What Is Fine Curly Hair ?
It’s All About Strand Thickness
When categorizing curl types, “fine” refers to the width or circumference of each individual strand – not the overall density or amount of hairs on your head. Those with fine locks have delicate strands more narrow in width compared to average. Thick or coarse hair has strands visibly more dense and large.
Fine curly strands measure less than .04 mm on average while coarse curls are .08 mm or greater, with most people falling between .06 – .07 mm. If your curls seem fragile, wispy or baby-soft, you likely have fine texture.
Density Plays a Role Too
In addition to thin strands, those with fine hair also frequently have lower density or less hairs making up their total headcount. But it’s also possible to have fine yet dense hair. Either way, having fine strands means each hair is more delicate and needs special care. Their narrow width makes them vulnerable to damage.
The Curl Pattern Can Vary
No two curls patterns are exactly alike. From loose waves to tight coils, fine hair can take any shape. Strand thickness does not necessarily determine curl formation. You may see a mixture of curl sizes all over the head.
Typically those with fine hair have an S-shaped pattern, but fines can have springy ringlets or kinky spirals all the same. Some coarser curls paradoxically appear looser due to the added weight of each heavy strand tugging curls out straight.
Manic Styling Can Cause Issues
Fragile fine strands are prone to technical damage from over-brushing, aggressive heating tools, tight styling and product overload. Too much rough handling breaks down the hair cuticle, allowing moisture escape and protein depletion. This leads to increased porosity, knots, tangled ends and struggles styling.
Proper Care Unlocks the Potential
While extra delicate, properly cared for fine curly hair brings exceptional beauty. The spiral shape shows off shine, movement and flowy bounce better than thick or loose curl types can achieve. Fines respond best to gentle cleansing routines, deep conditioning and curl-enhancing stylers. With moisture and light protein supplements, the locks thrive with striking dimension.
How to Care for Fine Curly Hair
Fine curly hair is notorious for tangling easily and lacking volume, but with the right care it can transform into supple ringlets full of bounce. Follow these tips to help your delicate coils reach their full potential.
Handle Strands with Care
The first rule of fine curly hair? Treat it gently. Aggressive brushing, rubbing with towels, and tight hairstyles put fragile strands at risk of damage and breakage. Always detangle carefully with a wide-tooth comb and conditioner. Blot strands with a soft T-shirt and allow curls to set loosely when styling.
Find Your Ideal Cleansing Cadence
Over-washing strips vital oils while buildup weighs hair down. Most fine curlies do best cleansing every 3 days. Use a moisturizing sulfate-free formula only on the scalp and condition mid-lengths to ends. When hair looks limp, clarify gently with a curl-safe chelating cleanser.
Hydrate Thirsty Strands
The right conditioner helps transform parched, frizzy hair into smooth ringlets. Seek out ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil and glycerin. Generously apply from mid-lengths to ends after shampooing and let sit while doing other shower tasks before rinsing. Quenched hair behaves and styles better.
Limit Heat Tool Use
Frequent hot tool use can compromise delicate strands. Allow hair to air dry when possible or diffuse at cooler temps if needed. If you must heat style, prep with a protectant and use the lowest effective temperature setting to avoid unnecessary damage.
Treat Strands to Weekly Masks
Give thirsty curls an extra drink with weekly deep conditioning masks. Apply hydrating formulas mid-lengths to ends, let sit 30+ minutes under a shower cap, then rinse out. This moisture boost leaves fragile curls supple, defined and less prone to tangling.
Consider Light Protein
While moisture is essential, a little protein goes a long way for fortifying fine hair. Look for products containing gentle proteins like wheat, silk amino acids or hydrolyzed collagen. Use sparingly, once a week after cleansing – overuse can cause brittle breakage.
Boost Limp Roots
When fine strands fall flat at the crown, lightly mist roots with sea salt spray. The gritty formula helps plump each strand with texture and grip. Scrunch upward and lift curls high at the scalp. Air dry for maximum lift or diffuse for added body.
Prime Hair with Leave-In Conditioner
Prepping strands with leave-in conditioner makes styling smoother. Apply evenly roots to ends on soaking wet hair after washing. Botanical formulas provide slip to evenly distribute stylers without disturbing clumps so curls stay defined.
Define with Gel
Taming those springy ringlets requires a styler with hold. Smooth quarter-sized amounts of lightweight gel through strands using prayer hands, then scrunch up to encourage curl formation. Let dry completely before gently breaking the cast to reveal touchable soft definition.
Fine curly dos require extra TLC, but the payoff is bombshell dimension and bounce. Follow these tips to transform fragile strands into healthy, hydrated and happy curls that own the spotlight!
