Moisture-related teaching and messaging are typically focused on weighing down looser curls with the product and stiffening tighter curls with it.
Finding the correct products and moisture levels for your hair ultimately boils down to understanding your hair’s demands and what methods and components work best for you.
We chatted with Ana Carolina Nogueira, Ph.D., Maui Moisture’s Global Research and Development Associate Director, who laid down everything you need to know about keeping your curls moisturized and what to look for in products, to help you better understand how to moisturize your natural curls.
Why is moisture essential for curly hair?
Moisture is crucial for all hair types, but it is especially important for curly hair, which is naturally drier and more prone to breakage. “Overall, curly hair is more porous and has less lipids than straight hair,” explains Nogueira.
“Lipids are naturally occurring chemicals in human hair that play a crucial part in keeping hair naturally hydrated.” Curly hair strands seem shinier, more defined, and less frizzy when hydrated.
According to Nogueira, products, in addition to thoroughly moisturizing your hair with water, have an important function in hydrating. “By using appropriate cosmetic products, it is possible to deposit elements on hair that keep it hydrated, strengthening the fibers, and protecting it from harm,” she explains.
What are some of the most popular myths concerning moisture and curly hair?
While products can help add and retain moisture in curly hair, using more of them does not guarantee that your hair will be more moisturized.
“Excessive use of moisturizing products might result in over-conditioned hair that is more prone to breakage, commonly known as hygral exhaustion,” Nogueira notes.
“It’s critical to use hydrating solutions that don’t weigh down curly hair; the products should enhance curl definition without leaving hair looking soggy.” Finally, Nogueira emphasizes the need of using mild products to avoid fractionation fibers when washing and styling your hair.
What function do items play in moisture retention?
Keeping your hair hydrated requires a well-balanced assortment of products that are both nourishing and gentle on your strands. “It’s crucial for curly hair to be washed with a mild solution to maintain the hair clean without draining moisture from the hair and scalp,” Nogueira explains.
“Maui Moisture formulations were created to balance cleaning and moisture retention based on the demands of the individual hair.” Maui Moisture provides a variety of style solutions that give moisture and definition in addition to mild washing treatments.
Nogueira recommends looking for components like aloe vera, shea butter, and coconut oil, which build a protective layer on curls to lock in hydration.
She also suggests opting for mild, sulfate-free cleansers that won’t take natural oils from hair. Curl Quench & Coconut Oil Shampoo ($7) by Maui Moisture contains aloe vera, coconut oil, and papaya extract to detangle, moisturize, and define curls before you leave the shower or sink.
You can add extra hydration to your curls by detangling with Maui Moisture Coconut Milk Combing Cream, which adds slide, gloss, and definition.
Do you require various products according to your curl type?
It’s vital to know that not all curl varieties require the same amount of moisture. Some people require more moisture more regularly, while others may go longer periods without replacing strands.
Porosity, or your hair’s capacity to hold or reject moisture, is extremely important in determining your moisture requirements. “Slightly curly hair may be less porous than coily hair,” Nogueira notes, “which means that wavier hair can be treated with less moisturizing agents than coily textures.” “It is also critical to consider behaviors such as hair washing, style, and chemical (or heat) treatments.”
The Bottom Line
Finally, keep in mind that hair care isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Many factors, including your styling habits, lifestyle, and even the weather, can affect the moisture level of your hair.
Still, developing a regimen of nourishing components, such as aloe vera, will make your hair look and feel its best.
