Protein
Protein treatments can be an extra step that most do not want to take, but your fine hair will love you for it! Protein treatments are used to strengthen the hair shaft and to reduce the damage to the hair, which are very important for fine hair health.
You should aim to use a protein treatment every week or at the very least every two weeks to build more protein around your fine hair shaft.
Be sure to deep condition after every wash – poo, co wash, no poo. This may be a bit much, but it makes perfect sense. Your fine hair needs all the moisture and strength it can get from the deep conditioning* treatment.
The more you deep condition after every wash, the more your hair will be moisturized and supple. To make your deep conditioner* most effective for your fine hair 1. focus on the ends, 2. cover your hair with a plastic cap and use heat to open your hair cuticles, and 3. rinse with cool water to seal the hair. Doing this will allow you to acheive maximum length retention.
Do not plop
I used to dry my hair with a t-shirt, but I find that my hair coils back up and then I would have to detangle my hair all over again. Instead of doing that, bantu knot each section (4-6 bantu knots) after rinsing the conditioner out. This will allow the hair to air dry while stretched and already detangled.
Smart protective styles
Low manipulation styles may be the best way to retain length for others. For fine-haired ladies, protective styles are definitely the way to go to retain length.
Each protective style should be gently cared for, whether for 1-2 weeks or for 4-6 weeks. Try buns, two strand twists, and flat twist styles for short-term protective styling.
If your are looking for long-term styles, try gentle styles: crochet braids, Senegalese twists (not too skinny), and Marley twists. Remember, there will be lots of shedding during the take down. Make sure to be very gentle when taking down your style.
If you are not into protective styles, be sure to be aware of your hair when in a low manipulation style. Watch out for big earrings and necklaces, which can snag the hair. Wear your hair up while you are driving, working out, or on the move.
Do The LOC Method for secure moisture and sealing
Fine hair has a great tendency to dry very quickly, even after washing the hair. Be sure to never skip the leave in conditioner* after washing your hair and add your oils* and creams to do the LOC method ( L = Liquid, O = Oil, C = Cream). If the LOC method does not completely work for you, try a combination of the LOC method – LCO, LCOC or other layering methods. Be sure to add your water product first.
Do you have fine hair? What are some of your hair care secrets?
Good tips!
It’s so many naturals out there with all of this thick big natural hair, but there aren’t any natural with fine hair out there to look to for tips and support. This was a great read and is truly appreciated
Most of these I’ve heard over the years but I have found that using old school products like StaSof Fro & S Curl moisturizer for pre wash detangling , Pink Oil lotion ( light version ) & Blue Magic ( bergamot & super sure gro ) for sealing in winter are a great help in addition to protein treatments. There’s a reason they’ve been around since my 70’s afro days. The new deep conditioners like Carol’s Daughter Monoi, Shea Moisture Manuka, Baobab Yucca & JBCO along with MegaTek ( use a mositurizing condish afterwards) are wonderful but old school grease is the best sealant. I also wear wigs A LOT in winter & keep my hair moisturized under them because dry winter air is a KILLER.
I’ve been thinking about wigs, but not sure what brand would be the best. What do you use?
I pre-poo my hair with conditioner and finger detangle. I allow it to sit overnight and wash my hair in two-strand twists. Deep condition overnight and low manipulation style from there. I process the pre-poo and deep conditioner with my hooded dryer for at least an hour. I am slowly beginning to understand that every product that is out there is not for my hair and I just need to keep it simple. Watching hair tutorials on YT have me wanting to try those styles but for the sake of my fine hair, I just won’t risk it. I know my hair can grow; I just need to leave it alone to let it grow. In 2016, I am going to challenge myself to try more protective styling methods. Thanks for the great advice!