Highlights of the blog: 

• Curly hair loss comes from the root; breakage happens along the strand

• Breakage curly hair is preventable with deep hydration, gentle detangling, and protective styling

• Healthy curls need both a clean scalp and strong strands to thrive

You just finished a shower, look down, and see strands everywhere. Panic? Not so fast.

For anyone with textured hair, seeing hair in the drain or on your brush is a daily occurrence. But there’s a big difference between curly hair shedding and actual curly hair loss. Add in another concern - breakage in curly hair - and the line gets blurry fast.

This guide will help you understand whether you’re dealing with natural shedding, hair fall from the root, or breakage from damage. And most importantly, how to treat and prevent all three with the right care , especially for curls.

What is curly hair shedding?

Shedding is your hair’s natural process of renewal. Every hair strand has a growth cycle — and when it finishes, it falls out to make space for a new one.

You lose about 50 to 100 hairs a day. For curlies, it often looks like more because your strands tangle and trap shed hairs — they don’t slide out like straight hair.

Signs of curly hair shedding:

• Long strands with a white bulb at the end
  

• Hair that comes out during detangling or washing
  

• No change in thickness or volume over time

If you notice this occasionally, it’s nothing to worry about. But excessive shedding can be a sign of deeper curly hair loss — more on that in a minute.

What is hair breakage in curly hair?

Breakage is when the hair snaps somewhere along the shaft — not from the root. Unlike shedding, it’s a red flag. Breakage in curly hair usually means your strands are too dry, too stressed, or too weak to hold up under daily styling and manipulation.

Signs of breakage curly hair:

• Short, broken pieces (no white bulb)
  

• Frizz, split ends, and thin or see-through ends
  

• Hair that feels brittle or rough
  

• Breaks during brushing, towel-drying, or styling

If your wash day ends in knots and short broken strands, you’re likely dealing with breakage in curly hair, not shedding.

What causes curly hair loss?

While shedding is normal, curly hair loss involves a significant drop in hair density — it could be caused by health conditions, stress, or poor scalp health.

Common causes:

• Hormonal changes (PCOS, postpartum, thyroid issues)
  

• Stress and anxiety (linked to telogen effluvium)
  

• Scalp issues like buildup, dandruff, or inflammation
  

• Tight hairstyles pulling at the scalp
  

• Nutritional deficiencies (low iron, zinc, protein)

The difference? Curly hair shedding doesn’t leave bald patches. Curly hair loss can.

How to tell them apart

How to reduce curly hair loss

If you're seeing excessive fall with white bulbs attached, it’s time to take action to protect your scalp and roots.

1. Cleanse gently, but regularly

Scalp buildup clogs follicles and causes inflammation. Use a sulphate-free shampoo like the XO Curls Hydrating Shampoo to maintain a clean, balanced scalp.

2. Scalp massage = growth boost

Regular scalp massage increases blood flow and stimulates follicle activity. Use your fingertips or a shampoo brush to gently work in the product.

3. Nourish from within

Eat iron-rich foods (like spinach and lentils) and make sure you’re getting enough protein. Hair is 90% keratin - you can’t skip the fuel.

4. Address stress

Even short-term stress spikes can trigger curly hair loss. Try low-effort habits like deep breathing, walking, or screen-free time before bed.

How to fix and prevent breakage in curly hair

If your strands are snapping mid-length or your ends feel dry and weak, here’s how to rebuild your curl strength:

1. Stop brushing dry curls

This is rule number one. Always detangle with conditioner and a wide-tooth comb, use the XO Curls Shower Detangling Comb in the shower.

2. Deep condition weekly

Use a moisture-rich deep conditioner weekly, especially if your hair feels brittle. Boost it with a deep conditioning heat cap to help your hair absorb nutrients better.

3. Layer moisture + hold

Start with a leave-in like the XO Curls Leave-In Conditioner, then seal in moisture with a gel or oil. This layering protects the strand and prevents snapping.

4. Avoid tight buns and rubber bands

Use silk scrunchies or loose protective styles that don’t tug at your strands. Tension = breakage.

When to see a professional

If you're seeing bald spots, sudden thinning, or shedding in clumps, talk to a dermatologist. It could be a sign of alopecia, severe hormonal imbalance, or a scalp disorder.

And if breakage curly hair becomes constant, you may need to trim off damage and restart with a healthy routine.

Final thoughts: Listen to your curls

Your curls are always giving you feedback. Whether it’s curly hair shedding, actual hair loss, or mid-shaft breakage in curly hair, the signs are there - you just need to read them.

The good news? All of these issues are treatable. With the right care, consistency, and products designed for your texture, you can stop the stress and start rebuilding your healthiest curls yet.

XO Curls products are made to nourish, protect, and strengthen Indian curly and wavy hair from the root to the ends. So whatever stage of hair stress you’re in, you’re never too far from a comeback. If you need more tips on curly hair, read our complete guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions: 

1. How do I know if it’s breakage or fall?

Check the strand. A white bulb at one end means it shed from the root (fall). No bulb = breakage.

2. Can I have both hair fall and breakage at the same time?

Yes, especially if your scalp is stressed and your strands are dry. Both need different care approaches.

3. Will trimming my hair stop breakage?

It won’t stop breakage entirely, but trimming split ends prevents them from traveling up the strand and causing more damage.

4. What products are best for preventing breakage?

Look for hydrating, curl-friendly formulas with gentle cleansing and deep conditioning like XO Curls’ Leave-In Conditioner, Hydrating Shampoo, and Detangling Comb.

5. How long does it take to see improvement?

With consistent care, you can start noticing less breakage and stronger curls in 3–4 weeks.