How to take care of thin hair

If you weren’t genetically born having really thick hair, you will realize that thinner hair has its pros and cons. From one side, you’ll enjoy having less hair to style, quicker drying times, as well as a naturally smooth texture, but from the other side, you may find it difficult for your hair to hold a curl and it might lack body.

Fortunately, there are a couple of steps you are able to make to mask thin hair.

However, eventually caring for your hair and changing your nutrition and lifestyle will be the greatest way to begin to love your thin hair and get the best from what you have! From nutritional adjustments to recommended products and accessories, you can find out all you have to remember about taking care of your thin hair in this post.

Thinning Hair: Treatment, Vitamins, and More

In fine hair, the size of the actual hair strands is smaller than in other types. It lacks the internal structure called the medulla, which makes the physical diameter of each strand smaller. It also contains less protein, which makes fine hair appear limp and a little fluffy. It is usually straight, without much natural volume, and is usually found in lighter hair colors like blonde. It is important to note that fine hair refers to the actual size of the hair itself, it has nothing to do with density which indicates how much hair you have. You can have fine hair and have a full head of hair.

Is fine hair bad?

None of the hair types are naturally bad, however, all of them come with unique issues. And fine hair is certainly no exception. Perhaps the most common mistaken belief is that fine hair simply isn’t in need of a great deal of maintenance. As fine hair is soft and silky by nature, people easily think they can leave out the conditioning, however, it nevertheless takes a balancing of hydration, lipids, and proteins as every alternate hair type and texture do. Lacking the appropriate nourishment, it can be quite easy for fine hair to get dried out, split ends, and brittle. Using heavier formulas can leave fine hair appearing greasy and will cause the strands to become slightly weighed down. For this reason, use a lightweight conditioning agent on a regular basis as well as seek out water-based styling solutions.

The other thing about fine hair is that the natural oils from the scalp can get to the hair fiber faster. This can lead to buildup on the scalp and make fine hair look greasy and oily faster. It can also cause scalp issues because the oil sits on the scalp and the hair doesn’t have the weight to absorb it. We recommend using a conditioner or gentle scalp scrub to remove the accumulated oil and keep the scalp fresh.

There are two distinct qualities of your hair that will aid in the marking process. The first is the thickness of your strands and the other is how dense your follicles are. The thickness is frequently characterized by words such as fine or coarse, whereas the density is characterized by words like thin or thick. Therefore, it is perfectly normal to have both fine and thin hair as well as fine and thick hair, since you are talking about two separate characteristics of your hair.

Therefore, what exactly is the meaning of having thin hair?

By defining your hair as thin, you refer to the density of the follicle. Having thin, coarse hair is quite common. Thin hair is not necessarily the same as fine hair, because they are two distinct issues. Thin hair signifies that you have fewer hair follicles located closely to one another. That’s why you will quite frequently notice a lot of scalp during styling. Naturals with thin hair usually prefer to puff up their roots a bit more after removing the twist, in an effort to mask the revealed scalp.

What exactly is the meaning of having fine hair?

To have fine hair is not actually meaning that your hair is thin. Fine hair relates to the thickness/diameter of the single strand. Although you have a number of options to identify the thickness of your hair, the most basic is to perform a strand match. Overall, if your hair strand is similar to a string, you certainly have coarse hair. But it is also a way to have thin, coarse hair. Pick up a strand of hair and check it out against what you can see in the graph below.

• They both need specific attention since they are tough to style and manage

Distinctions among thin hair and fine hair

• Definition

Thin hair actually references fewer hair follicles packed together. On the other hand, fine hair describes the diameter or individual thickness of individual hair strands.

• Shine

Whereas thin hair may not have shine, fine hair is glossy.

• Heat styling

Whilst thin hair struggles to be styled with heat, fine hair tends to be more manageable.

• Adjust the amount of shampoo and conditioner

In addition to a lack of volume, maybe the most significant problem with fine hair is its tendency to get oily pretty fast. While not everyone who has fine hair is susceptible to overproduction of oil, the shaft of their hair actually tends to be straighter and not as porous as coarser hair types, causing the oils to settle visibly on the hair. To combat this, we suggest that you don’t need to shampoo more often, since this can dry out your hair if you shampoo it too often, but rather concentrate the shampoo on the roots, a place where those oils accumulate and build up. If you have cleaned your hair correctly, you also need to refrain from using conditioner on the scalp, since it can weigh the hair down. Rather, you may want to put on just sufficient to coat the strands from the middle of the hair down, as this contributes to making your hair look refreshed and voluminous on top.

• Choose a volumizing shampoo, and once a week clarifying shampoo

The most important step for styling fine hair begins in the shower. Stay away from sulfates – cleansers found in many shampoos – which can weaken hair follicles over time, making your hair prone to breakage and thinning. Using a volumizing shampoo can help plump up the roots and restore nutrients to depleted strands. Apply a clarifying shampoo about once a week to remove extra buildup and make the hair appear fuller and thicker.

• Avoid over-shampooing

Refrain from shampooing excessively. Fine hair may only need to be shampooed about two or three times a week. Over-washing may produce excess oil resulting in flat and lifeless hair. The natural oils produced by minimum shampooing give hair volume and suppleness.
To manage surplus oil in your hair on day two, choose dry shampoo instead – stylists claim that the powder residue will catch surplus oil and add volume. Just be sure to rinse it out every one to three subsequent applications, otherwise, the residue can cause scalp irritation and dehydrate fine hair, causing hair breakage.

• Use conditioner, but sparingly

The conditioner may seem counterintuitive for very fine hair, although stylists say it can be helpful, especially if you use a volumizing shampoo. These shampoos tend to dry out the hair, which can lead to an overproduction of oil on the scalp. A moisturizing conditioner is helpful to maintain balance and avoid producing extra oils that pull hair down. Never apply conditioner to the scalp (only from the middle to the tips) and be sure to stay away from formulas with heavy molecules and ingredients. Provided your hair isn’t really long (read: Rapunzel-like), a drop of conditioner the size of a nail is definitely more than enough.

• Try using a volumizing mousse

Unluckily, fine hair turns the choice of hair care products into a roulette wheel. Picking anything marked “volumizing” is not sufficient – indeed, some volume-boosting products may dry out the hair and leave it brittle. So, here’s a brief recap: keep away from heavy-weight products including pomades, oils, waxes, or other stuff designed to coat the hair, as they will weigh your hair down. Oh, and also keep away from protein treatments. Protein treatments will coat your hair, though as your hair is thin, the coverage could be too heavy.
Opt instead for products designed to add hydration and volume. Applying a light volumizing mousse from roots to ends will actually aid in thickening your fine hair while not overloading it.

• Air dry your hair 75 percent

Fine hair should always follow the 75 percent rule. This means that you air dry your hair until it is about 75 percent dry. Wet hair is most susceptible to getting stretched and damaged when you pull on it. After that, we recommend blow-drying your hair upside down to give it more shape and volume at the roots. This will give you the perfect blow-out look while minimizing damage.

1. Keep it strong

The last thing you really want is for your thin hair to become thinner as a result of hair loss. Be sure to apply a shampoo designed to aid in decreasing hair breakage. Refrain from daily shampooing of your hair – this might dehydrate your scalp and hair strands, resulting in dry hair. Shampooing two times a week or once in two days is enough.

2. Use a conditioner that is effective in combating hair loss

A conditioner should be considered as your best friend, no matter what your hair type is. Be sure to invest in one that will not only feed and moisturize your hair but will also enhance its firmness.

3. Minimize styling with heat and various products

Regular blow drying, straightening and the use of mousse, serums, hairspray, and gels can be too much for thin hair. Give your hair time to “breathe” by styling it minimally some days to avoid damage.

4. Give your hair the treatment of a mask

It’s like granting your hair a spa day. A hair mask might be able to aid in keeping damaged hair rejuvenated, as well as if you have thin hair, this can go a long way in maintaining your tresses strong, manageable, and healthy. Apply the mask one time per week after washing your hair, and spread it from the middle of your hair to the tips.

5. Always guard your hair from heat

This is one hair rule that you need to keep in mind. Keep using thermal protection agents on your hair every time you blow-dry or straighten it. It’s preferable to prevent hair damage rather than repairing it. Your tresses are going to be grateful to you for this additional measure.

Although genetics may not have blessed you with the thickest locks, don’t worry, you don’t have to stress. For us girls with thin hair, even the slightest bit of hair loss can be immediately noticeable and it can make you feel more than a little self-conscious. Still, there are ways to fight it.

Stress, protein deficiency, and a poor diet (as well as hormones and certain diseases) can all contribute to lackluster locks. Some of the above factors can’t be changed, but we’ve summarized our favorite ways to combat thin hair below.

• SCALP MASSAGE

The health of your hair also depends on a healthy scalp. If dandruff is not properly controlled, it can lead to hair loss. This is true for all hair types, but if you’re already worried about thinning strands, it’s always best to be extra vigilant. You can do it anytime, it also works on dry hair, but our favorite technique is in the shower with an exfoliating treatment before washing.

• COLOR YOUR HAIR STRATEGICALLY

Just because you have thin hair doesn’t mean it’s unhealthily damaged or brittle. You can still have strong, healthy thin hair, and when you color it, it can actually make the strands look thicker.
However, it is important to color your hair in moderation so as not to damage your precious strands in the long run.

• COOL IT AND DO NOT OVERDO IT

There’s no reason we have to say it, but heat = harm to your hair. However, think about it, there are other advantages to not overdoing the heat when you blow-dry your hair, besides the reduction of heat damage. So our number one tip is to avoid over-drying your hair. Rather, blow dry your hair (head down) and quit once it’s almost dry. If you over-dry your hair, it will have a tendency to be flat, all of us with thin hair understand that flat hair is definitely a no-no at all times.

• REFRAIN FROM DIET DRINKS

‘Empty nutrients’ like sugar, white carbs, and diet soda contain aspartame and that is an ingredient that has been associated with hair loss. High levels of mercury are also associated with hair loss. While this has not been conclusively established, you should try to avoid fish with high mercury concentrations, like swordfish.

• GET FOOD SMART

So what if we suggested that you could eat your way to having better hair? Have B vitamins, Zinc, and Selenium-rich foods such as whole grains, Spinach, Greek Yogurt, and Pumpkin Seeds, as well as copper-rich foods like shellfish and beans to keep your hair actively nourished and your strands strengthened.
We also suggest adding more cinnamon to your diet (either as a tea or sprinkled on your food), since it is known for increasing blood flow, meaning it can actually contribute to bringing oxygen and nourishment to your hair follicles and providing them with a boost.

Life with fine or thinning hair may be incredibly exhausting, particularly if you have a great deal of enthusiasm for all things beauty and hairstyling. So if you’ve frequently found yourself panting after pictures of thick braids and voluminous updos, now is the time to get excited. With these easy hair tricks, you can now style your thin hair and get to enjoy the identical marvelous effects as everybody else.

• Use light products

Using the right styling products is key to any hairstyle. However, with thin hair, choosing the right products can be a challenge in itself.
Normal products will weigh your hair down and make it greasy and/or limp. Look for lightweight, volumizing products. These soften and plump hair strands, giving you weightless fullness and movement without weighing your hair down.

• Avoid products that are dehydrating

People who have fine hair are advised to stay away from products that include sodium lauryl sulfate or ammonium lauryl sulfate. Ingredients like drying alcohols, polymers, ammonia, and detergents are the reason conventional hair cleansers lather up and feel so creamy and powerful. But the truth is, these products drain your scalp and hair of their own natural (and highly essential) oils.
While they are harmful to all hair types, thin hair can look especially shaggy and have absolutely no strength after being treated with such products. Look for SLS-free/organic shampoos or try a homemade shampoo recipe.

• Types of parting

Avoid parting your hair. A neat parting can make a look crisp, but it can also expose thin hair if you end up showing a lot of scalp. Hairstyles without a parting typically have the volume at the crown, a messy texture, or just look like there’s more hair because there’s more surface area covered.
However, if you want to wear a hairstyle with a parting, you should put it on the other side. Over time, the hair on the side where you normally wear the parting will become flattered, and if you flip it over, you can create some lift at the roots.

• Opt for a different texture

Straight hair sits flat because of the texture it has. Meaning it tends to appear thinner and thinner in comparison to other hair textures. Curls always have the most voluminous look, though other hair textures can also look great. If you have naturally smooth hair, you may want to consider applying foam rollers or diffusers while drying to modify your hair texture.

Conclusion

Well, since you know what to do to take care of thin hair, now you can bid farewell to flat, limp, and lifeless tresses. You can certainly keep it looking thick, but remember to cherish your hair in its original condition. It is not named “crowning glory” without reason, after all.