Are You Accidentally Damaging Your Curls? Here's What You Need to Know

If you’re doing all the right things and still struggling with frizz, breakage, or curls that just won’t behave — it might not be your hair… it might be your habits.

As a curl educator and stylist, I’ve worked with so many curly clients who were unknowingly damaging their hair with everyday practices. The truth? Even well-intentioned routines can slowly break down your curl structure over time.

Let’s break down some of the most common culprits behind curl damage — and how to fix them.

1. Using Shampoo with the Wrong pH

Most people never consider pH when it comes to shampoo, but it's a huge deal for curly hair.

Many shampoos (especially clarifying ones) are highly alkaline, which lifts the hair’s cuticle layer too much. This leaves your strands rough, dull, and more likely to dry out or break over time.

What to do instead: Stick to curl-safe shampoos with a balanced, slightly acidic pH (4.5-5.5) to protect the cuticle. Clarifying shampoos should only be used occasionally (once every 6-8 weeks, IF NEEDED) and with care.

2. Combing Dry Curls

Here’s a hard truth: if you're combing or brushing your curls dry, you're likely causing more harm than good.

When curls are dry, they’re more fragile. Raking through them breaks the curl’s natural pattern — and can snap the strand entirely.

What to do instead: Always detangle on wet, conditioned hair. Use a brush that is meant for detangling, not styling, starting at the ends and working your way up gently.

3. Scrubbing Your Scalp in Circles

You’ve probably been told to “scrub” your scalp clean — but if you’re using circular motions, you might be knotting your curls at the root.

Circular scrubbing causes tangles, which then lead to breakage when detangling.

What to do instead: Use your fingertips to gently massage in straight  motions. You’ll stimulate the scalp without disrupting the curl pattern.

4. Weather Exposure: UV Rays, Wind & Heat

We talk about sunscreen for our skin… but what about our curls?

Sunlight, wind, and dry air all contribute to moisture loss and protein breakdown in the hair. Just like skin, your curls can be damaged by UV rays, leaving them brittle and prone to frizz.

☀️ What to do instead: Use a UV-protectant spray that’s silicone-free, and wear hats when you can. Protecting your hair from the elements = more moisture and better curl definition.

5. Heat Styling Without Proper Care

Hot irons cause damage.

Most heat protectants on the market contain silicones, which can block moisture from entering the hair. And high heat breaks down protein — the very structure your curls depend on.

🔥 What to do instead: Use low heat settings, move your tool quickly, and never “cook” your curls. Keep heat exposure brief and intentional. My clients love wearing their curls naturally and don't use irons often, if at all.

6. Bleach, Perms, Relaxers & Smoothing Treatments

This one might sound obvious, but it's important to understand why these services damage curly hair.

These treatments break the internal bonds of your hair — the ones that hold your curl structure together. While some damage can be managed, once a bond is broken, it’s not something that can be undone.

💔 What to do instead: If you color or lighten your curls, make sure you're using bond-building treatments and working with a curl specialist who knows how to minimize damage by showing you how to utilize additional products to make up for those missing links as your hair grows out and you cut the damage off, little by little or with a big chop.

The Bottom Line: Knowledge = Curl Power

So many of these damaging habits come from simply not being taught how curls actually work. That’s where I come in.

At your Learn Appointment, I’ll teach you:

• How your curl structure works

• What ingredients and techniques support your texture

• What habits might be hurting it

And how to confidently care for your curls at home

Ready to finally understand your curls?

Book a Learn Appointment today and get the personalized education your curls have been waiting for. www.loripeppinhair.com/newguest