How to Restore Curl Pattern on Damaged Curly Hair

Curl pattern damage can be a serious setback along your natural hair journey. The use of heat and chemicals may be the culprits behind your changed pattern. 

Are you worried that the only way to revive limp and lifeless curls is to start all over again with a big chop? Before you panic (or reach for the scissors), know that there are some ways to work towards restoring your curls.

In this article, we’ll discuss several ways to treat damaged curls without sacrificing length and your years of hard work. Keep reading to learn how to get your natural curl pattern back with expert tips and curly hair products.

What Causes Damage to Curly Hair?

So, how do curls go from soft and bouncy to dull and loose? Anything that places too much stress on your strands can cause them to lose their shape over time. The common enemies of healthy curly hair include:

• Heat damage due to excessive heat styling
• Chemical processing (e.g., hair dye)
• Extremely tight hairstyles
• Mechanical friction from rough detangling
• Improper protective styling

Curly hair often requires a tender touch. If you’ve nurtured your natural hair for long enough, you know that it doesn’t take much to disturb your natural curls.

That’s why it’s important to know when they’re damaged and when they need some extra TLC.

How to Identify Damaged Curls

Notice that your hair is a little more dry than normal? Sometimes, dry hair is a simple indicator your curls would love some added hydration in your daily routine. Your curls’ spiral shape makes them more susceptible to dryness since your scalp oil can’t navigate from the root to the tip of the strand.

In other cases, dryness may be the first sign of damaged curly hair. If you’re unsure, get to know the key indicators of damaged curls:

• Brittle strands
• Difficulty maintaining a style
• Poor elasticity
• Excessive split ends and single strand knots
• Constant hair breakage and snapping
• Loose strands that won’t hold a curl
• Frizz

Once you can identify the problem, it’s easier to know how to restore the curl pattern and find the solution.

Can You Restore Damaged Curly Hair?

The short answer? Usually!

The long answer: your curls can typically bounce back with the right haircare routine. However, the improper use of chemicals and heat styling tools can cause damage to the surface of your strands.

The key to getting the curl pattern back is all about consistently adding moisture and sealing it—all while avoiding the tools and actions that can cause further damage. To succeed, you’ll need some hydrating products and our expertise in using them.

Expert Tips to Get Your Curl Pattern Back

The good news is that damaged tresses are a temporary condition. Your natural curls can return with the right TLC.

If you need to persuade your curls to bounce back, follow these key tips to revive your strands:

1. Keep in moisture – The key to restoring your curls is moisture. The right curl conditioner and a moisturizing shine oil can ensure hydration and seal it into your strands. This helps prevent breakage, knots, and split ends. Want more tips? Learn how to moisturize curly hair.
2. Give your hair a break – Take a break from heat and chemicals. This allows your strands to breathe while also preventing any further damage. But if you decide to try heat styling again, make sure to apply a heat protectant spray first.

The most important tip we can offer is to have patience. Depending on the severity of the damage, it may take a few days or even weeks to months for your curls to return. But rest assured that, with consistent care, your curls can eventually make a comeback.

How to Prevent Curl Pattern Damage

Your curls are not only gravity-defying but resilient too! While they can bounce back from being over-stressed, a few added habits to your haircare routine can help prevent damage from happening in the first place.

So, what can you do to prevent damage?

• Use the lowest heat or cool setting on your hairdryer
• Swap your rubber bands for fabric-covered scrunchies
• Extend the time between hair touch-ups and coloring
• Wear loose and comfortable hairstyles to avoid added hair damage

These healthy hair habits will maintain your curls’ natural spring and shine.

Restore Hair Health with Living Proof®

Whether your strands are recovering from heat styling or over-manipulation, you’ll need hair products that prioritize hydration over everything. After all, hydrated curls are happy curls, and we have just what you’re looking for.

Let our fortifying and nourishing Curl collection help you restore your curls to their naturally voluminous state. With our hair products online, you can achieve stronger, more defined curls with every wash. Perfect for any curl type, shop our line of silicone-free and color-safe hair products today.