look frayed or won’t hold a curl. These are some typical indications of excessive product use. The build-up of products on your hair prevents appropriate moisture absorption, resulting in dry, rigid, straw-like hair.
Extreme Breakage
We’ve already established that curly hair is more likely to break than straight hair. However, if your strands are breaking off more than usual, you might want to consider adjusting your product regimen. Using excessive quantities of moisturising agents or going too heavy on proteins can both cause breakage. The key is getting the perfect balance to produce well-moisturised, healthy tresses.
Lacklustre Hair
Product build-up from constant overuse can also cause dullness and reduced natural shine. While various factors can be responsible for this, including not getting sufficient nutrients in your diet and using the wrong products, product overload is frequently to blame. So, if you want to restore the lustre to your hair, try reducing the amount of product you are applying to your curls.
White Residue On Scalp
You may need to use a lot of products to get your desired style or keep your curls looking sleek. If you notice white residue on your hair or scalp, however, it could be a sign of product build-up. Product residue feels sticky and stops you from achieving the look you want. It’s also damaging, as it prevents your scalp from absorbing essential nutrients from the formula and leads to dryness and scalp irritation.
What’s The Right Amount Of Hair Product For Curls?
Most hair formulas come with instructions on how much of the product you should use, but it mainly depends on the length and texture of your hair. For instance, fine curls often require very lightweight products to avoid weighing your hair down. In contrast, thick and tight curl patterns need more product for a better definition. However, using less product remains a better option if you want more height and volume for your thick hair.
If you’re unsure how much product to use, always refer to the thickness and length of your hair. You also need to consider the type of formula you’re using. For example, you don’t want to overdo oil because your scalp is already producing natural oils to keep your scalp moisturised. Spray gels are great for styling while minimising product usage. They also tend to be lighter than typical gels, so they shouldn’t be too heavy for your coils.
Refresh Your Gorgeous, Bouncy Curls
If you realise that you’ve used excessive products on your curls, it’s not too late to reset. One way to rejuvenate your hair is to rinse it and start over.
In most cases, you might need to wash it with a clarifying shampoo to eliminate build-up, excess oil and dirt from your hair. Then, apply a cleansing conditioner. Spread it through your strands using your fingers and leave it on for at least sixty seconds before rinsing.
Now that you’ve started a hair reset, you might wonder what products you need for your curly hair. There’s no single answer to this since everyone’s hair and curl type is different, but it’s a good idea to start with a gentle spray gel or a lightweight formula.
Conclusion
What may be too much for your hair may be too little for your friend’s curls. That’s why it’s necessary to determine your hair needs before settling on a particular routine. It may take some time and experience to know the right amount of protein, oil or moisture for your curls, but when you find the haircare routine that works, you’ll benefit from having bouncy and healthy curls that shine.
Pay close attention to the condition of your hair and scalp. If you notice any adverse changes, Vinci Hair Clinic is here to help. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation where you can discuss all your hair issues. Book your appointment today!