Curly Hair vs. My Nervous System: A Love-Hate Story about Sensory Overload

Let me tell you a tale. It’s about me, a wide-toothed comb, and my curly hair—plus a surprise guest: sensory overload.

It started on a normal morning. I spritzed my hair with water, grabbed my leave-in conditioner, and… boom. My scalp said, “Nope!” That simple act of detangling kicked my nervous system into panic mode.

If you’ve got curly hair and sensory processing sensitivity, you might know what I’m talking about.

What Is Sensory Processing?

Sensory processing is how your brain makes sense of the messages from your senses. But for some of us with sensory sensitivity, those messages come in like an air raid siren.

Something small—like a tag on your shirt or a hairbrush—can feel way too intense. Now imagine that same sensitivity, but on wash day… with frizzy curls and a brush.

Yeah. It’s a lot.

Why Curly Hair Can Trigger Sensory Overload

Here’s the thing: curly hair has texture. Like, a lot of it. It's springy, dry, tangled, and changes with the weather. That texture, while beautiful, can feel like sandpaper or Velcro to someone with tactile defensiveness.

For people with heightened tactile sensitivity, that texture can feel overwhelming. Every curl feels like a poke. Every strand out of place is a red alert. Wet curls? Cold spaghetti on your neck. Dry curls? Velcro in disguise.

Wash Day: A Sensory Gauntlet

Washing curly hair isn’t just “washing.” It’s shampoo, deep conditioning, detangling, styling, drying, and praying. For those with sensory processing disorder (SPD) or sensitivity, that’s six different chances to cry.

So when someone with curls says, “Don’t touch my hair,” please, respect the forcefield.

Tips to Make Curly Hair Easier on Your Senses

If your curls feel like too much for your skin or nerves, here are some tried-and-true tips:

• Use your fingers instead of brushes—gentler, less painful.

• Detangle in the shower with lots of slippery conditioner.

• Avoid rough towels. Use a microfiber towel, soft cotton T-shirt, or even a satin cloth.

• Choose lightweight, low-residue products. Look for slip!

• Skip styling sometimes. A low bun is still a win.

These small changes can make a big difference for curly hair with sensory issues.

Embracing the Sensory Side of Curls

Here’s the twist—once you find your rhythm, curly hair care can feel good. Scalp massages? Amazing. A gentle co-wash? Spa day.

Caring for curls with sensitivity isn’t always easy, but it is possible. And you don’t have to fight your hair. You just have to learn its language—and your nervous system’s, too.

So, if you’ve got curls and sensory quirks, you’re not alone. Your hair isn’t the enemy—it just has a big personality. Like you. And honestly? That’s kind of awesome.

New curly hair products are on the way—designed for textured hair and sensitive scalps, so stay tuned!