How Do I Care for Coarse Thick Hair?

Individuals who have coarse thick hair sometimes experience difficulty managing and caring for it. Using normal shampoos and conditioners can often leave this type of hair dry and out of control. Certain strategies are required to effectively care for coarse thick hair. These include using an organic or moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, using a deep conditioning treatment, drying one's hair correctly and getting routine haircuts.

The first thing to do to properly care for coarse thick hair is to start using either organic or moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Since normal products can dry a person's hair and leave it even more coarse, changing products can be the initial step to getting hair under control. Switching to organic or moisturizing products should help to alleviate dryness and make hair softer. Another mistake that some people make is overdoing it and using too much conditioner. This often leads to unattractive results, which can be avoided by using only a quarter-sized dollop of conditioner.

Along with altering the products a person uses, it's also beneficial to use a deep conditioning treatment. In most cases, this should be performed once a week for best results. Doing so should improve the manageability and appearance of coarse thick hair by moisturizing, smoothing and nourishing it. This type of product is usually available at salons and some pharmacies.

Another mistake that many people unknowingly make is improperly drying the hair after a bath or shower. Many individuals dry the hair by rubbing it roughly with a towel, which is problematic because it can damage the hair. When this happens, a person's hair will end up becoming even more coarse and unmanageable. The solution to this is to pat the hair dry with a towel, or let it air dry instead.

In addition, it's important to get routine haircuts and trim off the ends of coarse thick hair. For best results, a person should find a barber or hair stylist who is familiar with dealing with this type of hair. During each hair cut, the person should have the hair stylist cut off approximately 1/2 inch (1.27 cm). Doing so will minimize the amount of split ends, reduce the problems associated with coarseness, and keep one's hair looking healthy.

Along with this, a person should avoid using thinning shears for this type of hair. While this may seem counter-intuitive, thinning coarse thick hair adds more texture. This usually results in hair looking even thicker and coarser.