Image Source: @senseofbeautystephanie
Although coating curly hair with conditioners and oils is the typical styling method for coarser hair, that process looks different for fine hair textures.
Fine hair describes straight and sleek textures. These hair strands are smaller in diameter and thinner than coarse hair, which is thicker. Fine hair’s thin strands create distinct challenges, making finding the proper hair products essential. One challenge of fine hair is its proneness to tangling from heat damage, coloring, and using relaxers. Hair greasiness, which can cause the hair strands to appear stringy, can also occur from using heavy products. Breakage is another common problem found with fine hair textures.
Managing fine curly hair is achievable despite the issues that many people face. The first step to determining the proper products is understanding the different patterns of Type 1 hair. There are three subcategories, so it is important to identify which hair type matches a person’s texture to determine what curly hair products work best.
Image Source: @alex_youngg_
If no curl pattern or wave exists, that hair texture would be described as type 1A. Essentially, type 1A is extremely fine, pin-straight hair. Although similar, the difference between Type 1B is that it has a slight, natural wavy pattern. Even though it is still straight hair, it has more volume and body than type 1A. The last subcategory of fine hair is type 1C. This hair type has thicker and coarser strands out of the group. It still presents as straight hair. However, type 1C is more voluminous, and the ends of the hair strands tend to curl inward.
Taking care of fine curly hair is different from managing coarse curly hair. One main distinguishing factor is the type of natural hair products to use. Fine hair textures do not respond to heavier curly hair products in the same way 3a or 4c hair types do.
Image Source: @heydonae
Finding products that moisturize and de-frizz works best for fine, curly hair. It is easier for this hair type to have excessive product buildup, so washing type 1 hair more frequently is more common. Lightweight and clarifying shampoos are the best options to help prevent buildup while replenishing the strands of moisture.
Shampooing Fine Curly Hair
The Bounce Curl Gentle Clarifying Shampoo is a favorite among consumers and a former Best of the Best award winner. Infused with pomegranate and pumpkin enzymes, this gently clarifying shampoo adds moisture and volume after use. Another curl favorite is the Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo. This cleanser’s formula adds shine and removes buildup without stripping the hair of its natural oils.
Adding Moisture To Reduce Frizz and Breakage
Image Source: @alexa.dodd
Additionally, fine hair is prone to dryness and breakage due to its high porosity. Hair with high porosity loses as much moisture as it absorbs. Adding moisturizing products like conditioners and oils helps repair brittle strands. Living Proof No Frizz Vanishing Oil appears to have been made specifically for fine, curly hair types. This is a top product recommendation because it absorbs quickly, is lightweight, and can easily be layered with other products.
Ceremonia Weightless Hydration Conditioner For Fine/Thin Hair moisturizes and strengthens the hair without weighing it down. Kérastase Curl Manifesto Lightweight Conditioner is another option that reduces frizz, easily detangles, and is not heavy on hair strands.
Achieving Fullness With Volume
Image Source: @rizoscurlshair
Volumizing hair sprays help boost definition and body while styling. These sprays can be used on dry and damp hair. However, to see the best results, they should be used on slightly wet hair. Rizos Curls Alcohol-Free Volumizing Hair Spray, AG Hair Curl Trigger Curl Defining Spray, and Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Medium are starting points that have produced promising results.
Avoiding the ingredient sulfate is essential when searching for new hair products or reevaluating the ones currently being used. Also, avoiding heavy styling products or conditioners is best to prevent hair from looking flat.
Finding the proper hair care routine for any hair type is a long, tedious process. For type 1 hair, it’s essential to know which subcategory the strands fall under to determine which products work best. Achieving health, moisture, and volume is achievable regardless of hair type.
Interested in learning more about your hair type? Discover more about fine versus thinning hair.
- TRESemme Moisture Rich Luxurious Moisture Shampoo
- HASK Argan Oil Repairing Conditioner
- ORS HAIRepair Coconut Oil & Baobab Vital Oils for Dry, Damaged Hair & Scalp
