What Is Coarse Hair And How To Make It Soft And Silky?

What is coarse hair?

While coarse hair can be dry, it doesn’t have to be. Hair can be wavy or curly or even straight and still be coarse.

Experts define coarse hair as having a wider circumference per strand than other hair types. It doesn't mean that your hair is rough-textured or hard to manage, though!

How to make coarse hair soft and silky?

Looking for how to treat coarse hair? Incorporate the tips below into your routine!

Hydration, hydration, hydration

When dehydrated, our skin becomes dry, which can cause roughness on our faces and bodies – including our scalps! While many people think that their scalp produces oil as an attempt to moisturise itself, it actually produces sebum instead. Healthy scalp, healthy hair.

Nourish your hair

The best way to nourish your hair is by using a deep conditioning treatment once a week or every other week. You can use a hydrating mask that contains avocado, coconut oil or olive oil. You can also use a conditioner with panthenol or ceramide, which helps strengthen the outer layer of the hair shaft so that it's less prone to breakage. Apply an oil-based moisturiser like jojoba oil on your scalp before washing, for both scalp and strands.

Rinse with purpose

A hair rinse is a product that you apply to your hair after shampooing it. It doesn’t lather up like shampoo does, but instead adds shine and moisture to the hair. The best part about using a rinse is that it can be used on all types of hair regardless of its texture.

Try co-washing

This one's great to moisturise your hair! Co-washing means that you only use conditioner to wash your hair, and not shampoo. This will keep your hair from getting too dry, and help it stay healthy. After a shower, apply a serum or oil to the ends and middle of your hair (but not on your scalp). This will give moisture to your ends before natural oils come in from your scalp.

Oil up

Coarse hair textures tend not to absorb moisture easily so you will need an oil treatment once every two weeks at least to keep your hair from drying out. Apply an oil like coconut oil or olive oil on your scalp and leave it overnight before washing it off in the morning.

Eat mindfully

To add shine and lustre to your locks, you can even work a few healthy ingredients into your diet. Other than beta carotene, add oily fish such as sardines, mackerel, and salmon for lots of Omega 3s—this is said to be an essential nutrient for healthy hair. Vegetarians can get the same benefits from food items like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds or flax seeds.

Ease up on the heat

Blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons can cause damage to your hair if they are not used correctly. Heat protectant? It's a must. Then use the styler at the lowest temperature possible. The best piece of advice? Try to avoid using heated tools on coarse hair.

It takes time and patience to get soft, silky hair. Stick to any of the tips from the article and you'll have that sexy head of hair you always wanted.

Coarse hair FAQ

1. What’s the difference between thick and coarse hair?

Thick hair = hair density/number of follicles on the scalp

Coarse hair = the circumference of a single strand of hair

Thick, coarse hair and thin, fine hair aren't mutually exclusive. You can have one or both. Knowing your hair density and texture will help you create a hair care routine that suits your specific needs.

2. Is coarse hair 4C?

Not necessarily. Coarse hair is not a specific type of hair texture.

3. Can coarse hair become soft?

Yes! Especially if you follow the tips above.

4. Is coarse hair healthy?

Coarse hair is dry and brittle because it doesn't have enough natural oils.

The most important thing is to take care of your hair according to its type, choosing the right products for your concern. Take our quiz and find out which hair care products are best for you.

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