First, let’s clear up the common confusion: There is a difference between ‘coarse’ and ‘thick.’ While ‘coarse’ or ‘fine’ describes the size of each strand, ‘thick’ describes the density of hair follicles on your scalp, or how closely together hair grows. Thick hair has more follicles per square inch than sparser hair does and is more luxuriant overall. Everyone has their own combination of diameter and density.
At the center is the medulla, which is where the core fibers live and is under-developed or even absent in very fine hair. Surrounding the medulla is the cortex that gives hair its shape and elasticity. Protecting the cortex on the surface is the cuticle, the protective armor that sheathes each hair shaft composed of overlapping shingles or scales. When managed properly, coarse hair can hold a curl or style well, and be healthy and strong.
If your hair has become coarse hair over time and wasn’t always so naturally, you may be experiencing a side effect of prescription drugs, such as steroids and hair growth medications, or a hormone imbalance or thyroid condition. Check with your doctor. Sometimes coarse hair isn’t the result of medication, but rather the result of silver gray hair, but can be cared for just the same.
There are several ways to enhance the health and manageability of your natural hair. For us, first on the list is to stop using traditional shampoo. Coarse hair tends to dry out, especially if it’s curly. Detergents found in conventional shampoos strips hair of its natural oils, and further dry hair out. When learning how to take care of curly hair, or any other hair type, try eliminating traditional shampoo altogether.
There is a difference between ‘coarse’ and ‘thick.’ While ‘coarse’ or ‘fine’ describes the size of each strand, ‘thick’ describes the density of hair follicles on your scalp.
Coarse hair feels substantial between your fingers. The standard is the comparison to a length of ordinary sewing thread; if a hair strand feels as thick or thicker than thread, it’s on the coarse side. Coarse hair can be straight, it can be curly, wavy, kinky, and any hair texture in-between. If your hair takes a longer time to dry, it is most likely coarse. If you’re still unsure about your hair type, take this hair quiz to find out so that you can begin practicing the best hair care methods!
There is no reason, though, why these more coarse strands can’t look fantastic, hold a hairstyle well, or appear healthy and strong. In fact, you have an advantage on that last count: Thicker hair has well-developed constituent parts.
Fine hair texture is the most delicate and fragile hair type. Typically, type 2 waves and type 3 curls fall into this category. However, you can find fine hair across a wide variety of curl types. If you find that your hair is both fine and curly, it can be quite the challenge to perfect your curls. Each strand of fine hair is very thin, and the strand’s circumference is small and narrow.
Other characteristics of fine curly hair are that it dries quickly, is prone to getting oily, and doesn’t hold styles for long periods of time. When choosing products for fine hair, it’s important to look for ingredients and formulas that are lightweight and won’t weigh the hair down. Using products that are too heavy can make it difficult for your curls to be springy and bouncy once styled.
It is also important to understand the difference between fine and thin hair. No, the two are not synonymous. Fineness refers to the strand’s width, whereas thinness speaks to the hair density, or lack thereof. So yes, it is possible to have both fine and thick hair.
When it comes to fine curly hair, you may find that it’s a challenge to get your curls to pop. Fine hair tends to be limp and lifeless if not styled properly. Once you’ve nailed down your lightweight and volume-boosting products, try adding styling techniques like plopping your curls or diffusing your hair to give your curls extra oomph. These two techniques lift strands at the root and help to define and shape curls before they fall flat.
What are the best products for fine curly hair
In short, fine hair works best with products that are lightweight and offer a bit of hold. Leave the heavy creams for your coarse-haired friends. Here are a few of our top picks for styling fine curly hair.
Cactus Rose Water Lightweight Conditioner: Yes, your fine hair still needs conditioner. But instead of loading on a rich cream, opt for this lightweight formula, infused with cactus rose water, that helps to boost volume and body. Say bye-bye to those limp curls.
Pracaxi Nectar Style & Hold Foam: Set any style with this lightweight foam to keep frizz at bay and add softness and shine to your strands. Thanks to the blend of pracaxi oil, acai extract, and shea butter, your hair will stay hydrated and nourished without being weighed down.
Instead, consider alternative washing methods such as the low-poo method that limits the use of detergent; the no-poo method that avoids it altogether; or co-washing – short for conditioner-only washing, which means using oils in conditioner to dissolve your natural oil.
There are ways to enhance the health and manageability of your natural hair. First on the list is to stop using traditional shampoo.
The best of these methods and the easiest to adopt is a 2-in-1 formula or a cleansing conditioner that does both simultaneously while preserving all the natural oils your hair depends on. New Wash Rich is made for hair that needs an extra dose of moisture and is the perfect companion for curly or coily hair.