With the right care and styling techniques, fine curly hair can be managed well, giving you healthy-looking, bouncy curls that match your personal style.
Back in the old days, if you had straight or silky hair, it was considered fine and curly and coily types were categorized as coarse hair, but this isn't accurate. Fine and coarse hair isn't a matter of hair texture or curl shape, it has to do with the hair texture and the size of each hair strand (more on that below).
Thin hair may not hold a curl for a few reasons, including being too damp and the use of heavy styling products or the wrong curling methods. You should dry hair completely before curling, use only the products needed and set the iron to the right heat.
Hair porosity and thickness definitely vary, but having a combination of low porosity and fine hair is not particularly rare in general, it's my own hair type and is pretty common for people with wavy hair.
For curly hair, layers can better define your curls and reduce bulk. Thin hair can benefit from layers for added volume, while thick hair might get a little relief from feeling so heavy. Layers can require a bit more upkeep if you want them to look their best. Regular trims are essential to maintain the shape.
Short haircuts are the easiest route for making your hair appear thicker, and there are plenty of stylish short cuts for thin curly hair. If you want to go a little longer, a shoulder-length cut with a deep side part adds instant volume.
Fine or thin hair is also more prone to frizz. Because these hair types have less weight, the frizz isn't “weighed down” and can really go crazy.
Fine or Oily Hair: Individuals with fine or oily hair may benefit from more frequent use of clarifying shampoo. These hair types tend to accumulate buildup quickly. A weekly application can help maintain volume and a fresh feel.
Choose a curling iron with a 1-inch or smaller barrel. Wrap small sections of hair around the iron, holding each for about 5-7 seconds. Smaller curls tend to hold longer in fine hair, and you can always loosen them slightly if you want a more relaxed look once they're set.
Lack of Texture: Fine to medium hair—or ultra-soft strands—often need extra help holding a curl. One of the best ways to add grip and volume is by incorporating texture-boosting products or using a texturizing iron.
If your hair strand is thinner than the thread, that may mean you have fine hair. Fine hair can also feel different to coarser hair types – it may feel silkier and flatter after washing, and may not hold up so easily in a ponytail.
The most effective way boost moisture and curl definition is to include a weekly mask hair mask treatment in your hair care routine. Little and often works well for fine, curly hair. Avoid overloading your hair with a lot of product at once. Give your hair time to absorb products.
Most experts agree that fine hair should be washed every other day. Since thin hair is more prone to oil buildup, waiting too long to wash it will lead to more oil and less volume. However, it's important to avoid overwashing because that can cause your hair to become too dried out.
The difference between fine hair and thin hair is to do with the density of your hair and the thickness of the strands. With fine hair, you have lots of hairs with a small diameter. With thin hair, you can have thick hair strands but fewer of them.
Hair will slowly become drier, coarser, and thinner over the years. The truth is that as we grow older, the oils that our scalp relies on for nourishment decrease, resulting in drier, frizzier hair. Along with a change in oil production, our body stops creating melanocytes, the substance that colors our hair.
“Look for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera, which hydrate without leaving a greasy residue,” says Garshick. “Use a lightweight conditioner and avoid heavy oils or creams. A leave-in conditioner spray or a volumizing conditioner can also help add moisture without making hair flat.”
Wash your hair 2-3 times/week
The looser the curl pattern, the more often you need to wash your hair. And by washing, I mean cleanse/shampoo and condition. Just using a conditioner or co-wash doesn't suit fine hair in the long term. For best results, wash your hair 2-3 times/week.
Blunt cuts are an excellent option for thinning hair. They create the illusion of dimension, texture, and thickness by making ends appear fuller.