What is Thick Dry Curly Hair?
Thick dry curly hair generally can mean that the hair is thirsty and in need of more moisture. For this reason it can also fall into the high porosity hair category.
As a result, the hair is often described as frizzy hair.
Diagnosing Why The Hair Is In Such Poor Condition
First of all to repair a problem you need to look at the cause. For example, the most common causes are –
1️⃣ Chemical damage from colouring, straightening or any chemical hair treatment in general.
2️⃣ Heat tools
3️⃣ Weather elements including sun and wind
4️⃣ Inferior hair care products
5️⃣ Chlorine, ocean and hard water
6️⃣ Over washing the hair and therefore stripping the hair of moisture
7️⃣ Medical reasons
Ultimately, the only way we can start the repair of the hair is by getting to the cause of the dry hair. Some causes may only be fixable with time and patience. For example chemical damage and medical reasons.
How To Wash Thick Dry Curly Hair
It is especially recommended that thick dry curly hair follow a gentle wash system. That can include the removal of all products containing harsh sulphates.
Overall, the goal is to stop stripping the hair bare of moisture by combining a gentler wash system with co-washing.
Firstly try a no-poo cleanser such as the Clever Curl Cleanser. Or you could also try a gentle low poo wash system.
For tips on how to wash curly hair, we recommend you read our blog How to wash curly hair properly.
What is Low Poo, No-Poo and Co-Washing?
Traditional Shampoos
These shampoos have lots and lots of bubbles and can contain strong detergents known as sulphates. Some detergents can be harsh stripping agents which can strip curly hair of precious oil.
Therefore this can prevent curly hair from soaking up the much-needed moisture and natural oils this hair requires. Over washing the hair can also rough up the cuticle layer which can result in dull, frizzy hair.
The smoother the cuticle layer the healthier the hair. A damaged cuticle layer is generally also more knotty.
No Poo
A gentle cleanser that cleans without stripping the hair bare. This product will mostly have zero bubbles. This type of washing is gentle on the cuticle layer and hair.
Low poo
This means to wash the hair without strong detergents. For example, a low poo wash can vary between brands. Some low poo shampoos will have minimal bubbles and some products will have a little more bubble. In conclusion, they have less foam than if you were using a traditional shampoo.
Co-Washing
Washing with a conditioner suitable for co-washing. No foam. If you are electing to co-wash only we highly recommend you seek expert advice before proceeding with this option.
Thick Dry Curly Hair Washing Routine
Firstly incorporate a routine in which you stretch out wash days and change to using a gentle shampoo. Ultimately co-washing in between the wash days with a co-wash conditioner.
For example, you can wash the hair on day 1 eg Sunday. Then you could co-wash on Wednesday then wash again on Sunday. Or you could stretch out the wash day more by adding in an extra co-wash.
Routines all come down to your lifestyle factors and hair. Each person will be different and have different requirements. If you need to wash more than once a week then try using a no-poo cleanser.
Different combinations of shampoo
Other ways to wash the hair are to combine a no-poo cleanser with a low poo shampoo. This is especially useful if you still like bubbles or need to wash the hair more often.
For more ideas with haircare, routines please read our blog Curly Hair Routine.
Products Suitable For Thick Dry Curly Hair
Products suitable for thick dry curly hair are generally the strongest in conditioning on the scale of haircare products. For example, for fine oily hair, you go the lightest of conditioning and for thick dry curly hair, you go the strongest.
Hair That Is Very Dry And Frizzy Can Need A Lot Of Moisture
A common hair mistake is when you select a product that is too high in moisture for hair that doesn’t need it. This can result in over moisturised hair that may end up very limp and fluffy. It is important to use the right product but not to overdo it as well.
Layering Up Products For Thick Dry Curly Hair
Thick dry curly hair mostly likes to be layered up with products in the following order –
▪️ Curl cream or leave-in moisture product – can either be cream-based or liquid.
▪️ A conditioning gel or mousse
▪️ Oils ( not part of the Lorraine Massey curly method)
In what order do you apply the products
Firstly add a leave-in moisture product. Then the styling product. Then an oil ( if you use oils).
Not Rinsing Out All Of The Conditioner From The Hair
You could also try not fully rinsing out the conditioner from thick dry curly hair. For example, rinse the product from your roots and leave some in the mid length and ends of the hair.
This works best by using products that don’t build up on the scalp. At Natural Eclipse we recommend you do this only with curly girl friendly products.
Itchy scalp
It is important to realise that for some hair types leaving in a conditioner could be the cause of itchiness or aggravation to the scalp. Especially if you have a sensitive scalp.
With this in mind, you can also try options such as using a leave-in moisturiser that’s designed to be left in the hair instead. An example would be the Clever Curl Curl Cream or EverEscents Universal Styling Cream.
Therefore if leaving in a conditioner doesn’t work for you, then try rinsing out the conditioner thoroughly. Then select a suitable leave in moisturising product and use that instead of leaving the conditioner in the hair.
Deep Treatments
It is a good idea to add a deep treatment into your haircare routine. How often you use a deep treatment will depend on your hair. On average a deep treatment can be used every 4 to 6 weeks. Use a deep treatment more often or less often as needed.
For example at the end of summer hair can be quite dry because it has been exposed to the hot sun and other elements such as swimming. You may need to up your deep treatments to compensate for the moisture loss that may have been taken out of the hair.
Deep Cleansing Thick Curly Dry Hair.
If you have been swimming it is recommended that you have used a deep cleanse product on the hair. This is to remove any chlorine or chemicals that may be blocking the hair from absorbing moisture. It is recommended that you apply a deep treatment after deep cleansing.
If you live with hard water then it is recommended that deep cleansing also becomes a part of your routine. Blockages on the hair shaft can lead to very dry hair. Same as with dirt or dust build up.
You can also combine a deep cleansing shampoo such as EverEscents Fresh Mint Shampoo to clear residue such as dust and combine with a gentle wash system. This system is very useful for those that live with hard water on rural properties. Or if you work in dusty, dirty environements.
Important to remember – Clean/ unblocked hair shaft = hair that can absorb moisture
Distribution of Haircare Products
The thorough application and distribution of products are essential for curly hair. If you have long thick curly hair it can often be difficult to apply products. Thus it is essential to take the time to use enough product and to apply evenly.
A curly hairbrush is quick and will distribute product evenly to wet hair. Ultimately sectioning the hair to ensure even distribution. You may need to add a little styling product to each section of the hair, instead of in one amount.
It is advisable to take the time, apply enough product and reap the rewards.
Australian Curly Girl Products Suggestions For Thick Dry Curly Hair
Clever Curl
Clever Curl Rich Conditioner
Clever Curl Cleanser
Clever Curl Treatment
Clever Curl Curl Cream
Clever Curl Wonderfoam
Clever Curl Dry Gel
Clever Curl Humid Gel
EverEscents
EverEscents Berry Blonde Conditioner & Berry Blonde Shampoo (shampoo is not part of Lorraine Massey method)
EverEscents Berry Blonde Treatment
EverEscents Remedy Shampoo& Remedy Treatment (shampoo is not part of Lorraine Massey method)
EverEscents Moisture Shampoo & Moisture Conditioner
EverEscents Deep Treatment
EverEscents Universal Styling Cream
EverEscents Heat Protector
EverEscents Ulitmate Hair Enhancer
Do you have a favourite product or pack from Natural Eclipse for Dry hair? If so we would love to here from you in the comments below!
