How To Care For Fine Curly Hair

Do you ever feel the frustration of loading your hair with products, only to watch your bouncy curls flatten out? I’ve been there too! Through trials, errors, and many hair products, I’ve learned some essential lessons about caring for fine curly hair. 

The secret? Sometimes, less is more. Caring for fine curly hair involves fewer products, more shampooing, and avoiding thick, heavy creams.

Join me as we dive into the world of fine curly hair, understand its unique demands, and uncover ways to let those curls shine!

What is Fine Curly Hair?

When we say “fine” curly hair, we’re talking about the thickness or diameter of each individual hair strand, not the density of hair on your scalp. This means you can have a lot of fine curly hair or a little. 

The challenge? Fine hair tends to be more susceptible to breakage, over-moisturizing, and being weighed down by heavy products. But fear not – with the right care and products, fine curly hair can look just as voluminous and defined as any other curl type!

Styling Tips for Fine Curly Hair

Understanding your hair type is like unraveling a part of yourself. With fine curly hair, the challenge is to achieve volume without compromising definition. But don’t stress; once you master the basics, you’ll see those curls bounce with life. Let’s get started on how to make your fine curls pop with these essential styling tips!

Shampoo often.

You might have heard that frequent shampooing can dry out curly hair, right? That’s true, however, for those of us with fine curly hair, washing often keeps our locks vibrant. 

My personal experience after years of managing my curls? Washing my hair every other day keeps it from going limp and helps maintain that fresh, lively curl. If I go longer than 2 or 3 days without washing, my hair falls flat.

Clarify your curls.

We often use various products, gels, and creams to maintain our curly hair, but over time, they can build up and weigh our hair down. For those with fine curly hair, this build up can cause your beautiful curls to fall flat very quickly. 

Using a clarifying shampoo occasionally helps in eliminating this build-up, ensuring our curls remain light and bouncy. Start by using a clarifying shampoo every month, or when you start to feel product building up on your hair. Think of it as a reset button for your hair! 

Use less conditioner.

Hydration is essential, but moderation is key for fine curly hair. Rather than slathering on heaps of conditioner, use just enough to hydrate. Concentrate more on the ends, which tend to be the driest part, and avoid the roots. 

Speaking of techniques, have you heard of “squish to condish”? It’s a method where you scrunch and “squish” your hair with conditioner in it, encouraging curl formation while ensuring maximum hydration. This technique not only helps with moisture retention but also enhances curl definition. Give it a try next time you condition your hair!

Skip the co-wash.

While co-washing is a favorite among many curly girls, it can be too much for fine hair. The reason? Conditioners can be heavy, and using them to wash might leave your hair feeling weighed down. Opt for gentle, curl-specific shampoos instead.

Don’t apply styling products near the roots.

To avoid flatness at the crown, start applying your styling products from the mid-lengths of your hair and then work your way down. This ensures volume at the roots while still defining the lengths of your curls.

Avoid thick, heavy conditioners.

We love hydration, but for fine curls, it’s all about balance. Light, hydrating formulas ensure your curls get the moisture they need without feeling heavy. Keep reading for a list of conditioners that are designed for fine curly hair.

Skip the creams, butters, and oils.

The first time I ever used a heavy butter meant for curly hair, my curls fell flat and greasy. While these are great for coarser hair types, they can overwhelm fine hair. Instead, look for lightweight mousses or gels that provide definition without the weight.

Take care of your scalp.

For great curls, it starts at the root! Your scalp is the foundation of your hair health. Regular scalp massages can improve blood circulation, promoting hair growth. 

Consider grabbing an inexpensive scalp massager to combat product buildup, ensuring your roots remain unclogged and your hair grows healthy and strong. Here’s a scalp massager I love that’s super budget friendly.

Don’t overuse products.

It’s tempting to layer on products, especially when we want our curls to last. But with fine hair, it’s essential to resist the urge to overapply gels, creams, and stylers. Using just the right amount will ensure your curls remain light and airy.

Lift your hair at the roots.

A simple trick to get that enviable volume? After applying your products, gently scrunch or lift your hair at the roots. You can also add root clips after styling to help encourage volume. This small step can make a big difference in how your curls frame your face.

Add protein to your hair.

Our hair is primarily made up of proteins, and fine hair can especially benefit from protein treatments. These treatments not only strengthen but can also enhance the definition of your curls. It’s like a gym workout for your hair!

Protect your hair at night.

Our hair goes through a lot during the day, and nighttime is when it recovers. Using a silk or satin pillowcase or wrapping your hair in a scarf can drastically reduce friction. This means less breakage, less frizz, and more fabulous curls upon waking up!

Styling Routine for Fine Curly Hair

Caring for fine curly hair might seem like a task, but once you nail down a good routine, it becomes second nature. It’s all about understanding what your curls need and sticking to a routine that works for you. 

Let’s dive into a step-by-step process that ensures your curls stay vibrant and well-defined.

Step 1: Shampoo and cleanse

Start by cleansing your scalp and strands using a sulfate-free shampoo. Why sulfate-free? Sulfates can strip the natural oils from your  hair, making your hair even drier. For our fine curly hair, maintaining moisture is crucial.

Step 2: Use conditioner

Once your hair is clean, it’s time for hydration. Just remember, a little can go a long way, especially when focused on the ends which crave moisture the most.

Step 3: Detangle

After conditioning, it’s time to detangle your hair. You can use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. Start detangling at the ends and work your way up. This reduces breakage and ensures your curls remain intact.

Step 4: Rinse.

Finally, rinse any product out of your hair. Here’s a tip: finishing with a cool rinse does wonders. Cold water helps in sealing the cuticle, leading to a smoother hair surface which reflects light better. You’ll be left with shiny curls!

Step 5: Add product.

Once your hair has been washed, conditioned, and detangled, it’s time for styling! You can use a t-shirt or microfiber towel to squish out excess water from your hair.

Then, choose a light mousse or gel designed for fine curly hair. Remember, we’re going light! Scrunch the product into your hair from the tips upward, helping accentuate your curls’ natural pattern.

Step 6: Air dry or diffuse

Let nature take its course and air-dry for a softer finish. In a hurry or craving extra volume? Use a diffuser on a low heat setting. The diffuser disperses the hot air, reducing frizz and maintaining curl shape.

By following this routine your curls will be healthy and ready to shine!

Products For Fine Curly Hair

There’s an endless supply of products for curly hair, but those with fine curly hair need products specifically formulated for their texture. Below is a list of products for those looking to care for their fine curly locks.

Shampoos

If you have fine curly hair, then it’s important to skip any shampoos that contain sulfates which can be damaging and drying for curly hair. Below is a list of shampoos that are sulfate-free and won’t strip your hair of its natural moisture.

• EVOLVh SmartCurl Hydrating Wash – This popular shampoo is sulfate and silicone free making it a safe choice for those with curls.
• Bounce Curl Gentle Clarifying Shampoo – Gently removes build up without drying out your hair.
• MopTop Gentle Shampoo – Includes coconut to help clean your color-treated hair.
• Rizos Curls Hydrating Shampoo (bundle) – I personally love both Rizos shampoo and conditioner. Plus, they come in a bundle!
• Briogeo Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo – This shampoo is great for 2A – 4C hair types (and everything in between).
• Giovanni Eco Chic Hydrating Clarifying Shampoo – I always keep a bottle of this budget-friendly shampoo in my home.

Conditioners

It’s important to select conditioners that provide hydration without weighing down your delicate curls. Below is a list of conditioners designed to moisturize and enhance your fine curls without compromising their natural bounce and volume.

• Giovanni Root 66 Max Volume Conditioner – This budget-friendly conditioner can usually be found in grocery stores.
• Innersense Organic Beauty Pure Conditioner – This conditioner is a little pricey, but the reviews speak for themselves!
• Love Ur Curls LUS Conditioner – LUS has a three-step system and this conditioner will leave your hair nourished!
• EVOLVh SmartCurl Hydrating Conditioner – A little pricey, but works wonders for dry and damaged hair!
• MopTop Daily Conditioner – Beat frizz and increase your moisture with MopTop’s conditioner.

Stylers

Navigating the world of stylers for fine curly hair can be a challenge. You need products that define and hold without weighing down or causing buildup. Below is a list of gels, mousses, and other stylers expertly formulated to enhance and uphold the beauty of your fine curls, ensuring they stay bouncy and vibrant all day.

• Boucleme Curl Defining Gel – This lightweight medium-hold gel won’t weigh your curls down.
• Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Mousse – This mousse is inexpensive and perfect for fine curly hair.
• Innersense Volumizing Foam – Lightweight foam that will help lift your roots and give your curls volume.
• CurlSmith Hydro Style Flexi Jelly – I keep coming back to this lightweight gel because it doesn’t cause build-up in my hair!
• OUIDAD Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel – this popular gel locks in moisture and keeps frizz away. It’s one every curly girl needs to try!

Fine Curly Hair FAQs

What’s the difference between fine curly hair and thin curly hair? 

Fine curly hair refers to the thickness or diameter of each individual hair strand, meaning each strand is thin. 

Thin curly hair, on the other hand, pertains to the overall density of hair on the scalp, indicating fewer hair strands per square inch. So, one can have fine hair but a lot of it (high density), or thin hair that’s coarse in texture. 

Can I use hair oils on my fine curly hair? 

While heavy oils can weigh down fine curly hair, lightweight oils like argan oil or grapeseed oil can be beneficial if used sparingly. They can offer hydration without making the hair look greasy or flat. Always start with a small amount and adjust based on your hair’s needs.

Are protein treatments good for fine curly hair? 

Yes, protein treatments can be beneficial for fine curly hair. Since our hair is primarily made of protein, these treatments can strengthen the hair strands, reduce breakage, and enhance curl definition. 

It’s essential, though, to strike a balance and not overload on protein, as this can make the hair feel stiff.

How can I add volume to my fine curly hair? 

Achieving volume without sacrificing curl definition is what every curly girl is after! Using lightweight styling products, avoiding product application near the roots, and gently scrunching or lifting hair at the roots after product application will help add volume to your fine curly hair. Air drying or diffusing on a low heat setting can also enhance volume.

Should fine curly hair be layered?

Layering is often recommended for fine curly hair, and here’s why:

• Extra Volume: One of the primary benefits of layering fine curly hair is the added volume. Layers can provide the hair with a lift, especially around the crown, making it appear fuller and more voluminous.
• Enhanced Curl Definition: Layers can help curls spring up and take their natural shape. With the removal of some weight, especially towards the ends, curls might find it easier to bounce up, giving more definition and shape to the hair.
• Reduced Triangle Effect: Without layers, fine curly hair that grows long can often take on a “triangle” shape, where the hair is flat at the roots and wide at the ends. Layering can help counteract this by distributing the hair’s volume more evenly.
• Flexibility in Styling: Layers can provide more flexibility in styling, allowing for different looks. Whether you’re aiming for a tousled, beachy look or a more defined, elegant curl pattern, layers can make it easier to achieve these styles.
• Less Weight: Removing some weight through layering can prevent the hair from being dragged down and appearing flat. This is especially beneficial for those with fine curly hair, which can easily be weighed down.

The success of layering largely depends on the skill of the hairstylist. Consult with a stylist experienced in curly hair to ensure the layers are cut in a way that complements the curl pattern and doesn’t lead to unwanted frizz or a choppy appearance.

The Bottom Line

And there you have it! A guide to helping you embrace, nurture, and showcase your beautiful fine curly hair. Remember, every curl is unique, and it’s all about finding what works best for you. 

I’m eager to hear from you. Do you have any go-to products or tips for your fine curly hair? Share in the comments below and let’s make our curl community even stronger!