I have very thick hair. It is also coarse, so caring for and maintaining my hair can be difficult. My hair has always been hard to manage, but I have found some ways to keep it healthy. Here are some of the best suggestions I have to take care of thick, coarse hair and keep it looking healthy, soft and smooth.
Washing
I only wash my hair every two to three days. Since thick hair also tends to be dry and even damaged, I have found it best to only wash my hair every few days. Anyone that has ever cut my hair has also agreed that this is best for my type of hair. Washing every few days allows for the hairs’ natural oils to build up. The natural oils in the hair act as a protectant. Frequent washing can strip the hair of these necessary oils, leading to possible damage.
I have found that shampoos and conditioners with coconut milk and/or shea butter have kept my hair in its best condition.
You can choose a deep conditioning treatment that you purchase in the store, or even just your everyday conditioner. After washing your hair, squeeze out the excess water, then apply the conditioner. Next wrap your hair in a towel, leave the towel on your hair for at least 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse the hair thoroughly.
Another option is to use 100 percent coconut oil, which can be purchased in a health foods store. It comes in a jar and will solidify to somewhat of a waxy consistency. Scoop out a couple of teaspoons. Putting the solid coconut oil in between your hands will cause it to dissolve right back into a liquid form. If you prefer, place it into a small bowl and put it in the microwave for just a few seconds. Once in a liquid form, apply the coconut oil into dry hair. I typically leave the oil in for about an hour before washing it out of my hair. However, the oil can be applied before bed, covered with a cap, then left in the hair overnight and washed out in the morning.
I have had success with both choices. Sometimes I find the coconut oil method to be easier because I can apply it before getting in the shower rather than having to get in and out of the shower more than once.
Blow drying thick hair can take a long time, and the heat that is applied can be damaging. But letting the hair completely air dry is usually not an option. I like to let my hair dry a little bit (about half an hour) before getting out the dryer. Before beginning to style, I will apply a heat protector product. Sometimes I will add a little coconut oil or another heat protector called Redken Smooth Down Heat Glide. Organix also makes good serums – one is a coconut milk serum and there is also a shea butter serum. I dry my hair on a medium high heat setting so I don’t damage it with too much heat. When blow drying, be sure dry the hair hair in sections.
I sometimes need to do some additional styling with a flat iron. It helps eliminate any remaining frizz, and it helps styling any unruly pieces of hair. As with a blow dryer, definitely use one of the heat protectors mentioned earlier before applying the heat of a flat iron to your hair. My newest flat iron, the Remington Frizz Therapy flat iron, is the best flat iron I have used.
