Coarse hair can feel bittersweet with its volume but is often difficult to manage. This type of hair is inherently dry, making it prone to frizz, dryness, tangles, and split ends.
Compared to other hair types, it requires a nourishing hair care routine that focuses on hydration. Whether your hair is straight, curly, or natural, caring for it with the right products can help transform it into soft, silky strands.
To achieve soft, silky hair, invest in high-quality hair care products that protect your hair from heat damage. Manage your hair with a good brush or comb, and follow a simple routine to make your hair healthy and beautiful. Remember, it’s possible to control your hair’s appearance with patience and the right steps.
What is coarse hair?
Coarse hair is different from thickness; it refers to the width and circumference of each strand, a defining feature. While it can be straight, wavy, or curly, its volume and growth are due to being the widest and strongest. However, it can feel dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.
When touched, coarse hair feels solid between your fingers. You can see it easily against a contrasting background. It’s wider than a piece of sewing thread and, when bent, it springs back. Your hair care routine should focus on hydration and moisture to soften it.
What is the cause of coarse hair?
Using the wrong products
Using the wrong products filled with harmful chemicals can damage your hair, leading to dry and coarse strands. These products disrupt your hair’s natural balance, making it harder to manage.
Environment
The environment can also be a significant factor. Strong sunlight, wind, and pollution can dry out your hair, leaving it coarse and brittle. Protecting your hair from these elements is crucial.
Genetics
Genetics plays a role in hair texture. If your parents or grandparents had coarse hair, there’s a good chance you inherited it. This is a natural feature passed down through generations.
Age
With age, your hair may become thicker as hair follicles increase in size. This change can make your hair feel coarser over time, a common occurrence as we grow older.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes in your body, such as during pregnancy or menopause, can affect your hair’s texture. These conditions often cause a hormonal imbalance that impacts your hair’s health, making it more prone to becoming coarse.
How is coarse hair different from thick hair?
Coarse hair and thick hair are often used interchangeably, but they are different. Coarse hair refers to the thickness of individual strands, while thick hair describes the density or number of hair follicles on the scalp. Knowing your combination of hair types helps you create an effective hair care regimen.
Daily routines that will make coarse hair soft and silky
A few small things in your daily routine can help your hair become softer and silkier. Doing them every day gives your hair that shiny look and enviable softness.
Washing hair while bathing
- When you shower, avoid washing your hair daily.
- Wash it 2-3 times a week to let your scalp produce natural oils like sebum that moisturize and protect your hair.
- Frequent washing can cause frizz, breakage, and dryness.
- Use shampoo and conditioner formulated for coarse hair with sulfate-free and natural oils like avocado oil, coconut oil, or argan oil to nourish and strengthen your hair.
- Human hair is made through the natural process of keratin production in hair follicles.
- Finish with lukewarm water to keep it smooth and shiny.
Protect your hair from the sun
- The sun is one of the worst enemies of coarse hair.
- To protect it from dryness and breakage, use a leave-in conditioner with UV protection.
- Wear a hat or scarf that covers your hair
Avoid certain hairstyles
On special occasions or during the week, you might prefer hairstyles that keep your hair tidy.
- However, tight ponytails, updos, and tight braids should be avoided.
- These hairstyles can tighten coarse strands, making them more prone to dryness and breakage.
- Use gentle hair ties and avoid over-stretching your hair to protect it.
Adjust your habits
Your habits are a key factor in your hair’s health. Daily and weekly routines can impact your hair. Certain habits can affect your hair negatively, so keep in mind to avoid these things. A hair consultation can help identify harmful habits and improve your routine.
Nourish your whole body well
- To keep coarse hair soft, it’s important to nourish your body too.
- Adapt your diet with fruits, vegetables, protein, and whole grains.
- Protein is a building block for healthy hair; includes eggs, fish, nuts, and beans.
- Address iron deficiency with red meat and poultry.
- Consult a specialist about nutritional supplements if needed.
- Hydrate your body by drinking 8 glasses of water a day to keep your hair and scalp well hydrated.
Get a haircut often
Trimming your hair regularly helps it stay vibrant and healthy. If your hair is damaged or has split ends, cutting them every 6-8 weeks is beneficial and promotes growth.
This process depends on personal preference but is highly recommended for coarse hair. Keeping your hair in the most attractive hair color also enhances its overall appearance.
Avoid harsh chemicals
For coarse hair, harsh chemicals like sulfates, alcohol, and formaldehyde should be avoided.
These ingredients are not suitable and can damage your hair.
Choose products with nourishing ingredients like protein, vitamins, and oils to keep your hair healthy.
Choose quality products
- Select products that are suitable for coarse hair, and free from sulfates and harsh chemicals.
- Opt for products with natural oils and vitamins.
- Established brands of shampoos, hair masks, and conditioners are formulated for better results.
- These make hair easier to maintain.
Be patient
Results won’t show in days; it may take months for your hair to become soft and silky. Make daily and weekly routines a part of your life. Allow nutrients and supplements to be absorbed by your body over time. Don’t lose hope if you don’t see visible results right away. Combine all the factors from this article to effectively soften coarse hair. By the way, can you use beard oil on your hair? Yes, it can help add moisture and softness.
9 tips for caring for coarse hair
If you have coarse, frizzy strands, you can soften them by reducing frizz and tangles with these 8 tips. These strategies help maintain smooth, manageable hair while targeting common issues.
Choose a shampoo formulated for coarse hair
One of the most important things you can do to care for coarse hair is to choose the right shampoo. A moisturizing shampoo will hydrate dry strands and help maintain the integrity of your hair shaft.
Try co-washing
For dry hair, co-washing is a great option. Incorporating this practice into your routine means washing your hair with conditioner instead of shampoo. It removes dirt, oil, and buildup, leaving your hair clean and soft. Do it at least once a week, depending on your hair texture.
Conditioner. Conditioner. Conditioner.
Using conditioner is essential in your hair care routine, especially for coarse hair. It reinforces the hair shaft, helping your hair retain moisture and hydration. After every wash, always use conditioner to keep your strands soft and silky. Favorites like NOUNOU and MOMO are excellent choices for nourishing coarse hair.
Use a hair mask
Hair masks are deep conditioning treatments that combat dryness and breakage by deeply nourishing your hair. Unlike regular conditioners, they work deep into the hair shaft to tame coarse strands. Add these masks to your hair care routine for soft, smooth hair.
Nourishing Bond-Building Hair Mask
After shampooing, apply the mask to your hair lengths and ends. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse. Use once or twice a week.
OI Nourishing Hair Butter
Work the hair mask into your damp hair and leave it on for 5-10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
DIY Egg Hair Mask
Mix 2 eggs with 2 drops of lemon juice. Apply the mixture to your hair and leave it on for 20 minutes under a shower cap. Rinse with cool water.
Eat a hair-healthy diet
- Healthy hair begins with a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
- This diet will help strengthen your strands and promote hair growth.
- Stay away from sugar and processed foods.
- Drink an additional glass of water a day to improve health and boost blood circulation to your hair follicles.
- Incorporate these nine foods into your diet: Chia Seeds, Green Tea, Lemon, Walnuts, Whole Grains, Spinach, Tomatoes, Soy, and Coconut Oil.
Sleep on a silk pillowcase
Sleeping on silk pillowcases protects your coarse, dry hair from snarls, tangles, and damage. Silk provides a frictionless surface that’s more gentle on your strands than cotton and absorbs less moisture, helping your hair retain natural oils and shine. For the best results, buy pure silk and avoid silk-like fabrics.
Use the proper brush and brushing techniques
Coarse hair should be brushed gently when damp to minimize frizz, flyaways, and tangling as it dries. Brushing damp hair helps distribute natural oils from your scalp down the lengths of your hair strands, which act as your hair’s best conditioner.
Use a high-quality nylon bristle brush with ample space between the bristles. For coarse hair types, a round brush adds bends during a blow-dry, while a flat brush is more versatile. Choose the size of your brush based on your hair’s density; thicker hair needs a bigger brush. Avoid over-brushing to protect your hair.
Incorporate a weekly hot oil treatment
Include a hot oil treatment in your hair care routine to nourish and soften coarse strands. Use plant-based essential oils like coconut oil, almond oil, or olive oil to seal the hair’s cuticle, reducing frizz and dryness.
After microwaving 3 to 6 tablespoons of Argan oil or avocado oil for 10 seconds in a microwave-safe bowl, test a small amount on your wrist before applying it to your damp scalp. Massage the oil in, cover with a shower cap, wait 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Use normal conditioner afterward. Repeat once a week or more if your hair is very dry.
Air dry your coarse hair when possible and use heat wisely
Choose air-dried hairstyles to avoid damage from hot tools like blow-dryers and flat irons. Limit usage and use a heat protectant. Keep your styling routine short and efficient. Hold the blow-dryer nozzle 6 inches away from your strands and don’t linger on one spot.
Weekly routines that make coarse hair soft and silky
In addition to your daily routines, some procedures should be done less often, around 2 or 3 times a week. These routines will add softness and shine to your hair, helping it look and feel better.
Weekly hair masks
Coarse hair needs constant nourishment, so weekly hair masks are essential. They nourish and moisturize the hair shaft, helping to restore its health and shine.
Use Hair Mask as Pre-Shampoo Treatment
Use a pre-shampoo treatment to lock in moisture and nourish from the inside. Apply the hair mask an hour before showering and cover with a shower cap.
Use a Hair Mask Formulated for Coarse Hair
Apply a hair mask with natural avocado, coconut, argan, or olive oil to match your coarse hair.
Do It 2 or 3 Times a Week
Use the hair mask 2 or 3 times a week to allow your hair to absorb the useful ingredients and become healthier and more nourished for a longer time.
Deep conditioning
- Deep conditioning is very beneficial for coarse hair.
- It helps with moisturizing, nourishing, and making hair strands softer and more prone to styling.
- Use products suitable for coarse hair.
- Wash your hair with shampoo.
- Dry with a towel using gentle massaging movements.
- Apply the hair conditioner to damp hair from roots to ends.
- Spread with a wide-toothed comb.
- Leave it for the recommended time, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Avoid alcohol-based products
Many hair care products contain alcohol as an ingredient. While they can temporarily tame your hair, most will dry it out. However, some types of alcohol like Stearyl alcohol and cetearyl alcohol are safe. These fatty alcohols are used as emollients by manufacturers and act like the body’s natural lipids.
Eat a nutritious diet
To nourish coarse hair and promote hair growth, eat a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients. Include chia seeds, whole grains, walnuts, spinach, green tea, tomatoes, soy, and coconut oil. These foods will help strengthen hair strands. Ensure you get vitamins A, C, D, E, along with iron, niacin, and biotin.
Limit styling
Frequent use of heated styling tools and harsh chemicals like dyes or bleaches can strip moisture, making hair dry and brittle. To avoid damage, limit styling time and apply a heat protectant.
Overusing heat-styling tools like irons, blowers, or curlers can lead to hair loss and hair color changes. Keep the dryer 6 inches away and avoid keeping it in the same spot to protect your hair shafts.
Conclusion
Managing coarse hair requires consistency and the right approach. By adopting a nourishing routine, limiting harsh styling practices, and incorporating protective measures, you can transform coarse, brittle strands into soft, healthy hair over time.
FAQ’s
How can I make my coarse hair soft again?
To make your coarse strands soft again, start by using a hot oil treatment regularly in your hair care routine. I’ve found that plant-based essential oils like coconut, almond, or olive oil are excellent for this. These oils nourish and soften the hair while helping to seal the hair’s cuticle. This reduces frizz and dryness, leaving you with silky and smooth hair.
How can I soften my rough hair naturally?
To naturally soften your rough hair, consider home remedies to address dry hair. Limit heat styling and wash hair less often to avoid further damage. Use products that suit your hair type and protect hair while swimming. While sleeping, use a silk wrap, pillowcase, or bonnet. It’s also important to find the right stylist and always protect hair from the sun.
Why is coarse hair so rough?
Coarse hair often has a natural texture that might not be a cause for concern. However, it can become rough due to damage to the hair shaft, medical conditions, or genetic disorders.
What softens rough hair?
To soften coarse hair, use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner with natural oils like avocado oil, coconut oil, or argan oil. These nourish your hair strands effectively.
