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Are you tired of dealing with unmanageable, unruly hair? If you have extremely thick or dense hair, you know the struggle of trying to keep it under control. But don't worry, you don't have to resort to chopping it all off just yet. With the right tips and techniques, you can learn how to manage and style your thick hair to perfection. In this blog, we'll guide you through the dos and don'ts of thick hair care, from choosing the right products to finding the perfect haircut. Say goodbye to bad hair days and hello to luscious locks that you can be proud of!
The Challenges of Having Thick Hair
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While having thick hair can be a great asset, it can also pose some challenges. Below are some common difficulties that people with thick or dense hair might face:
- Can Be Heavy: Dense hair can be heavy, especially when it's long. This can cause discomfort, headaches, or even neck pain, especially if you wear your hair up frequently.
- Gets Frizzy Quickly: Dense hair tends to be more prone to frizz, especially in humid weather or when exposed to moisture. This can make it difficult to keep your hair looking sleek and smooth.
- Difficult to Style: Dense hair can be difficult to style since it tends to weigh down hair products. This can make it hard to maintain styles in place, particularly if you have fine hair strands.
- Tangles Easily: Dense hair is more prone to tangles. As a result, it can be painful and time-consuming to detangle knotted strands that have been left uncombed for a while.
- Uses Up Lot of Hair Products: Compared to fine hair, you may need to use more hair products to keep your dense hair under control. This can be costly and time-consuming.
- Causes Scalp Issues: Individuals with dense hair may be more susceptible to scalp problems such as dandruff and itchiness. Furthermore, this hair type is also more prone to hair shedding compared to other hair types.
How to Manage Thick Hair
If you've got hair that is very thick, you're probably familiar with the upsides and downsides of this hair type. While thick hair can offer the natural volume that many envy, it can also present some management issues. To help you out, here are some useful tips:
1) Use the Right Shampoo and Conditioner
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Healthy hair starts with a solid foundation, and that foundation is a good shampoo and conditioner. For those with very dense hair, it's particularly important to opt for products that are specially formulated for thick, coarse hair. These products are often enriched with moisturizing ingredients such as keratin or protein. As thicker hair types can be more prone to breakage due to their weight, volume, and density, these ingredients can help to strengthen the hair and reduce any damage. Additionally, they can help to effectively manage frizz and flyaways, leaving hair looking and feeling healthier.
2) Use a Deep Conditioning Treatment
Thick hair can be prone to dryness, especially if it's chemically treated or exposed to heat styling. To keep your hair healthy, shiny, and moisturized, it's essential to give it some extra TLC by using deep conditioners. These treatments are highly concentrated and nourishing, and they deeply penetrate into the hair shaft, providing intense moisture and essential nutrients to strengthen and repair the strands. To apply the product, simply take a generous amount and apply it to your thick strands, letting it sit for at least 10 minutes before rinsing it out.
3) Try Not to Over-Dry Your Strands
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While blow-drying can help you style and tame your thick hair, using high heat and blowing it for too long can damage your strands. Instead, use a lower heat setting and alternate between warm and cool air. Also, try to limit your blow-drying time to just a few minutes and let your hair air-dry the rest of the way. This will help prevent frizz and breakage, and keep your hair healthy and manageable.
4) Use the Right Comb
Using the right type of comb can make a big difference in managing thick hair. Look for combs with wide teeth or prongs, which can help you detangle your hair without pulling or breaking it. Additionally, avoid using combs or brushes with stiff bristles since they can create more tangles and make it harder to style your hair. Instead, use a comb with flexible bristles that can gently glide through your hair without causing discomfort. Also, be sure to comb your hair gently and start at the ends, working your way up to the roots, to avoid any unnecessary tugging or pulling.
5) Use Serums
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Serums are a great way to tame thick hair and add some much-needed moisture. Look for serums that are specifically formulated for thick hair and contain ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, or silk proteins. Apply a small amount of the product to your hair before styling to help manage it, and add a sleek, polished finish to your look. Be careful not to overdo it with the serum, as too much can make your hair look greasy or weighed down.
6) Trim the Ends
Dense hair can be prone to split ends and breakage, which can make it difficult to manage. Trimming the ends of your hair regularly will help maintain its health and stop split ends from getting worse. Schedule a trim with your hairstylist every six to eight weeks to maintain the health and shape of your hair. If you prefer to trim your hair at home, use sharp hair scissors and cut no more than a quarter inch at a time.
Remember, even if you're trying to grow out your hair, trimming the ends can actually help it grow longer and stronger in the long run.
Styling Tips for Thick Hair
Now that you know how to manage your thick hair, here are some hair styling tips that can help you enhance the beauty of your locks:
1) Understand Your Hair Type
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Before you begin styling your naturally thick hair, you need to understand your hair type. Thick hair is often confused with coarse or curly hair, but it can actually be straight or wavy. Knowing your hair type is important because it will help you choose the right styling tools for your hair. If you're not sure about your hair type, consult with a hairstylist who can help you determine it. They can also give you advice on how to style your hair based on its texture and density.
2) Invest in a Diffuser to Enhance the Volume
If you have thick hair, you know that it can come with a lot of natural volume and texture, which can be both a blessing and a curse when it comes to styling. However, there is a tool that can make a significant difference in managing your dense locks: a diffuser. This handy hair tool attaches to the end of your hairdryer and disperses the airflow, minimizing frizz and maximizing curl definition. This makes it excellent for thick hair, as it will help to enhance the shape and bounce of your strands.
3) Experiment with Different Haircuts
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When it comes to styling dense hair, one of the best ways to achieve a fresh new look is by experimenting with different haircuts. With its volume and texture, thick hair can lend itself well to a variety of styles, from short and layered to long and flowing.
When considering a new haircut, it's important to take into account your hair's natural texture, face shape, and personal style preferences. Some great options for those with thick hair include a blunt bob with fringe, a layered shag, or a textured pixie cut with bangs. Whatever style you choose, don't be afraid to work with a stylist to tailor it to your individual needs and preferences.
4) Experiment With Different Hairstyles
Thick hair offers a lot of versatility, which means you can try out different hairstyles until you find the perfect fit for you. With so many options available, ranging from classic and polished to trendy and edgy, you're sure to find something that suits your style. It's worth noting that the ideal hairstyle may vary depending on your hair length.
For those with shorter hair, there are plenty of options, such as a braided crown style that can add texture and dimension to your hair while keeping it off your face. If you have medium-length hair, a half-up, half-down hairstyle can be customized to your preferences and is perfect for both casual and formal events. You can also enhance the style with accessories like pins or ribbons.
For those blessed with longer locks, the possibilities are endless. A French braid hairstyle is timeless and elegant and can add sophistication to any look. Alternatively, you can try a messy bun or a sleek ponytail hairstyle that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
5) Try Thinning Down Your Hair
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If you feel that your hair has too much weight and volume, you can try thinning it down by using thinning sheers. Thinning shears are scissors with teeth on one blade that help to remove bulk from the hair while still maintaining length. This technique can help to create movement and prevent hair from looking too heavy. It's important to note that thinning shears should only be used by a trained stylist to avoid damaging the hair or creating an uneven look.
6) Choose Accessories That Can Hold Your Hair
Managing dense hair can be challenging due to its weight and thickness, which is why it's important to choose hair accessories that can securely hold it in place. To ensure a reliable hold, it's recommended to select bobby pins and barrettes that are specifically designed for thick hair, as they are typically larger and stronger than those made for thinner hair types.
Additionally, claw hair clips, banana hair clips, and jaw hair clips are all great options for holding up thick hair, while elastic hair ties with extra stretch are ideal for creating ponytails and buns that won't slip out. When choosing hair accessories for your thick strands, make sure that they do not pull on your scalp.
Summary
Managing and styling dense hair can be a challenge, especially without the right techniques and tools. However, with the tips above, you are sure to find the process easier and achieve your desired style.
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