Hair repair for curly hair

Sometimes curly hair seems like it's got a mind of its own. Frizz in all directions? Curls losing definition and falling flat? Rough curls that feel drier than the Sahara Desert?

We don't need to tell you these are all things your curls can throw your way. But knowledge is power, and by understanding your curls and their needs you can take back control.

Curly hair is actually very different from straight or slightly wavy hair, not just in appearance and shape, but also the thickness of individual hairs and dryness of the scalp. Curls also tend to be much drier than other hair types because of their twisty shape – although this does mean that you can get away with washing your hair only once every few days!

However, your hairs are much more prone to tangling and rubbing against each other when combing and styling. The end results? The hair surface becomes damaged, rough and dry feeling in no time.

If this struggle with frizzy, rough curls sounds familiar, it’s not all doom and gloom – it just means that your haircare regime needs to be quite different from that of your straight-haired neighbour to keep it at its very best. 

Fortunately, we have the hacks to help you make the most of your curls and keep them happy and healthy-looking; keep reading as we explore how to restore curly hair in a few simple steps below.

How to repair damaged curly hair

Crack the curl code with the right washing routine

We can never stress enough how important it is to use the right hair products for your hair type. If you have curly hair, enlisting repairing products to nourish and moisturise every day is an essential step in your journey towards healthier-looking curls and great hair days –

But of course, not all curls were created equal, so you’ll need a different shampoo and a curly hair treatment depending on your biggest curl concern or your curl type. Curly hair repair starts here…

Weak curls

Split ends? No shininess? It’s most likely because your hair is weak and can’t handle external aggressions. It no doubt feels like a big issue, but it’s just a matter of fuelling up your hair with the right ingredients. Repair damaged curly hair with our Pantene Repair & Protect Shampoo not only conditions to reduce friction and tangling, but it also offers your hair protection against damage going forwards. Team it with its partner, Repair & Protect Conditioner, and you’ll welcome 24 hours of smooth and shiny hair with open arms.

Dry, frizzy Curls

Desperately craving a smooth, frizz-free finish? Reach for the Smooth & Sleek Shampoo, which is infused with anti-frizz technology that helps to smooth and define your hair. Flyaways and frizz make curly hair less smooth and defined, but the conditioning agents in the Smooth & Sleek Conditioner will reduce friction and tangling of your hair for a sleeker finish.

Undefined curls

If springy, bouncy curls are what you crave, tweaking your routine will set you on the right path. Use a specially-designed nourishing shampoo to give curls bounce and compliment with a moisturising conditioner to maintain the perfect level of soft and smooth. Our Smooth & Sleek Shampoo, paired with our Smooth & Sleek Conditioner is the winning combination to keep frizz levels at bay all day long.

Top curl tip – be brave and rinse your conditioner with cold water. Cool temperatures snap those cuticles shut and lock in that all-important moisture, leaving your hair shinier and less frizzed.

Mask, mask and mask some more

Repeat after us: curly hair treatments are a staple for well-defined and smooth curls. Once a week, swap out your conditioner for a thick mask that’ll quench the thirst of even the driest and frizziest of hair and help you detangle.

 Our Repair & Protect Deep Repair Masque will target that characteristic dryness of curly hair, while the nutritive Pro-V formula will support hair for a stronger and shinier end result. Apply to the mid-shaft and ends of your hair for a hit of goodness that lasts. It’s the curly hair treatment that you’ve been looking for!

If you’re always short of time, try slipping our specially formulated ampoules into your weekly routine too, for an extra hit of hair repair. Pantene Pro-V Intense Rescue Shots are a super concentrated hair treatment that work to repair 3 months* worth of damage with just one use. The handy tube format means you take them to the gym or throw one in an overnight bag for damage repair on the go. They’re the perfect treat to help restore damaged curly hair.

Smooth things over with a little oil

Still too much of a change in your haircare routine? Busy women, we hear you! Curly hair is much more prone to dryness, flyaways and frizz because of its structure. Try slowly incorporating a leave-in treatment into your regime; something that takes less than a minute to apply but does the job of a rinse-off treatment. PANTENE PRO-V ARGAN INFUSED OIL helps to lock hair down for a sleeker finish, on either wet or dry hair. Infusing the hair with argan oil, frizz is flattened for 24 hours of smoothness and frizz-free curls. If you’re wondering how to restore curly hair, this is a perfect (and easy!) way to get the job done.

As curly hair’s more susceptible to damage caused by dryness, a fast absorbing oil will help to rebalance moisture levels without leaving it looking or feeling oily. Our PANTENE PRO-V KERATIN PROTECT OIL will do just the trick! With a featherweight texture and glossy finish, it’ll leave curls protected and perfectly defined.

Remember your post-wash care!

After washing your hair, gently loosen clumped curls with your fingers, flip your head upside down and shake out to separate each curly strand for all important definition.

Once those curls are separated, don’t be tempted to roughly towel dry your hair – your hair is at its weakest when wet and that’s a lot of rough friction that could cause breakage to your poor curls! Instead, try ‘plopping’, wrapping your hair in a cotton t-shirt and tying it behind your head at the bottom of your neck. This easily draws out water, is less rough on your hair. Then, let it air dry to emphasize its all-important spiral shape.

The last step of your post-wash care routine to keep frizz down, is something you can do with your eyes closed – literally! Sleeping on a silk pillowcase is a much gentler material, has lower friction levels and means frizzy bedhead will be a thing of the past. Preserve your locks and sleep in style.

Rest assured it’s possible to get your curls into a healthy, frizz-free state every day with these curly hair treatments in your arsenal. The hair repair steps above will help you on your way to springy and shiny curls. Keep moisture and curl care up, and you’ll keep damage down. Because who said curly hair can’t have a great hair day, every day too?