Coarse hair can be hard to manage and style. It is dry, thick, and frizzy, and it needs a lot of hydration and nourishment. That’s why you need a hydrating shampoo that can moisturize and smooth your hair. In this article, we will tell you what causes coarse hair, what to look for in a hydrating shampoo, and what are some of the best hydrating shampoos for coarse hair. We will also give you some tips on how to use hydrating shampoo effectively. Read on to find out how hydrating shampoos can save the day for your coarse hair.
What Causes Coarse Hair?
Coarse hair is not a hair type, but a hair texture. It means that your hair strands have a larger diameter and a rougher surface than other hair textures. Coarse hair can be straight, wavy, curly, or oily, and it can vary in density and porosity.
Coarse hair is often genetically determined, but it can also be influenced by external factors, such as:
- Excessive heat styling, chemical treatments, or mechanical damage can compromise the integrity of the hair cuticle, leaving it vulnerable to frizz and breakage.
- Hormonal changes, medical conditions, or medications that can affect the hair growth cycle and the production of natural oils
- Environmental factors, such as sun exposure, pollution, hard water, or chlorine can dry out the hair and strip it of its moisture and shine
Why Does Coarse Hair Need Hydration?
Coarse hair needs hydration because it tends to be drier and more brittle than other hair textures. Hydration helps to replenish the moisture that is lost from the hair due to evaporation, washing, or styling.
Hydration also helps to smooth the hair cuticle, reduce frizz, and improve the hair’s elasticity and manageability.
Hydration can be achieved by using a hydrating shampoo for coarse hair that can gently cleanse the hair without stripping it of its natural oils, and by following it with a moisturizing conditioner or a deep conditioning mask.
Hydrating shampoos for coarse hair usually contain ingredients that can attract and retain water in the hair, such as:
- Humectants, such as glycerin, panthenol, or aloe vera, can draw moisture from the air and bind it to the hair shaft
- Emollients, such as oils, butter, or silicones, can coat the hair shaft and seal in the moisture, as well as add softness and shine
- Proteins, such as keratin, collagen, or silk, can penetrate the hair shaft and strengthen its structure, as well as increase its moisture retention capacity
How to Use Hydrating Shampoo for Coarse Hair Effectively
Using a hydrating shampoo for coarse hair is not enough to achieve the best results. You also need to follow some tips and tricks on how to use it effectively and optimize your hair care routine. Here are some of them:
- Wash your hair only when it is dirty or oily, not every day. Overwashing can strip your hair of its natural oils and make it drier and coarser. According to experts, washing your hair two to three times a week is ideal for coarse hair.
- When rinsing your hair, use lukewarm or cool water instead of hot water. Hot water can harm your hair and make it frizzy and break easily. It can also dry out your hair quickly by opening up the hair strands. Lukewarm or cool water can keep your hair healthy by sealing the outer layer and locking in the moisture from the shampoo.
- To wash your hair, put the shampoo on your scalp and gently rub it in with your fingertips. Avoid using your nails to scrub your scalp, as this can make it itchy and cause dandruff. It is important to pay attention to cleansing your scalp and roots, as they tend to accumulate the most oil and dirt. When rinsing off shampoo, it will naturally distribute to the rest of your hair.
- After washing your hair, it is important to thoroughly rinse it to remove any leftover shampoo residue. This residue can weigh down your hair, making it look dull and greasy. Furthermore, it can potentially affect the effectiveness of other hair products such as conditioners. To check if your hair is rinsed well, run your fingers through it and see if it feels slippery or squeaky.
- After using your shampoo, use a moisturizing conditioner or deep conditioning mask that goes with it. Put it on the middle and ends of your hair, where it needs the most moisture and nutrients. Don’t put it on your scalp and roots, as this can make them greasy and limp. Leave it on for a short while, then wash it off with cool water.
- Dry your hair softly using a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt. Avoid rubbing or twisting your hair, as it can make it frizzy and harm it. Instead, gently press or squeeze the towel or t-shirt on your hair to get rid of extra water. You can also let your hair air-dry if you have time.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner, a hair oil, or a serum to your damp hair to seal in the moisture and add extra shine and softness. Pick a light product that won’t make your hair heavy or oily. Use a small amount on the middle and ends of your hair, but not on your scalp and roots. You can also use a heat protectant spray if you plan to use a blow dryer, a flat iron, or a curling iron.
- To style your hair, be careful not to use too much heat or tension. This can harm your hair and make it rough and dry. If you use heat tools, use the lowest temperature setting possible and limit the exposure time. If you use elastic bands, clips, or pins, make sure they are gentle and don’t pull or snag your hair.
Bottom Line
By adhering to these suggestions, you can optimize the effectiveness of your hydrating shampoo for coarse hair and reap its advantages. Your hair will be more hydrated, smooth, and manageable, and you will have fewer coarse hair problems to worry about.