Those with thick hair will know that it is a blessing and a curse; there are no shortage of ways to style your hair, but it can be a pain to care for.
You might be wondering what you can do to keep your hair looking its best. The first step is determining whether or not you have thick hair. From there, there are several ways to care for your thick hair to combat dryness and frizziness, and maintain a smooth, luxurious look.
Keep reading for thick hair tips:
Do You Have Thick Hair?
Before you learn how to care for thick hair, you should first determine if you actually have thick hair. If you want to know if you have thick hair, there are a few ways to figure it out. First, you can feel the texture of the strand between your fingers. Second, you can measure the diameter of the hair. And third, you can measure the density. There are a few other factors that can affect the thickness of your hair.
Another way to figure out if you have thick hair is to compare the girth of the strand to a sewing thread. This is because a sewing thread is slightly wider than a strand of hair. However, some people can have hair that is a little bit thinner than sewing thread. But this isn’t always the case. Some people with dense thick hair can have a rough texture.
Lastly, if you want to know if you have thick or fine hair, you can feel the hair follicles. The follicles on fine hair are usually spaced apart. On the other hand, the follicles on thick hair are wider. You can also use your hands to rub the strand of hair in between your fingers to determine if it is coarse or smooth.
Getting to know if you have thick hair isn’t always an easy task, but it can be worth it. If you are able to get control over it, you will see amazing results. So, take the time to learn about your hair type and the products that can help it thrive.
Prevent Frizz
When it comes to caring for thick hair, frizz can be a problem. Luckily, there are several ways to manage it. The first step is to make sure that your hair is moisturized.
Dry, dehydrated hair is one of the main causes of frizz. People with thick hair often experience dry hair because the natural oils produced at the root of hair strands cannot make their way to the ends of the hair. Combat dry, dehydrated hair with the following tips:
- Avoid heat styling tools. Heat can dry out your strands, and it can also break down your natural oils. Therefore, you should limit how often you use tools like blow dryers or straighteners. When you do use heat styling tools, always use a heat protectant spray before applying heat to your hair.
- Use shampoos that are sulfate-free. Sulfates are found in many common shampoos, and they can strip your hair of moisture.
- Always use conditioner after shampooing your hair. Shampoo removes oil buildup on the hair, so using a conditioner after shampooing your hair is a must. It brings moisture back to your hair.
- Invest in some products that contain essential oils. Essential oils, such as peppermint, jojoba, and coconut oil, are excellent for preventing frizz.
- Use silk pillowcases. Silk pillowcases provide a smooth, slippery surface which help prevent tangles and friction while you sleep.
Leave-in Products
If you have thick hair, you need to use leave-in hair products that have been specifically designed for thick hair.
Products like leave-in conditioner are made to lock in moisture, add shine, and provide an extra bit of elasticity when styling your hair. Using a good leave-in conditioner can also protect your hair from damage caused by the environment.
You can find a variety of different leave-in products on the market, so it’s important to pick one that works best for your hair.
Detangle
Detangling thick hair can be a tedious and painful process. However, it is necessary to prevent damage. The secret to making this task a little easier is sectioning your hair. This will make it easier to comb through your strands.
A wide tooth comb is a great tool for detangling. These combs feature a rubber base, which helps keep them in place as you comb. Using a wide-toothed comb will also help to avoid breakage.
Another great tool to have around is a detangling brush. They can be used on wet or dry hair, and they’ll glide through tangles like a champ.
Get Layers
Layers are one of the best ways to care for thick hair.
Thick hair is usually heavy, so by getting layers, you are reducing how heavy your hair is. This makes putting your hair up much easier as the hairstyle is not weighed down as much.
Additionally, migraines caused by heavy hair are reduced.
Layers will also help create movement and shape for your hairstyle. On top of that, layers make thick hair much more manageable.
Diet Habits
There are very little diet changes individuals with thick hair need to make to grow thicker or longer hair; however, certain nutrients should be consumed to improve and maintain overall hair health.
Foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and nuts, should be consumed for overall hair health. Omega-3 works to strengthen the hair. Learn more about omega-3 and healthy hair.
Vitamin B12 and biotin should also be consumed to improve hair health. These nutrients can give the appearance of thicker hair. Individuals who do not consume enough vitamin B12 or biotin may experience hair loss. Vitamin B12 can be found in eggs and dairy products. Biotin can be found in multiple different types of nuts and egg yolks.
Another nutrient to note is beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A. It’s also known as the antioxidant that enables your scalp to produce sebum, which helps to keep your hair in tip top shape. Dark leafy greens are a great source of beta-carotene.
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