What Causes Breakage?<br />Curly hair breakage can occur for many reasons and finding the right treatments for your curls is often a process of trial-and-error. Hair breakage can happen for many reasons ranging from lack of proper moisture, heat and color damage, fabrics used, climate or tight hairstyles. What’s more, the hair that frames your face is more delicate than the hair on the back of your head and should be treated with extra care.<br />Yes, there are many causes of breakage, but worry not, the Curl Experts® are here to help. (And remember, when considering treatment options, choose the tips that feel most manageable for you and your lifestyle )<br />Treatments for Breakage<br />To get the most out of your unique, gorgeous curl pattern and prevent further breakage, there are a number of actions you can take. Here are 7 tips and tricks for your best curls yet. <br />Tip #1: Frequent Trims<br />At Ouidad, we believe that the easiest and most effective way to keep your curls healthy is to trim those split ends. For loose curls, aim to visit your stylist every 6-8 weeks. For tighter curls, stop by the salon at least every three months. We can’t say it enough…trims are the ultimate path to healthy hair. Why? Because trims remove any of the small damage or split ends, which in time, may become bigger/long-term damage that can impede hair growth. Also, trims help your curls retain moisture and make the new hair growth healthier. Unsure about what’s right for you? Ask your stylist. They can assess how often you should get trims based on your curl type, hair health, and other needs.<br /> Tip #2: Heat Management<br />Aim to style your natural curls—as opposed to using heat—as much as possible. If you are planning to use heat, we recommend that you always prep your hair with a protectant spray. Our Mongongo Oil Multi-Use Treatment is rich in omega-6 fatty acids that promote hair health, and can be applied before heat styling to help prevent heat damage.<br />Another Ouidad product that fights frizz before it starts and helps protect against heat is, Advanced Climate Control® Detangling Heat Spray primes and helps protect against damage caused by heat styling and UV rays.<br />Tip #3: Add Moisture<br />Breakage can occur on dehydrated hair so adding a healthy amount of moisture is a great treatment. Hair masks are a great way to restore moisture to your curls. Our Ultra-Nourishing Intense Hydrating Mask is infused with argan oil that replenishes moisture and essential nutrients which strengthens and repairs curls. The mask has a creamy formula with slip that detangles hair to help prevent breakage and restore softness, elasticity, and shine. Once a week, apply the mask to wet hair in the shower and leave on for up to five minutes before rinsing.<br />No matter your curl type, or concern, we have several hair masks that will leave you with salon quality curls. Check out what other treatments might be right for your curl’s needs.<br />Tip #4: Give Your Scalp Extra Care<br /><br />Healthy curls start at the root and giving your scalp some TLC is a great way to revitalize and recharge your hair’s health. Rebalance your scalp with a serum that helps restore and grow stronger, healthier hair from the root. The Bye-Bye Breakage™ Strengthening + Thickening Scalp Serum is a nourishing, lightweight serum to encourage healthier hair. The serum is fortified with essential nutrients to help reduce breakage, fall-out, and excessive shedding. It rebalances your scalp’s pH to create the foundation for stronger hair. It will make your curls look thicker, fuller, and longer. Apply 1-2 drops to the scalp (in sections) and massage. Do not rinse. You can use the serum once a day.<br />Tip #5: Be Mindful of Fabrics that Touch Your Curls<br />The fabrics you use on your curls really matter. Treat your hair with softer, lighter fabrics that are as gorgeous as your curls. Choose a silk or satin pillowcase and a good-quality hair bonnet to protect hair while sleeping. After a washing? Dry with a micro-fiber towel, a 100% cotton t-shirt, or best of all, simply air dry.<br />Tip #6: Try a Clarifying Shampoo<br />It’s possible that your curls need a healthy reset which can be achieved with a clarifying shampoo. The Waterworks Clarifying Shampoo has a gentle formula infused with citrus and botanical extracts that helps to remove stubborn buildup and impurities from hair. This shampoo helps maintains curls' natural moisture levels while deeply cleansing. For best results, massage through wet hair. After rinsing, follow with your favorite Ouidad conditioner.<br />Tip #7: Use Protective Hairstyles<br />Different hairstyles can pull on the most fragile and delicate hair pieces. Slicking hair tightly, for example, might not only cause breakage, but can manually straighten out your curls over time. Alternatively, using protective styles such as braids, twists, locs and more (dependent on your curl type) can help keep hair safe while styled. The benefits of protective styles are not just limited to helping prevent breakage but also: helping hair retain moisture, promoting hair growth, and requiring low maintenance.<br /> Looking for products that would help with your styling? Check out our Protective Styles page to see what products are be right for your needs.<br />We hope these tips allow you to begin the journey of helping repair any damage you might have and bring back your bouncy, luscious curls.