When it comes to caring for curly hair, there are many things you will need to consider such as the condition of your curls. Take fine curly hair, for example - it would need to be cared for differently to coarser curly hair. In fact, trying to care for fine curly hair in the way that you would care for coarse curly hair can result in limp and flat curls. In this guide, we are going to be telling you everything you need to know about how to care for and style fine curly hair. We’ll also be sharing the best products that you can use to achieve the results you desire. Keep reading to learn more.
Table of Contents:
What is fine curly hair?
Fine curly hair comprises individual strands that are small in diameter and thinner than average but it isn’t the same as having low density hair which refers to the number of strands you have on your head, as someone can have fine hair without it feeling thin overall. Fine curls can range from loose waves to tight coils and they’re often lightweight, so they can lose curl definition easily. If you want to know whether you have fine curly hair, reading our Hair Density: Meaning, Identity and Care blog is a good place to start.
As you now know, having fine curly hair will require you to switch things up with your curl care routine. You may need to use more products to help prevent common issues like breakage or dryness. The most important thing to keep in mind is that fine hair benefits from products that are lightweight in texture. Heavier products like moisturising butters can weigh down the hair and make it look limp, so lightweight products are always best. One of the most common issues that can occur with fine hair is achieving volume and this is something that volumising products can help with.
The best products for fine curly hair
When it comes to hair products for fine curly hair, you’ll find that there are plenty of options to choose from. Fine curly hair products are tailored with your hair’s needs in mind, and they can help your curls look happy, healthy and more defined.
Step 1
Shampoo
Every routine for fine curly hair should begin with shampooing. The best way to use shampoo is to lather it up and gently scrub your scalp with your fingertips. This will help to remove dirt and product build-up without over drying or stripping your curls. If the shampoo doesn’t lather much, you might need to cleanse it again to ensure that all dirt and build up has been removed.
Curlsmith recommends:
- Full Body Weightless Shampoo for bigger, bouncier curls
- Core Strength Shampoo for stronger locks without the protein overload
- Essential Moisture Cleanser for nourished, hydrated curls
Step 2
Conditioner
Conditioner helps make hair easier to detangle while keeping your strands light and bouncy. Those with fine hair should avoid getting conditioner on their scalp. All you have to do is apply it to the mid-lengths and ends in sections. To reduce the risk of breakage, learn how to use conditioner properly by applying it first, then brushing your hair while it is wet.
Curlsmith recommends:
- Multi-Tasking Conditioner - for strong, hydrated and balanced curls.
- Essential Moisture Conditioner for lightweight moisturisation that won’t weigh your curls down.
- Full Body Milk Conditioner- For soft, voluminous curls.
Step 3
Leave-in conditioner
Everyone’s hair has its own specific needs, and some people may ditch a leave-in on wash day because they don’t think their hair needs it. When it comes to looking after fine curly hair, you’ll need to use a leave-in conditioner as part of your curl care routine to moisturise and prime your curls before the style. Like rinse-out conditioner, leave-in conditioner should be evenly applied to wet hair using the praying hands method to provide your curls with moisture and protection throughout the day without making them feel heavy.
Curlsmith recommends:
- Fragrance-Free Leave In Conditioner - for soft, defined and hydrated curls
- Hydrate & Plump Leave In Conditioner - for long-lasting volume and thicker curls
- Weightless Air Dry Cream - for smooth, hydrated and enhanced curls
- Moisture Memory Release - for moisturised, hydrated and manageable curls
Step 4
Styling products
Fine curly hair needs more definition than coarser hair, so you’ll need to use at least one styling product as part of your routine. Styling products define curls by holding them in place as they dry and they provide a level of light, medium or strong hold in the process. Those with a softer hold will dry on the hair, leaving it feeling soft and natural. In contrast, those with a medium to strong hold will dry with a cast that needs to be scrunched out to reveal soft bouncy curls. When you’re considering how to get defined curls it doesn’t need to be complicated, simply use styling products designed for fine hair, such as lightweight balms, foams and mousses.
Foam is easy to use. It should be applied to wet hair after your leave-in. Using the raking method to apply foam and scrunching the hair upwards towards the root will enhance your curl’s natural pattern.
A styling balm should also be applied to wet hair but you’ll need to use the raking method to help with even distribution using the praying hands technique instead before you style it.
Mousse should also be applied to wet hair and they can also be raked through your curls and then scrunched to help you get the look you desire. When using styling products, always diffuse or air dry to finish.
Foam is easy to use and can be raked through the hair before scrunching upwards towards the roots to enhance your natural curl pattern.
Styling balms can be distributed using the praying hands method to smooth the product evenly over the hair before styling.
Mousse can be applied using the raking method and then scrunched through the hair to help build definition and create your desired look.
For best results, all three products should be applied to wet hair and then either diffused or left to air dry to set the style.
Curlsmith recommends:
- Hold Me Softly Styling Balm - for enhanced, soft and effortless curls
- Bouncy Strength Volume Foam - for soft, voluminous and bouncy curls
- Hydro Style Flexi Jelly – for weightless, bouncy and definition without compromising on volume
Step 5
Treatment
If you have fine curly hair, you don’t need to treat it every time you wash it. Treatments should be applied according to your hair’s porosity. Leaving a pre-shampoo treatment on your hair for a certain amount of time will allow it to penetrate deep into the shaft, repairing, building and strengthening your curls in the process.
You know your hair best so you will be able to tell when it needs a treatment. Like your curl care routine, you want to use lightweight products instead of heavier ones, as they can still address any additional needs that your curls might have. Applying a lightweight oil post-treatment, once your wash day routine is complete and your curls are fully dry, will not only make them feel softer and smoother, but won’t compromise the level of fullness or volume you desire.
Curlsmith recommends:
- Bond Curl rehab Salve - for stronger, healthier curls
- Bonding Oil - for smoother, shinier and stronger looking curls
Styling fine curly hair
Styling is an important part of any curl care routine. Even if you are using a range of products that have been created with fine curly hair in mind, you will need to use at least one styling product. When you apply a styling product, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully so you don’t ruin your curls or leave them feeling limp, dull or crunchy. The key to achieving the results you desire with fine curly hair is to avoid using too much heat and ensuring you apply any styling products to wet hair (not soaking wet hair). When it comes to applying styling products, avoid applying directly to the roots unless the formula is specifically designed for them. Instead, focus on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair to help achieve a fuller looking finish.
Conclusion
Fine curly hair isn’t a cause for concern. There are products that have been created with fine curls in mind. The key is to find the ones that work for your curls, ensure that they are applied correctly and remember that styling products serve different purposes. As long as you keep this in mind when caring for and styling your curls, they will be happy and healthy all day long. Our Curl Cream vs Leave In Conditioner guide will tell you everything you need to know about styling your curls.
