Although thick hair certainly has its benefits, taking care of it can be quite challenging. You often have to spend hours detangling it (that’s if the comb doesn't get stuck). Then, there’s frizz and possible split ends. But don’t fret, this blog tells you everything you need to know about thick hair care.
Understanding Thick Hair
Hair thickness refers to the width and texture of individual hair strands. Go under the light, hold your hair between your fingers, and check its thickness. If your hair is visible and you can feel the texture, it is thick. It is fine if, it is nearly invisible and hard to feel.
Sometimes, people confuse hair thickness with density. Hair thickness is about the diameter of each strand, whereas hair density pertains to how many strands you have.
Benefits of Thick Hair
Most people desire thick hair for its fullness and versatility. Thick hair naturally look full and hold several styles well—providing you more styling options. Additionally, it protects your scalp from the sun or cold.
Thick hair is generally more resilient than thin hair. It resists breakage and split ends better. In fact, your hair thickness can be an indicator of hair health and strength.
How to Get Thicker Hair
For those with fine or thin hair, here are tips to make your hair thicker over time:
Regular Scalp Treatment
A regular scalp treatment includes regular cleansing and scalp massaging. The frequency of scalp cleansing depends on personal scalp condition and hair type. Generally, dermatologists recommend 1-2 days for oily scalp, 3-4 days for normal scalp, and weekly for dry scalp.
Scalp massaging stimulates hair growth and blood circulation. In fact, according to a study on PubMed, massaging the scalp daily over 5 months increased hair thickness. You can use GK Hair’s Serum Argan Oil for scalp massaging. It keeps your scalp hydrated and may reduce dandruff. Shampoo for sensitive scalps can also minimize scalp irritation.
Thickening Hair Products
Hair thickeners can also help you. Just ensure they contain keratin or collagen (both make the hair feel thicker and stronger). However, you do not want to use too much product, though, as this can weigh down your hair. GK Hair’s Styling Mousse adds volume to your hair without weighing it down. You can also use GK Hair’s VolumizeHer Spray to make flat hair appear thicker.
Brushing Technique
The effect of brushing on hair thickness has two components: the type of brush you use and the technique. For example, blowing warm air into the roots of your hair while brushing with a Round Brush adds significant volume to the hair. Similarly, removing the brush by twisting it out of the hair also results in fuller hair.
Challenges of Thick Hair (and How to Overcome Them)
A heavy mane can be gorgeous, but it comes with its own set of challenges. The common issues you are likely to face and how to address them are listed below:
Tangling
A thick mane tangles easily, especially if it is curly. So, always detangle with a wide-tooth comb or a wet brush. Apply Leave-In Conditioner on your hair (while it is still damp) before detangling. You can also try donning protective hairstyles like buns, braids, or twists, and sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase to reduce overnight tangles.
Dryness and Dullness
You have probably noticed that your mane looks dry or coarse often. This is because natural scalp oils do not travel easily through long, coarse hair shafts. You can combat this by using a hair mask to add extra moisture.
Frizz/Poof
Humid seasons are usually difficult times for people with a thick hair because their hair can become frizzy and poofy. The solution to this is simple; apply a little bit of hairspray to tame flyaways and use a small amount of leave-in conditioner on your ends to fight the frizz.
Long Drying Time
Drying thick hair has to be one of the most challenging parts of its routine. There’s just so much mass to dry. To solve this, you want to use a microfiber towel or T-shirt (softer than a regular towel). Then, save time by air-drying your hair until 80% before finishing with a dryer. You can do the air-drying overnight, so you can spend little time blow-drying in the morning. If your hair is curly, you may need a diffuser with your hair dryer.
Difficult Styling
Not all hairstyles are suitable for thick, dense hair. You will need to work with your stylist to get the right shape that is healthy for your hair and suits your style. That being said, you want to avoid tight hairstyles. The more loosely styled a thick hair is, the healthier it is. So, choose styles that allow your tresses to move freely. You may also consider layering your hair if you want to reduce the load.
Building Your Thick Hair Routine
Getting a thick hair is all about stimulating hair growth and keeping it healthy so it does not shed or break. A consistent hair care routine can keep your hair healthy and manageable. Here are the key steps to follow:
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Avoid combing your hair while it is wet (wet hair is more vulnerable).
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Reduce heat styling. It dries up your natural hair oils.
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Use heat protection serum if you have to heat style to avoid heat damage.
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Eat food rich in vitamins, omega-3, and proteins to stimulate healthy hair growth.
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Detangle your hair gently (as rough handling can cause breakage).
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Use wide-toothed combs when detangling to prevent hair fall.
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Avoid volumizing products (unless they are lightweight) as your hair is already thick.
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Dampen your brush with hair spray before brushing.
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You can also apply hair serum to the mid-lengths of your hair before brushing.
Embracing Your Unique Hair
You have learned tips on managing your hair. However, you must follow the routine consistently to see tangible results. You can start with simple ones, like dampening your brush, and add others over time.
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