Dry hair and hair breakage are usually the signs of your hair follicles getting weak. This is caused by a number of factors such as split ends, frequent shampooing, blow drying, chemical hair treatments and due to the excess heat generated when straightening. Over exposure to sunlight, tight ponytails, a rough hairbrush on the hair and combing when the hair is still wet may also lead to dry unhealthy hair and breakage.
Since it is evident that the straightener has some part to play in the damage caused to your hair, it would be advisable to stop using it completely. First of all do not shampoo your hair on a daily basis as the harsh chemicals in shampoos tend to strip away all natural oils, leaving your hair brittle and dry. Use a gentle shampoo for dry curly hair instead, and wash your hair once in three days or if necessary every alternate day. Make sure that the shampoo you use has little or no alcohol content as this tends to damage the hair in the long run and a gentle shampoo is necessary to stimulate the oil glands and revitalize the hair. Another home remedy for dry hair you could practice is to massage the scalp with lukewarm coconut, olive or almond oil and then wash off in half an hour or so. The massage not only provides your hair with the necessary oil and moisture but also nourishes the hair follicles with its much needed Vitamin E.
Take care to never comb your hair when it is still wet. Use a wide toothed comb on it and take out the knots and tangles from the end of your hair and move upwards in the direction of the scalp. Boar bristle brushes which possess rubber tips are good for the hair as they do not pull heavily on it and prevents breakage. It would help to trim your hair periodically as hair thins towards the end and tends to develop split ends. This will not require you to go to a salon as you can just get a friend over to trim the edges and once the new hair grows they will be naturally curly from the roots. Apart from these, a complete healthy balanced diet is essential for the growth of lustrous hair. Your diet should ideally include carrots, tomatoes, spinach, meat, salmon and shellfish, nuts and soy to provide the hair with its necessary proteins. Drink plenty of water to ensure that the body is hydrated and cover your head whenever travelling or stepping out into the sun.
answered by M W