The Curlfriend Edit: A Deeper Dive Into Hydration

Yes...you read that right. We’re diving deeper into hydration—specifically why it's maybe even more important than moisturizing alone!

Before in previous posts I've said that, "Hydration basically means ensuring there is water within the hair, and moisturizing equals sealing that water in."

But now, it's a little more complicated than that. Hydration isn’t just water, it’s how well your hair can attract, absorb, AND hold onto that water. Moisturizing is how we protect that hydration from escaping. * Insert Running Emoji *

Hydration = giving your hair water.

Moisture = keeping the water in.

Okay, But What’s Hydration?

Hydrated hair has absorbed actual water into the inner layer of your strands (the cortex). It’s soft, springy, and flexible because the water molecules literally make your hair less brittle.

In 2025 hair science terms, hydration is all about humectants (so that means ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera, honey, or panthenol) that pull moisture from the air into your strands.

Your hair needs this before you even think about sealing anything in.

What’s Moisturizing?

Moisturizing is all about occlusives and emollients, like oils, butters, and creams that sit on the outside of your hair shaft to slow down water loss. You can think of hydration as drinking water and moisturizing as putting on lotion. Both matter, but if you skip the water? That lotion alone won’t save you, will it?

Pro tip: Hair butters (like shea or mango) are heavier occlusives, while lighter oils (like grapeseed or jojoba) let your hair still breathe.

How to Hydrate AND Moisturize Your Curly Hair

Before I said: Use heat with deep conditioner, you know, like a steam cap, warm towel, or dryer hood.

And nowwww.. Yes, heat helps! But there’s more to it.

You can boost your results by:

• Using a hydrating leave-in with humectants first (aloe, glycerin, etc.)

• Following with a moisturizing cream or oil to seal

• Keeping your products balanced (For example, too much protein or oil can actually block hydration. And oh, and if your hair feels dry but greasy? That’s often a moisture imbalance.. so your hair is coated but mega thirsty inside.)

🔥 Straightening + Hydration Care

Since I love straightening my hair (listen... lol), I’ve noticed how easy it is to lose hydration. When heat enters the picture, your hair’s internal water evaporates faster, especially if your hair wasn’t hydrated first.

So now, before heat styling, I:

• Deep condition with a hydrating + bond-repair mask (bond builders are key now, so think peptides, amino acids, or ingredients like citric acid or malic acid).

• Use a leave-in with humectants + protein balance to strengthen.

• Always apply a heat protectant that shields up to 450°F and has silicone alternatives (like dimethicone-free blends that still protect).

The goal: sleek hair, not fried ends.

Signs Your Hair Is Thirsty

• If your hair feels rough, dull, or breaks easily = it’s dehydrated.

• If it’s greasy but still frizzy = it’s over-moisturized or has buildup.

• If it’s flat and limp = it might be over-conditioned and missing protein.

The trick is learning your balance = hydration, moisture, and protein are a team.

Clarify, Clarify, Clarify

One of the biggest mistakes I used to make? Piling products on without cleansing properly.

Before I said: Clarify if you have oily hair.

Now..: Yes to clarifying, but at least every 2–4 weeks no matter your texture or oil level, especially if you use butters, gels, or heavy creams.

Otherwise, your hair literally can’t absorb water. It’s like trying to water a plant covered in wax.

(The wax for us being all the creams, gels, and products we use daily.)

Look for gentle clarifiers with apple cider vinegar, charcoal, or micellar water that remove buildup without stripping curls.

Some Final Thoughts

Hydration gives life to healthy curls: it’s what gives them bounce, elasticity, and shine.

Moisturizing just makes sure that hydration sticks around. When you combine both intentionally, you get softness and strength.

So, next time you reach for your curl cream, make sure your hair’s had a drink first * gulp gulp *🥂

— Aziza Ransome, PsyM Aka the brain behind The Curlfriend

xoxo

🌱 Note: all ingredient examples mentioned can be found in vegan or eco-conscious formulations, but always check labels for plant-based or biodegradable sourcing.

Reference List

1. Yun, J. et al. “Evaluation of Human Hair Absorption and Retention.” Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2025.(on how hair absorbs moisture and retains efficacy from hair care products) Dove Medical Press

2. Punyani, S. et al. “The Impact of Shampoo Wash Frequency on Scalp and Hair.” PMC, 2021.(on how wash frequency impacts scalp/hair health) PMC

3. Trüeb, R.M. “Scalp Condition Impacts Hair Growth and Retention.” PMC, 2018.(the role of scalp health in hair retention) PMC

4. “12 Ways to Moisturize Your Scalp, According to Science.” Verywell Health.(tips + science behind moisturizing scalp properly) Verywell Health

5. “Surface Forces and Frictional Properties of Adsorbed Bio-Based Cationic Polysaccharide Thin Films.” arXiv / Scientific Study, 2025.(on how bio-based conditioning agents interact with hair surfaces and occlusive/sealing actions)

Oh, And Before I Go

Your favorite curlfriend turned consultant is still out here helping heart-centered leaders build lives and businesses that flow with who they are. If you’re a creative or business owner craving harmony between your work and wellbeing, let’s chat.