When textured hair is thirsty, it lets you know — sometimes in subtle ways, sometimes loud and clear. Ignoring these signs can lead to breakage, tangles, and frustration. The good news? Once you know what to look for, you can take action quickly to restore softness, shine, and manageability.
Here are seven common ways your hair might be saying, “Help, I’m dry!” — and what you can do about it.
1. Breakage vs. Shedding
- Shedding is natural and comes from the root — the strand will have a tiny white bulb at one end.
- Breakage happens mid-shaft or at the ends and is a clear sign your hair isn’t getting (or keeping) enough moisture.
💡 Quick Fix: Deep condition with a moisturizing treatment, then seal with a light oil or butter to lock in hydration.
2. Hair Looks Shiny but Feels Dry and Brittle
This is often “surface shine” — the cuticle looks glossy, but the inner layers of your hair are parched.
💡 Quick Fix: Try the LOC Method (Liquid, Oil, Cream) to trap moisture inside the strand. Focus on water-based leave-ins first.
3. More Intense Tangles and Knots
Dry hair rubs against itself, creating single-strand knots and fairy knots. The drier it is, the harder it is to detangle without breakage.
💡 Quick Fix: Keep a water handy in a spray bottle for quick refreshes between wash days. Seal the moisture in with a bit of oil and/or pomade.
4. Hair Doesn’t Revert When Wet
If your curls, coils, or waves stay limp or stretched after getting wet, it might be product buildup blocking moisture from penetrating.
💡 Quick Fix: Use a gentle clarifying shampoo once or twice a month to remove buildup, then follow up with a rich conditioner.
5. Dull, Ashy Color
Moisturized hair naturally reflects light. When it’s dry, it looks flat, muted, or even dusty in tone.
💡 Quick Fix: Add a weekly hot oil treatment with natural oils like jojoba, avocado, or use WeUnik’s Scalp & Hair Therapy Oil or Moisture Lock Pomade for the LOC method.
6. Your Styles Don’t Last
If your twist-outs, braid-outs, or silk presses fall flat quickly, dryness could be the culprit — moisture helps styles set and hold.
💡 Quick Fix: Always moisturize and seal before styling.
7. Your Hair Feels Rough After Washing
Washing should leave hair clean and soft. If it feels squeaky or rough, your shampoo might be too harsh.
💡 Quick Fix: Switch to a sulfate-free shampoo and follow with a moisturizing conditioner.
Want to go deeper?
If you’ve been guessing at how to keep your hair hydrated, Moisturizing Textured Hair 101 inside WeUnik University breaks it all down — step-by-step, beginner-friendly, and made for all curl patterns.