6 Signs You’re OVER Moisturizing Your Curls + How to FIX IT | CurlsmithThis post is sponsored by Curlsmith. Full disclosure here. If your curls are limp, frizzy, and not holding no matter what you do, they may be over-moisturized. I’m walking you through how to fix moisture overload and prevent it in the future using some of my favorite products from Curlsmith, who is kindly partnering with me for this video. What is moisture overload?Moisture overload is when the hair has received too much moisture from water and/or conditioning ingredients in haircare products. Although curly hair loves moisture, there can be too much of a good thing. Signs of moisture overload
Moisture overload vs. hygral fatigueMoisture overload is when your hair has too much moisture/water and has a buildup of conditioning ingredients causing low elasticity. Hygral fatigue refers to hair that has become weakened and stressed from repeated swelling of the cuticle by water. Both are common in the summer when we have been swimming, washing more frequently, and air drying more frequently. How to Fix Moisture OverloadStep 1: ClarifyClarify to remove the buildup of conditioning products on your hair using the Curlsmith Detox Shampoo. I also recommend the full Detox Kit which has 3 steps within it, a primer, detox shampoo, and a conditioner. This helps reduce tangles and dryness while clarifying. However to keep things simple, I am showing just the Detox Shampoo since it’s most critical.
Step 2: Bond repair treatmentApply a bond-repairing treatment like Curlsmith Bond Curl. This is designed to be used on the hair before shampoo, but if you have severe buildup you may want to clarify first before using it to ensure it can soak in. Step 3: ShampooShampoo using a mild cleanser like the Curlsmith Essential Moisture Cleanser to remove Bond Curl. Step 4: Deep ConditionFinish with a deep conditioner to restore moisture. Opt for one with protein such as the Multi-Tasking Conditioner for an extra boost of strength if your hair is severely over-moisturized or damaged. Use for a protein-free option if your hair is overall healthy, low-porosity, or gets brittle easily. Step 5: StyleStyle as usual, but select products that are low in moisture. You may even want to skip the curl cream and leave-in conditioner. Use just a lightweight gel or a mousse to style. I also recommend trying damp styling over soaking wet if your hair gets weighed down or over-moisturized. You can still add some water as you go, but soaking wet styling will just take longer to dry, dilute your products, and increase moisture overload. After styling, scrunch with the Curlsmith Microfiber to soak up any excess water, especially if you did style soaking wet. Glaze some extra gel if needed to increase your hold and tame frizz.
Step 6: DiffuseDiffuse with the Curlsmith Defrizzion Hair Dryer + XXL Diffuser. Diffusing will evaporate all that water, set your gel cast, and your curl shape in place. This not only will help your curls last longer, but will help prevent hygral fatigue, especially if you have low-porosity hair.
Step 7: Bonding OilFinish with an oil for softness and shine such as Curlsmith Bond Curl Oil. This contains ingredients lightweight oils and esters such as olive oil, coconut, and shea butter. The blend of oils is both penetrating oils to strengthen the hair, improve elasticity, and sealing oils to lock in moisture. This will also help ensure your hair remains soft after using all those strengthening products. Final ResultsDo you see the shrinkage?! That is from Bond Curl plus those proteins working their magic. It’s crazy how much your curls return to their natural shape when using repairing products. If your curls are limp and lifeless from all the washing this summer, humidity, etc., this routine will helpfully bring them back to life. The best part is my hair usually looks better on day 2 and less “wet” or crunchy. Some refreshing is needed when using light and medium hold gels, but it’s very easy and can be done with just water when using Shape Up Aqua Gel. What do you think? Reply with any questions you have regarding over-moisturized curls or hygral fatigue. Unsure if you have moisture overload and need a diagnosis? Book a curl coaching session with me here. Featured Instagram Post |
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If your hair feels brittle, stiff, and dry, this routine for coarse-textured or gray curly hair will moisturize and define your curls. If you’re someone who has finer-textured hair but is still dealing with dryness and frizz, I’ll offer you some tips and tricks as well. Step 1: Detangle before shampoo One of the biggest issues with coarse-textured hair is it is inflexible. Inflexible hair is tangly and stiff. When we shampoo on hair that it is tangled, it only makes the tangles more matted...
Prime Big Deal days is back, and I’ve rounded up the best deals on curly haircare, beauty, fashion, and more! The sale is going on 2 days only, Oct 8-9, 2024. I will be updated this list throughout the sale. Prices are subject to change. I am an Amazon Associates partner, so I earn commission when shopping through my links in exchange for helping you discover the products. Full disclosure here. Join me Live Tuesday at 11:30am EDT I will be live-streaming to YouTube and Instagram at 11:30am...
10 Hacks for Volume & Fullness in Thin Curly Hair I have low-density curly hair that easily gets flat and weighed down. These 10 hacks have doubled my volume AND fullness. I’m also using a lot of affordable, drugstore products. Reminder:There’s only so much you can do for volume in thin curly hair, and we can’t compare our hair to someone with thick curly hair. These tips can enhance volume and fullness if that’s the look you’re going for. Stop using mild shampoos and co-washes Gentle “curly...