Hair Care for Fine Thin Hair

A Hair Care Guide for Thin Fragile Hair

What you’ll learn:

  • Identifying thin hair
  • What your hair really needs
  • How to care for thin hair 

We define fine or thin hair as that one with a circumference smaller than the average hair shaft, making the overall appearance of it look less full and voluminous. 

What your hair really needs 

The most important aspect about taking care of hair is the balance between three elements to keep it healthy: water, oil, and protein. Fine or thin hair requires  special care due to its characteristics. 


Identifying thin hair

Read the following list of characteristics of thin hair and see if any apply to your hair:

  • Type a and b hair tends to look flat and oily after 2 days of not washing it. 
  • It’s common to find broken hair strands and split ends.
  • When grabbing the hair like a ponytail, all of it fits perfectly inside a circle made with your index and thumb. 
  • Place a single hair strand in between your fingers and rub. If you can barely feel the strand, that means it’s very thin. 

How to care for thin hair

Fine hair is much more fragile than thick or coarse hair and it breaks up a lot easier. To make the best out of your hair you’ll have to be extremely careful and make sure you are following a proper hair routine. 

Because thinner hair tends to look greasier faster, it can lead to excessive cleaning. Remember, the more you clean the more you send the message to your scalp that it needs to produce extra natural oil. Train your hair so that it needs to be washed once or twice a week. Inevitably, when we wash our hair, we cause a bit of damage due to the scrubbing and drying. When hair is wet, it’s 3x more fragile than usual, so imagine the damage caused to thinner hair. Be extra gentle when washing; do not rough it up! 

Ten Rules for Washing Hair that Professionals Follow

Only condition the ends of the hair and avoid the roots and rinse out all the product thoroughly. Completely avoid using any leave-in creams, as these tend to weigh down the hair, causing it to need to be washed  more often than needed. 

Do not use hot water and try using lukewarm water instead. A cold-water rinse right at the end will close the cuticles, leaving the strands smooth and reducing the damage from friction between them. 

Use a brush with flexible and soft bristles. When brushing your hair, always start from the bottom and work your way up, untightening any unwanted knots. 

Because it’s more prone to breakage, it’s more prone to split ends, make sure you trim thin hair at least once every 4 months. 

Sleep is extremely important for many growing and regenerating processes of the body. Sleep with your hair tied in a loose ponytail or braid using a silk scrunchy. Use a silk pillowcase and hair cap for extra protection. 

Avoid heat tools at all costs. Hair is already naturally thin, and does not need extra stress. Breaking the cuticle will only cause more hair shedding and irreversible damage. 

Find products that contain rosemary oil or make your own hair serum. Rosemary has several benefits for hair and skin, and it can be used to prevent hair loss because it promotes nerve growth, improves circulation, and has anti-inflammatory properties. 

ROSEMARY ESSENTIAL OIL FOR HAIR GROWTH

Make sure the strands are replenished with a good balance between water, oil, and protein. Water hydrates and moisturizes the hair, giving it elasticity and softness. Oil seals down the cuticles and keeps the strands lubricated to avoid micro-breakage that happens from hair-to-hair friction. In addition, oil gives hair a beautiful shine and prevents frizziness. Last, but not least, protein is what makes up 75% of the hair. Replenishing the strands with protein helps them regain strength, which is especially important for thin hair, and keeps them healthy in the face of daily stressors.