How to Reduce Breakage and Strengthen Curly Hair

Curly hair is beautiful, but I know from experience just how fragile it can be. For years, I didn’t realize that the twists and turns of my curls made them more prone to breakage. I used to brush my hair dry and skip out on hydrating treatments, which left my curls feeling weak and frizzy. It wasn’t until I started treating my hair with extra care—detangling gently, using deep conditioning treatments, and avoiding harsh products—that I noticed a real difference. My curls became stronger, healthier, and so much easier to manage. At Curl Envy, we are passionate about sharing what we’ve learned because we understand how frustrating it can feel to deal with breakage.

Why Is Curly Hair More Prone to Breakage?
Curly hair is naturally drier because the natural oils from your scalp have a harder time traveling down the hair shaft. This dryness, combined with the fragile structure of curls, makes them more susceptible to breakage from friction, tension, and environmental factors.

How to Reduce Breakage and Strengthen Your Curls

1. Keep Your Curls Hydrated
Dry hair is more likely to break, so keeping your curls moisturized is the first step to reducing breakage.
What to Do:

• Use a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo like AG Balance Shampoo or LUS Shampoo, or amica hydro rush line to gently cleanse your curls without stripping them of natural oils.
• Follow up with a rich conditioner like AG Boost Conditioner or LUS Conditioner or Amica to hydrate and detangle your curls.

2. Incorporate Protein Treatments
Protein helps rebuild and strengthen the hair shaft, making it less prone to breakage.
Recommended Protein Treatments:

• Amika The Kure Multi-Task Repair Treatment
• ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment

How to Use: Alternate protein treatments with deep conditioning to balance strength and moisture.

3. Deep Condition Regularly
Deep conditioning provides intense hydration and nourishment, helping curls stay strong and resilient.
Try:

• Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Treatment
• SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Masque

How Often: Deep condition once to twice a month to replenish moisture and repair damage.

4. Handle Your Hair Gently
Rough handling can cause unnecessary breakage.
What to Do:

• Detangle your curls with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers when they’re wet and coated with conditioner.
• Avoid brushing your hair when dry, as this can snap the strands and disrupt your curl pattern.

5. Reduce Heat Styling
Excessive heat weakens the hair shaft and leads to breakage over time.
What to Do:

• Minimize the use of hot tools like flat irons and curling wands.
• If you need to use heat, always apply a heat protectant and use the lowest heat setting.

Heat Protectant Suggestions:

• AG Hair Firewall Heat Protectant Spray
• Chi 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray

6. Protect Your Curls While You Sleep
Friction from your pillowcase can weaken curls and cause breakage.
What to Do:

• Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase to reduce friction.
• Use a satin bonnet or scarf to keep your curls protected overnight.

7. Trim Split Ends Regularly
Split ends can travel up the hair shaft, causing further damage and breakage.
What to Do:

• Get a trim every 6-8 weeks to remove split ends and maintain the health of your curls.

8. Seal in Moisture with Lightweight Oils
Oils can lock in hydration and add an extra layer of protection to your curls.
Try:

• AG Remedy Lightweight Argan Oil
• Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Oil

How to Use: Apply a few drops to the ends of your hair after styling to prevent dryness and breakage.

9. Protect Against Environmental Damage
Sun, wind, and pollution can weaken curls and lead to breakage.
What to Do:

• Use hair products with UV protection to shield your curls from the sun.
• Wear a hat or scarf on windy days to reduce tangling and friction.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Breakage

1. Skipping Regular Conditioning – Leads to dryness and brittle strands.
2. Using Harsh Towels – Traditional towels can rough up the cuticle and cause frizz and breakage. Use a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt instead.
3. Tight Hairstyles – High-tension styles like tight ponytails or braids can weaken your curls over time. Opt for loose, protective styles.
4. Overloading on Products – Too much product can weigh down your hair and make it prone to snapping.

Building a Strengthening Routine

1. Cleanse: Use a sulfate-free shampoo to gently cleanse your scalp and hair.
2. Condition: Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to detangle and hydrate.
3. Deep Condition monthly: Use a deep treatment to restore moisture and elasticity.
4. Add Protein: Incorporate a protein treatment once a month to strengthen your curls.
5. Style Gently: Use curl-friendly tools and avoid harsh handling.
6. Protect: Use satin accessories and avoid environmental damage.
   

Final Thoughts
Reducing breakage and strengthening your curls requires a balance of hydration, protein, and gentle care. With the right products and techniques, you can keep your curls healthy, resilient, and full of life.
At Curl Envy, we’re here to guide you in creating a routine that works for your unique curl type. Whether you need product recommendations or personalized advice, let us help you achieve your healthiest curls yet!