Caring for Fine Thin Hair
Caring for Fine Thin Hair
Caring for fine thin hair has always been a challenge. As with most women who have fine thin hair, their hair is also oily, creating more problems. Although caring for fine thin hair can be challenging, we’ve come up with a list of our favorite tips to help you manage your mane.
Shampooing
Use a mild shampoo, so you’ll need less conditioner. Lather the shampoo between your hands before using and avoid scrubbing your scalp. A gentle wash is more than enough for people who shower everyday. Your scalp produces natural oils and will increase production in response to the dry conditions created by harsh cleansers or hot water.
Conditioning
Limp hair gets easily bogged down with conditioners. When you wash your hair, use a very light conditioner on just the tips. Even if you use a “volumnizing” conditioner, try to keep it away from the top 3-4 inches of hair closest to your scalp. Most conditioners are “pH balanced” because acidity makes the outside layer of each hair shaft contract and look shiny. This also causes the diameter of the hair shaft to become smaller and lay smoother. For people who need volume in their hair, this is not a desired effect.
Rinsing
Rinse your hair and scalp well, using plenty of lukewarm (never hot!) water to get out every trace of shampoo and conditioner. A good rule of thumb is to continue rinsing 10 seconds longer after your hair feels like it is completely rinsed.
Wet Styling
You have three options – hairspray, mousse, or gel. Use your favorite and apply to the top 3-4 inches of hair closest to your scalp. For hairspray, use a medium hold and spray lightly while lifting up sections to get full coverage. For gel, use an amount smaller than a dime and mix it with a couple of drops of water in your palm. For gel and mousse, apply to the roots with your fingertips as evenly as possible and then work down the hair shaft 3-4 inches.
Blow-dry your hair upside down, never holding the hair dryer in one place for too long. Start at the roots and work your way out. When your roots are dry and the rest of your hair is still barely damp, flip your hair right side up and style. If you have never done wet styling before, be aware that your hair will dry more quickly because of the alcohols in the hair spray, mousse, or gel you used.
Use a hair-dryer with a “cool-shot” button. Finishing with cool air fixes your hair in place and minimizes fly-aways. Teasing or back-brushing will cause split ends over time and is not recommended for everyday styling, unless you plan to keep your hair short.
Use a light-hold hairspray to finish. Spray lightly with the can about a foot away from your head, avoiding the roots where you have already applied product.
Touch-ups
Unless you are very careful with your morning application, your hair already has as much product in it as it can stand. Adding more could just make it turn gummy. If you are at home, wet your fingertips and work them through the top couple inches of your hair near the scalp. Flip your hair over and blow it out upside down, finishing with cool air. If you are out in public (and not shy), you can do the same thing with the kind of hot-air hand dryer found in many rest rooms. Otherwise, you can use a light application of hairspray on the top couple of inches of hair and hang your head upside down for a minute, until the hairspray has had time to dry.
Shopping for hair products
Look at the ingredients of hair care products and avoid any that contain oils, because they will weigh your locks down.
Try using products with natural ingredients.
Switch to a volumnizing shampoo and conditioner. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to keep residue from forming and weighing down your hair.
Look into volumnizing mouse to add some volume to your hair. Apply mouse to your damp hair, then turn your head upside down, and then blow it until it is almost dry using a large vented brush. When your hair is almost dry, flip your head back and part your hair on the opposite side that you normally do. Use Velcro rollers or a round brush and finish drying your hair.
Use a wax or finishing cream to tame your hair. Put a very small dab in the palm of your hand and run your fingers through your hair.
Using fewer products will help you have a fuller look.
Summing it all up:
Other topics to enjoy at Makeup and Beyond
| 
