Kristina is the founder of Lockenbox & Lockenexpertin. She has been intensively involved with the topic of curly hair care since her youth, when her straight hair suddenly turned into curls.
Are you struggling with dry and brittle hair and wondering: Why is my hair so straw-like?
Don't worry, we're here to help! In this guide, you'll learn the 5 most common causes of straw-like hair and get 7 quick solutions to make your hair smooth and shiny again.
Read on to say goodbye to frizzy hair and discover the secrets to healthy, silky locks.
Signs of straw-like hair and why it is a problem
Styling nightmare "straw-like hair" - what to do? Straw-like hair can feel dry , look brittle and be difficult to style . This can be a sign that your curls are very stressed or even damaged.
If your hair is straw-like , this can be caused by various factors .
- Excessive heat application,
- chemical treatments,
- too frequent coloring or bleaching,
- environmental pollution
- but inadequate care can also quickly lead to shaggy hair.
Your hair feels like straw and the bristly strands are not just a visual problem. They also affect the health of your hair . Once the straw-like hair is there, you inevitably ask yourself: What can I do to help?
Don't worry, in this guide we will deal extensively with the question: What can you do about straw-like hair?
The good news is that there are effective steps you can take to combat straw-like hair, so you can restore smoothness and health to your curls in no time.
5 Causes of Straw-Like Hair
There are various reasons that can lead to straw-like hair. We have listed the 5 most common reasons for the shaggy hair misery for you here.
1. Drought
Straw-like hair can occur due to dryness when the hair is not properly moisturized. Extremely dry, straw-like hair can, in the worst cases, be so damaged and depleted that it breaks .
For this reason, moisturizing the hair is essential when it comes to combating straw-like hair.
Curly and naturally frizzy hair is particularly susceptible to dryness due to its texture. Even if the hair is only straw-like at the roots, for example, it is important to use moisturizing care products that are tailored to curls.
These can intensively hydrate the hair and help lock in moisture.
2. Overstyling - Straw-like hair after washing
Too many care and styling products or the wrong hair care products can damage curly hair. The result is brittle and straw-like strands .
If the curls are washed with unsuitable shampoos, for example, the hair will become dry in the long run.
If you use the wrong products, deposits , known as build-up , can quickly form. These product residues weigh down the hair and can even damage it in the long term.
Too frequent styling and straightening with heat or strenuous hairstyles such as tight braids or aggressive brushing can quickly cause curls to look straw-like and damaged. The use of hot styling devices such as straighteners or curling irons in combination with inadequate heat protection can remove moisture and make hair brittle .
To avoid frizzy hair , it is advisable to use only suitable curl care products and to reduce the use of heat styling tools .
Using gentle styling methods and hairstyles also helps to keep your hair healthy and shiny. A great way to counteract the straw on your head!
3. Chemical treatments
Hair that is frequently subjected to chemical treatments such as dyeing, bleaching or perming tends to become straw-like and dry.
These chemical processes can leach out the natural oils in the hair and cause hair damage . Naturally dry curly hair is particularly sensitive to bleaching and other stressful hair treatments.
If you do not want to do without chemical color treatments, it is important to use an intensive care and moisturizing routine after such treatments .
Protein treatments also support your hair after a coloring procedure and can help to rebuild the hair. This gives your curls back the moisture they lack and repairs any damage to the hair.
4. Incorrect or poor diet
You can influence the appearance and health of your hair not only from the outside. An unhealthy and one-sided diet that is poor in important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and proteins can have a negative effect on the health of your hair.
The result is a straw-like and dull- looking mane.
You are what you eat – and this also applies to your curls. A balanced diet with sufficient protein intake and a variety of vitamins and minerals is crucial to keep hair healthy and strong. Vitamins such as
- biotin,
- vitamin E and vitamin D
- as well as minerals such as zinc and iron
are especially loved by your mane and are essential for healthy hair. This way you can support hair growth and your general hair health from the inside out.
5. Environmental influences such as sun or salt water
Most of us love summer and the beach. Your precious hair, however, is less so. Environmental influences such as
- sunlight,
- salt water or chlorine,
- Smog or environmental pollution in general can dry out hair and make it look straw-like.
All of these factors are pure stress for your curly hair. They can remove moisture from your hair and make it vulnerable to damage. Therefore, it is important to protect your hair as best as possible from these influences.
Applying a protective hair care routine and moisturizing thoroughly before and after a visit to the beach can help prevent hair damage and make hair more resilient to harmful environmental influences.
7 Tips on How to Get Straw-Like Hair Under Control
Once you have hair like straw and have identified the possible causes, there are still many ways to combat the shaggy misfortune on your head. Here are our 7 best tips on what you can do about straw-like hair.
1. Choose the right care products
If you are struggling with straw-like hair, you should make sure to choose special care products that are tailored to the needs of dry hair.
Use a shampoo specifically formulated for dry hair to moisturize and gently cleanse hair. Look for shampoos formulated for very dry hair or brittle dry hair. These tend to contain richer ingredients that can lock in moisture and make hair smoother.
In addition to the right shampoo , it is important to use suitable hair care for dry hair . Complete your hair routine with a moisturizing hair treatment or a deep-acting mask , so-called deep conditioner , which has been specially developed for dry hair.
These hair treatments for dry hair can provide intensive moisture , nourish and soften the hair. Make sure to use the hair treatment or mask regularly to achieve optimal results and to get your straw-like hair under control.
A suitable conditioner for curly hair can also lock in moisture in your hair and make it smoother. Practical leave-ins for curly hair and defining curl gel as well as a nourishing hair oil can give your mane the perfect finish. This way you are well prepared for any straw-like strands.
Discovering the best products for your curls is our passion! We at Lockenbox want to help you get the best out of your hair. That way, straw-like hair doesn't stand a chance! Click in now and discover more about the Lockenbox !
2. Wash your hair properly
What helps with dry, straw-like hair? You may be surprised, but to make your hair smoother, it is crucial to rinse your hair thoroughly . Make sure you rinse out shampoo completely to avoid residue that can weigh down hair and make it look dull.
Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water to ensure that all products are completely removed . After rinsing out the shampoo, using a curl conditioner will help to make your hair wonderfully soft and smooth.
Expert tip: After rinsing, use a final burst of cold water to close the hair cuticle even better and give the hair a natural shine. By using the right rinsing technique and rinsing thoroughly, you can help to make your straw-like hair smoother and give it a velvety sheen.
3. Don't expose your hair to too much heat
Excessive heat can cause your hair to become dry, brittle and straw-like. Try to reduce the use of hot styling tools such as flat irons, curling irons and high heat blow dryers. Leave these tools in the cupboard.
If you want to use heat, don't forget to apply a heat protection spray beforehand, such as CURLSMITH | Miracle Shield Spray . Such a spray helps to protect your precious hair from damage as best as possible.
Alternatively, you can use gentler styling methods , such as air-drying or blow-drying with a diffuser . By reducing the amount of heat you use, you can help prevent your hair from drying out further and restore its softness.
4. Eat a balanced diet
A balanced diet plays an important role in the health of your hair. Make sure to include a variety of nutrients in your diet, such as
- Fruit,
- Vegetables,
- whole grain products,
- lean protein
- and healthy fats.
These nutrients provide important vitamins, minerals and proteins that can promote hair growth and improve hair health. It is also advisable to always drink plenty of water to keep the hair and scalp hydrated from within.
A balanced diet can help combat dry and straw-like hair and give it shine and suppleness through healthy hair growth.
5. Avoid chemical treatments
We know it can be difficult, but it's a fact: chemical treatments such as perms, straightening, bleaching or frequent coloring can damage your hair and lead to dryness and strawiness. It is advisable to reduce such treatments or, ideally, avoid them altogether to protect your hair from damage.
If you still want to change your hair texture or color, you can use gentler alternatives. There are natural hair dyes with plant-based hair colors such as henna or non-permanent options for coloring your hair.
If chemical treatments are unavoidable, remember that gentle care is particularly important after such treatments. You can regenerate your hair to a certain extent by using nourishing treatments and products that restore a lot of moisture to your hair.
6. Cut your hair regularly
Regular haircuts are an important step in controlling straw-like hair. Regular cutting removes split ends and brittle tips , making hair look healthier and more cared for.
It is recommended that you schedule an appointment every six to eight weeks to trim the ends. This will keep the hair strong and prevent split ends from spreading and making the hair look straw-like. By trimming regularly, you will contribute to the health and vitality of your hair.
7. Use silk pillowcases
Admittedly a luxury tip, but switching to silk pillowcases can successfully help reduce straw-like hair. Unlike cotton or other materials, silk causes less friction on your hair and can therefore effectively protect your curls.
Sleeping on a silk pillowcase gently prevents your curls from becoming excessively tangled or roughened.
Silk also helps to retain moisture in the hair, which is particularly beneficial for dry, straw-like hair. On top of that, silk has hypoallergenic, antistatic and even antibacterial properties.
At Lockenbox we have a wonderful pillowcase made of 100% real mulberry silk that will nourish your curls all night long and protect them from drying out.
If you want to give your hair the pleasant feeling of silk during the day, you can tie your curls together using a pure mulberry silk scrunchie. It protects your hair perfectly without robbing it of moisture. We have created a great 100% silk scrunchie set in three different colors for you.
Extremely dry, straw-like hair - 5 care products and ingredients at a glance
1. Ecoslay Rice Pudding Leave-in Conditioner:
Ecoslay Rice Pudding is a leave-in conditioner known for its moisturising properties. It helps to hydrate, nourish and reduce straw-like hair.
Rice water is a traditional beauty secret that has been used for centuries to strengthen hair and add shine. It is rich in amino acids, vitamins and minerals that nourish and moisturize hair.
2. Curl Flo Curl Moisturizing Cream:
Curl Flow Curl Moisturising Cream helps to condition, define and reduce frizz while adding moisture and shine , effectively taming straw-like hair. Its lightweight formula spreads easily through the hair and leaves no residue.
Avocado is a key ingredient in this leave-in cream and offers numerous benefits for hair. The rich avocado butter contains vitamins A, B, C, D and E as well as essential fatty acids and antioxidants that nourish and soften your locks
3. Curl Girl Nordic Hair Mask Deep Treatment:
The Curl Girl Nordic Hair Mask is a deep-acting hair mask specially developed for the intensive care of curly hair. It moisturizes to revitalize dry and damaged hair and gives it suppleness.
With its rich formula, it penetrates deep into the hair structure to strengthen the hair from within and nourish and care for straw-like hair.
Shea butter offers a variety of benefits. It contains natural fats and moisturizers that help to provide intense moisture to the hair and protect it from drying out.
Shea butter can also help reduce frizz , make hair softer and easier to comb, and give it a healthy shine.
4. CURLSMITH - Hydro Crème Soothing Mask:
CURLSMITH Hydro Crème Soothing Mask is a soothing hair mask that helps to intensely hydrate, calm and revitalize hair. With its unique formula of natural ingredients, it leaves hair smooth, shiny and strengthened.
Hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient in this hair mask and offers specific benefits for the hair. It has the ability to attract and retain moisture, which helps to keep the hair intensely moisturized and hydrated.
Hyaluronic acid can help reduce straw-like hair and protect it from external environmental influences .
5. Sumilayi Ooh So Soft Curls Oil Treatment
Sumilayi Ooh So Soft Curls Oil Treatment is a nourishing hair oil treatment that nourishes, revitalizes and leaves hair feeling smooth. With its lightweight formula, it absorbs quickly into the hair and leaves no oily residue.
Jojoba oil is an ingredient in this hair oil treatment and offers multiple benefits for the hair. It resembles the natural structure of the body's hair oil and helps to moisturize the locks without weighing them down.
Jojoba oil can protect hair from drying out , reduce straw-like curls, and add a healthy shine. Thanks to its soothing properties, jojoba oil can also nourish the scalp and relieve irritation.
Conclusion
Straw-like hair can be extremely frustrating, but with the right measures and products, it is possible to counteract it. By using a balanced care routine, gentle styling methods and high-quality curl care products, you can transform your hair into a shiny and smooth appearance again.
Remember that your curls' individual needs are unique, so it's important to listen to them and gently adapt your care to your hair.
With patience, love and the right care, you will successfully master the battle against straw-like hair and be able to enjoy radiant curls and shiny hair again! :)
FAQ on the topic: Straw-like hair
Can I fix my straw-like hair myself?
Yes, there are many care products and options to repair straw-like hair. Coordinated leave-ins and hair treatments or hair oils that contain valuable plant-based oils such as coconut oil or olive oil can help to tame straw-like hair. By using these curl care products, you not only achieve more intensive care for your curls, but also a visible effect on the hair structure.
The cuticle of the hair is closed, making it look smoother and more supple. This gives the curls a well-groomed appearance and minimizes the risk of frizz and straw-like hair. At the same time, moisture is locked into the hair, giving the curls long-lasting shine and bounce.
By combining high-quality leave-ins, hair treatments and hair oils, you can permanently improve the health and appearance of your curls. If you also use gentle styling routines, straw-like hair will soon be a thing of the past!
Which care products are best for straw-like hair?
When choosing care products for straw-like hair, it is important to give preference to moisturizing and nourishing products with plenty of nutrients. Shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for dry and damaged hair can be helpful.
Look for products that contain nourishing ingredients such as argan oil, shea butter, aloe vera or coconut oil and valuable vitamins. In addition, hair treatments, masks and leave-in conditioners can help to intensively care for the hair and gradually restore the lost moisture. Experiment with different products to find out which ones are best suited to your hair type and your individual needs.
Hot tip: Discover the latest and trendiest products for curly and wavy hair every month and have everything delivered to your home at a special price. Yes, show me more about the curl box!
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