Going natural is daunting. If you’ve never handled your natural curls before the process of learning your hair can be tedious, frustrating and downright emotional. Styling fine natural hair can be a particularly challenging task. For inspiration in times of despair, many naturals turn to social media sites like Instagram, Pinterest and, of course, YouTube – but for those with certain textures or densities it can be hard to find inspiration that represents our current “struggle”.
Images of women with thick, long or bouncy curls are fawned over but what about us with finer, shorter, tighter curls? The adoration at times seems one sided. Finer hair has its advantages.
We consulted licensed Master Cosmetologist Amina Rashaad for advice on how to style fine, low density hair.
Fine hair has the smallest diameter and is more fragile, easier to process, and more susceptible to damage from chemical services than coarse or regular hair.
For curlies with finer hair being natural is probably the best decision you could ever make. Provided you seek the right education, your hair will be at its most healthiest. Amina elaborates…
Although fine hair can be a challenge, there are some advantages to it. Fine hair is more versatile and is easier to control. There are many ways to enhance body and fullness, starting with a proper hair care regimen.
The following products can add volume and give the hair the appearance of thickness – assuming that’s what you want. Shampoo & condition fine hair with a hair thickening shampoo and conditioner:
• Paul Mitchell Lemon Sage Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner
• Bumble and Bumble Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner
• Shea Moisture Yucca & Baobab Thickening Shampoo
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When using styling tools such as flat irons and blow dryers, always use a heat protector to prevent serious heat damage. Heat tools should be set to its lowest temperatures:
• Silk Elements Heat Protecting Spray
• ORS Thermal Protectant & Shine
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Avoid hair waxes, glossers, pastes, grease, silicone polish etc. These products weigh fine hair down and can cause buildup.
There are many different styles and techniques to enhance finer hair by giving it volume and the appearance of thickness. Amina recommends the following hairstyles:
• Roller sets using flexi rods, perm rods, magnetic rollers, curl formers and or strawlers. Once the hair is dry, pull the curls apart to give a fuller look.
• Thick two-strand twists, flat twists, coils and braids – the thicker the twists the fuller the results. Unravel the twists or braids to achieve a fuller look which is known as a twist-out or braid-out.
• Pin the hair up by twisting the hair and using hair pins or hair combs to achieve a fuller look.
• Curl straight, blown out hair as oppose to wearing it straight. The curls/waves will provide thickness and the illusion of volume.
INSPIRATION
