7 Ways to Fix Damaged Curly Hair

You'll know the signs of curly damaged hair when you see them. That telltale frizz, that brittle texture, that change in your curl pattern... They all point to ringlets and coils in need of deep repair. So, how do you fix the problem? Curly hair damage is simpler to address than you might think. You just need the right products and regimen in place. Here's your stylist-approved, curl-loving routine...

How to Fix Damaged Curly Hair

1. Add a Cleansing Conditioner to Your Routine

A co-wash is a staple in every curly hair care regimen, ideal for days when you need a gentler and more nourishing cleanse. Low on foam and high on moisture, it conditions and washes in a creamy formula, so your roots, lengths and ends feel fresh but not stripped. Brittle curly hair will love the boost of definition, too.

Try: NutriCurls Cleansing Conditioner. This low-foam formula is specially formulated to delicately purify curls, all while maximizing moisture and defining the shape of each and every ringlet. Use it for every wash or, to get the ideal balance of thorough cleansing and hydration, alternate it with a still-nourishing yet more traditional, foaming shampoo.

How to Use It: Massage your cleansing conditioner into wet hair, starting at the roots then moving through to the ends. Leave it on for 1-2 minutes, so the boost of Jojoba Oil can rehydrate your curls. Rinse thoroughly.

When to Use It: Every wash day or as an extra-hydrating alternative to shampoo when your hair needs gentler care.

2. Treat Damaged Curls to a Reparative Shampoo

Alternate your cleansing conditioner with a shampoo focused on repair. It still needs to be gentle – you're dealing with fragile curls, after all – but powerful enough to rebuild damaged hair from the inside out.

Try: ULTIMATE REPAIR Shampoo. It's suitable for all hair types – meaning curls and coils are perfectly cared for – and features a luxurious lather that gently yet effectively removes breakage-causing impurities. It's also infused with Metal Purifier to neutralise any metals lurking in your hair, so you have the perfect canvas for the rest of your hair repair regimen.

How to Use It: Apply to wet hair, making sure you lightly massage it in instead of rubbing or scrubbing. If your lengths and ends are dry, focus the formula through the roots, then let the lather run through your curls for a gentler cleanse.

When to Use It: Every wash day or every other wash day if you're alternating with a co-wash.

3. Make Deep Conditioning Your Hair a Priority

Deep conditioning is one of the best things you can do for damaged hair, so reach for one of two products after shampoo: a reparative conditioner or an intensive hair mask. Your reparative conditioner is for those days when curls need lightweight nourishment, while your hair mask delivers deeper care to give ringlets and coils the supercharged moisture boost they crave.

Try: ULTIMATE REPAIR Conditioner (almost) every hair wash day, after ULTIMATE REPAIR Shampoo. Its creamy texture, with a blend of AHA and Omega-9, works to repair the internal hair bonds and smooth the outer layer. Then, as a weekly treat, add the NutriCurls Deep Treatment to your routine. It's an intensely nourishing hair mask packed with Jojoba Oil and Panthenol to revive damaged curls and enhance their natural beauty.

How to Use It: Before applying your conditioner or hair mask, lightly squeeze excess water out of just-shampooed hair or gently towel-dry with a microfiber towel. This stops water from diluting the formula. Then, smooth your chosen treatment through the mid-lengths and ends of your curly hair. Let the conditioner absorb for 1-3 minutes, wait up to five minutes when you’re using a mask, then rinse thoroughly.

When to Use It: After shampoo. Use conditioner for lightweight nourishment and a hair mask when you need deeper curl care.

4. Repair Curly Hair Damage in 90 Seconds

Curls – and especially high-porosity curls – thrive with a leave-in treatment. It stays on hair for longer than a rinse-out conditioner, so it's able to address the moisture loss so common in porous lengths. But you don't just want any leave-in treatment – you want one that repairs the bonds in the inner cortex. This is where you'll see real changes in the health and condition of your curls.

Try: ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue. 'Miracle' is no overstatement; the spray repairs hair damage in 90 seconds* – perfect for stressed curls and coils. How exactly? It harnesses a skincare-inspired blend of ingredients formulated for inside-out repair. AHA is an acid small enough to penetrate and treat internal bonds, while Omega-9 replenishes the outer layer for 99% less breakage**.

How to Use It: Mist ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue from root to tip through clean, damp hair and let it absorb for the full 90 seconds. Then, style as usual. Simple.

When to Use It: On every hair wash day. Always apply it before curl creams or heat protectants, so it's able to be deeply absorbed by your hair.

5. Minimise Hair Friction in Your Daily Routine

Mechanical damage is bad news for your curl pattern, as friction can alter your natural texture. So, take steps to make your everyday regimen gentler on your curls and coils.

Try: making these hair care switches...

• Swap rough towels for microfiber towels, which should be used to blot and press excess water out of your hair – no rubbing!
• Sleep on satin or silk pillowcases instead of cotton pillowcases. For extra protection while you sleep, treat curls to ULTIMATE REPAIR Night Serum.
• Trade elastics for silk scrunchies or spiral ties, as elastic can roughen the hair cuticle and lead to breakage.

6. Use Styling Products with Added Nourishment

Your curl cream or balm should do more than simply define your hair pattern – it should add moisture, too. So, choose styling products carefully, making sure they're packed with hydrating oils to prevent curls drying out.

Try: NutriCurls Curlixir Balm. The rich, defining formula is packed with Wella's Nourish-In Complex, Jojoba Oil and Panthenol for intense nourishment, soft hold, and beautiful bounce.

How to Use It: Apply the curl balm evenly to damp or dry hair and lightly scrunch to activate your hair's texture. Use as much or as little as you feel your curls need.

When to Use It: On wash day, just before blow-drying, or in between washes when you want extra definition.

7. Blow Dry with a Diffuser and Heat Protectant

You might think heat styling is a no-go for damaged curls, but air-drying already-brittle strands isn't always the way to go – if your hair takes a long time to dry. Why? Because, when your hair is wet, it carries the weight of the water molecules. In order to do so, the hair shaft swells up and then gradually shrinks down as each strand of hair dries. The longer your hair is wet, the more damaging this swelling can be and, over time, it can even lead to hair breakage and split ends. But by blow-drying with a good heat protectant, you reduce the amount of time your hair has to carry water, while also gaining greater control over frizz and your overall curl pattern.

Try: ULTIMATE REPAIR Protective Leave-In. The delicate cream will protect curls and coils from heat damage, as well as UV rays, breakage, frizz and friction.

How to Use It: Follow these steps to blow-dry curly hair...

1. Let your hair air-dry around 50% of the way first. This means you're neither air-drying nor blow-drying your hair for too long.
2. Apply your heat protection over the top of NutriCurls Curlixir Balm, then split your hair into at least four even sections.
3. Place one section into your hair dryer's diffuser attachment, then switch the dryer on to a low heat setting.
4. Scoop the section of hair up to the root, and gently move in a backwards and forwards 'massaging' motion to encourage volume. Release when dry.
5. After following these steps for each section of hair, finish with an extra drop of NutriCurls Curlixir Balm if needed, or apply ULTIMATE SMOOTH Miracle Oil Serum for beautiful shine.

When to Use It: Any time you're blow-drying or heat styling your curls.

Damaged Curly Hair FAQs

How Can I Tell If My Curly Hair is Damaged?

From split ends to frizz, damaged curls come with a range of telltale signs. These are the symptoms to watch out for:

• Dullness and dryness.
• Changes in your curl pattern.
• Split ends and a rough texture.
• Breakage through the lengths.
• Excess frizz.
• Resistance to hydrating products.

If you're experiencing one or even all of these signs of curly damaged hair, quick repair is needed. The ULTIMATE REPAIR regimen is your answer to repairing hair damage in 90 seconds*.

What Causes Curly Hair to Become Damaged?

The cause of curly damaged hair is rarely just one thing – it usually comes down to a mix of factors. Common culprits include excessive heat styling, chemical treatments and even harsh shampoos that strip natural oils away. Everyday habits such as brushing curls when dry, over-washing or skipping conditioner can also leave curly hair fragile and prone to breakage. So, it's important to take a gentle approach to your routine – think hydrating shampoos, nourishing conditioners, and leave-in treatments designed for curls. Pair this with regular trims, and you’ll give your hair the best chance of recovering its natural strength, shine and bounce.

How Long Does Damaged Curly Hair Take to Heal?

Healing your damaged curly hair can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the level of damage. If your curls are only slightly dry or frizzy, you may notice improvements quickly with the right curly hair care routine. But if your hair is over-processed or has breakage, expect the recovery to take longer.

The key is consistency. Stick to a nourishing curly hair regimen, use hydrating products regularly, and book trims at your nearest Wella salon every 6-8 weeks to remove split ends. Over time, you’ll see your curls become healthier and shinier as the damage grows out and your natural curl pattern returns.

Looking for more ways to fix damaged curly hair? Get bespoke product recommendations with our virtual hair consultation tool. It's just like having your hairdresser on 24/7 speed-dial.

* When using ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue.

** When using ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue instrumental test vs. non-conditioning Shampoo.