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Coarse hair can be a serious problem. What if they are out of control, sticking out in all directions and behaving as they please? There are ways to call the rebels to order, and we know them: care, attention, a competent approach.
Why hair is hard: the main reasons
However, even straight silky hair, which does not have a porous structure by nature, can, under certain conditions, turn into hard, like a wire. Why it happens? The reasons are quite varied and may seem unexpected:
chlorinated hard tap water;
sea water;
washing your hair with too hot water;
use of aggressive shampoos;
washing your hair too often;
improperly selected care;
strict diet (lack of proteins, fats);
perm;
regular staining.
Coarse hair is often the result of exposure to external aggressive factors and care errors. But most of all, the owners of curls and elastic curls are at risk of encountering hair stiffness. Not surprisingly, the curly community has developed a whole set of rules for caring for coarse and dry hair. Girls with curly locks know what to do and what absolutely cannot be done. We have collected the most, in our opinion, practical tips and life hacks.
Before proceeding, find out which ingredients will benefit your hair.
How to make coarse hair softer and more manageable: an overview of the means
How to soften coarse hair, trichologist Maria Nevskaya explains:
“A comprehensive care program with products from restorative lines is recommended: 1) shampoo; 2) conditioner or balm; 3) indelible care; 4) mask once a week. The composition of the products should include proteins, keratin and oils.
Well, let’s do it in order.
Shampoo
Shampoo care delicate 3-in-1 for hair Low Shampoo Elseve “Luxury 6 oils”, L’Oréal Paris
Have you heard of co-washing? Shampooing with a cleansing conditioner or balm? Heard – great, no – we recommend trying it. This remedy, although it is called a shampoo, is almost as soft as a balm in its softness and does not foam at all, since it does not contain sulfates. Cleansing the scalp and hair, it makes the strands soft and silky. Pay attention to the oil composition – grace for coarse and dry hair.
Smoothing Oil-Infused Shampoo, Kiehl’s
An oil-infused shampoo helps tame unruly dry and frizzy hair as it smooths and softens strands as it cleanses.
Balms and conditioners
Balm conditioner Fructis Superfood “Aloe. Hydration, Garnier
The conditioner does its job well, moisturizes, helps to detangle the hair, saturates it with moisture without weighing it down.
Conditioner for shine and transformation of dull and lifeless hair Dercos Nutrients Vitamin, Vichy
This balm contains everything that is prescribed for hard, dry and dull hair: moisturizing and nourishing components, plus vitamins for shine.
Firming conditioner Fructis “Triple Recovery”, Garnier
Avocado, shea butter, olive oil plus triglyceride is an excellent composition for dry, coarse, dehydrated hair.
Masks
How to make hair soft? Try one of the masks below. Apply the product to damp strands and comb them with a wide-toothed comb or detangler so as to distribute the composition evenly over the entire length of the hair, as well as detangle and prevent tangles in the future.
Hair mask Fructis, Superfood “Macadamia. Smoothing” for dry and unruly hair, Garnier
Perhaps our favorite mask from the Superfood series perfectly moisturizes, nourishes, helps to tame unruly strands, in general, in our opinion, it does everything that is needed. And we really like the composition: macadamia, almond, jojoba oils, and no silicones. The tool can also be used as a leave-in care, but this will be discussed below.
Revitalizing mask for split ends and damaged hair Dercos Nutrients Nutri Protein, Vichy
A mask with a rather exotic composition – protein-rich quinoa bran and praxis oil – will satisfy the need for dry and coarse hair for intense moisture.
Botanicals Fresh Care Argan & Wild Saffron Dry Hair Mask. Nutritional Extract, L’Oréal Paris
Made with 98% natural ingredients, this silicone-free mask will leave hair hydrated, oiled and noticeably softer.
Leave-in care
One of the biggest problems with dry hair is that it gets frizzy after it dries, even if it hasn’t been exposed to the heat of a hair dryer. Most likely, the matter is in the porous structure: the strands do not retain moisture well, and it evaporates during the drying of the hair. How to fix the situation?
Botanic Therapy “Royal Jelly and Propolis” Revitalizing Cream-Oil, Garnier
This lightweight, nourishing cream will help lock in moisture and protect against high styling temperatures should the need arise.
Leave-in care cream “No to scissors. Dream length” for long damaged hair Elseve, L’Oréal Paris
If the hair is hard, and the ends have begun to fluff, or even split, you should pay attention to this care, it will protect against high temperatures during styling.
Find out what extra care your hair needs by answering our quiz.
Will homemade masks help soften hair?
Probably every woman has her own recipe for homemade hair softener. And most likely this recipe includes oil – the best ingredient for caring for coarse hair. Coconut oil solves the problem of hair stiffness most effectively, however, you will have to keep it on your head for a long time. Ideally all night.
Vegetable oils perfectly soften coarse hair.
Oil wrap
Take 1-2 tbsp. l. cold-pressed coconut oil (if the hair is thick and coarse, take more) and heat in the microwave or in a water bath. The oil should be warm, but not hot, so as not to burn yourself.
Apply the composition on the scalp and on the hair along the entire length.
Leave for 2 hours, or better for the whole night.
Rinse with shampoo, but do not try to rinse your head to squeak.
Hair will become smoother, softer and more manageable.
For this mask, you can use any pure vegetable oil or even a mixture of oils, depending on the possibilities and imagination: olive, argan, sea buckthorn, castor (if the hair grows slowly and you want to speed up their growth).
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Apple cider vinegar is an old, time-honored way to soften hair without killing volume. Mix 1 tbsp. l. apple cider vinegar with 1 liter of water and rinse hair, rinse with cool water.
Avocado mask
Mix the pulp of one avocado with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of runny honey. Apply the mixture to your hair and leave it on for 40-60 minutes.
How to care for coarse and dry hair: professional advice
Caring for coarse hair raises many questions. We answer some of them.
Why does hair become stiff after washing?
If your hair has become stiff after washing, then it is most likely a combination of very hard water and too aggressive cleansing. If it is not possible to put filters, then at least wash your hair not with hot, but with warm water – this way you minimize its drying effect. Try a shampoo with a milder formula – without sulfates or with a pronounced nourishing and moisturizing effect. And do not forget to use the balm immediately after shampooing.
Can you blow dry coarse hair?
A hair dryer and any heat exposure is undesirable for coarse hair, as high temperatures provoke dehydration. If you can’t do without a blow dryer, be sure to use a leave-in treatment with a heat protectant, or dry your hair on a cool air setting on low speed.
How to quickly soften hair?
Spritz your hair with water to make it damp and immediately apply a leave-in treatment or a light oil. The strands will dry, but at the same time remain moisturized and softer.
What oils are suitable for coarse hair?
Any oils work well on coarse hair, softening them. Coconut has a good penetrating ability, so it is customary to leave it on the hair for a long time so that they are saturated with it. Argan oil, avocado, olives and, of course, light cosmetic hair oils are suitable for sealing the tips and as a leave-in care.