If you've been making your own cold process soap and using it in your shower, how about using your soap as a shampoo?

Many people use their cold process soap as a shampoo bar as well. But hair is different than skin, so you need to do a few things differently in order to have the best results. Most soap makers recommend:
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1. Formulating your recipe differently—both in terms of the oils chosen, but in the additives and superfat percentage
2. Using a vinegar or citric acid rinse
3. Knowing that some people's hair just doesn't work well with real soap—and being okay with going back to a standard surfactant-based shampoo. There are so many variants, like the hardness of the water where you live and your particular hair type, that they just don't work for everyone.

Basic, Mild Shampoo Recipe
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• 25 percent coconut oil
• 25 percent olive oil
• 20 percent castor oil
• 15 percent canola oil
• 15 percent palm oil

​To make a 2-lb batch:

• 5.8 ounces coconut oil
• 5.8 ounces olive oil
• 4.6 ounces castor oil
• 3.5 ounces canola oil
• 3.5 ounces palm oil
• 3.2 ounces sodium hydroxide
• 6.4 ounces water
• 3/4 tsp of salt (to make the soap get harder quicker)
• 1 tsp of sugar (to boost the lather)
• 1 ounce of fragrance or essential oil blend

​Light Cleansing Recipe
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• 30 percent coconut oil
• 25 percent olive oil
• 25 percent castor oil
• 10 percent palm oil
• 10 percent canola oil

To make a 2-lb batch:

• 6.9 ounces coconut oil
• 5.8 ounces olive oil
• 5.8 ounces castor oil
• 2.3 ounces palm oil
• 2.3 ounces canola coil
• 3.2 ounces sodium hydroxide
• 6.4 ounces water
• 3/4 tsp of salt (to make the soap get harder quicker)
• 1 tsp of sugar (to boost the lather)
• 1 ounce of fragrance or essential oil blend

​Luxury Shampoo Recipe
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• 25 percent coconut oil
• 20 percent olive oil
• 20 percent castor oil
• 10 percent canola oil
• 10 percent avocado oil
• 10 percent palm oil
• 5 percent jojoba

​To make a 2-lb batch:

• 5.8 ounces coconut oil
• 4.6 ounces olive oil
• 4.6 ounces castor oil
• 2.3 ounces canola oil
• 2.3 ounces avocado oil
• 2.3 ounces palm oil
• 1.2 ounces jojoba
• 3.1 ounces sodium hydroxide
• 6.2 ounces water
• 3/4 tsp of salt (to make the soap get harder quicker)
• 1 tsp of sugar (to boost the lather)
• 1 ounce of fragrance or essential oil blend

​To make these soaps, follow basic soap making instructions. The amount of water in these recipes are low so that they will harden quicker in the molds. The high percentage of soft oils in the recipes can make them take a while to harden in the mold.

You'll want to make sure to add the salt and the sugar to the lye water. The salt helps the soap to get harder quicker and the sugar helps boost the lathering ability of the soap.

Rinse

Because of the high pH of cold process soap, most people use a slightly acidic rinse on their hair after using a shampoo bar. The high pH raises the cuticle of the hair follicle, making it more prone to damage. The rinse helps lay it back down.

You can make the rinse out of either:

• 1 cup vinegar (apple cider or white) to 2 cups water or
• 1 tbsp. citric acid powder to 3 cups water

​Give shampoo bars a try. Some people rave about them; some people like them, but prefer a traditional shampoo. 

For you DIYers:

Learn a practical skill, create gifts, and let your creativity run loose all at the same time by taking up the art of soap making. DIY soap is loaded with natural and aromatic products that are better for your skin and the planet. We've gathered 21 easy homemade soap recipes for beginners.

 21 Creative Handmade Soap Recipes for Beginners

I started using apple cider vinegar hair rinse a few years ago when I stopped using shampoos with sulfates or harsh cleansing agents. I was looking for something natural to help clarify buildup from my scalp and hair without having to use a harsh clarifying shampoo.

Using apple cider vinegar over the last few years has really helped me improve my overall hair and scalp health. Read on for all the benefits of the ACV rinse and helpful tips on how to apply one for the best hair care.
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Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

The apple cider vinegar rinse is a really easy way to clarify your hair. It helps to remove product build-up, as well as seal the hair cuticles to prevent frizz and boost shine. Because it’s clarifying, it also helps to give your hair some volume, which is something women struggle with a lot.

Ensuring that your scalp is healthy is a really important part of growing healthy hair. Failing to clarify your scalp well can lead to scalp irritation, dandruff, and excess shedding. It can also result in your hair appearing oily more quickly between washes so that you are compelled to wash hair too frequently.

Using ACV rinse every now and then clarifies product buildup and excess oils to leave your scalp refreshed. Being an acidic substance, apple cider vinegar is also beneficial for balancing the ph levels of your hair.

Hair that is frizzy or dull tends to be more alkaline, so using the ACV rinse can really help to balance that out and leave you with silky, shiny hair. Clarifying curly hair with the rinse can also help you reset your curls, making some ‘proven methods’ finally work for you.

How to Use ACV Rinse for Scalp and Hair Care

One of my favorite aspects of the apple cider vinegar rinse is how easy it is to make one. All you need to do is mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 2 parts water in a jar or a bottle. The amount of each is really up to you and your preferences, just stick to the 1:2 ratio. For example, if you want to use 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, you should mix it with 2 cups of water. I typically use half a cup of apple cider vinegar to one cup of water, but take your hair length and density into consideration and use what works for you.

Once you have your rinse, it’s time to hop in the shower. You can use this rinse in a few different ways:

• as a final rinse, after shampooing and conditioning,
• in between your shampoo and conditioner,
• at the beginning of your shower, before shampooing (the go-to method if the smell really bothers you).

​I prefer to use it after rinsing out my shampoo. I carefully pour the rinse over my scalp and gently massage it in. Then, I pour the rest over my length and ends and let the hair rinse sit on my hair for 1-2 minutes before rinsing with water. I follow with my conditioner as usual – I find that this helps to get rid of the smell more easily. Here is what I get.

If you choose to use it as a final hair rinse, you would apply it the same way after your conditioner and not rinse it out at all. Regardless of which way you choose to use it, one important thing to remember is not to get it in your eyes! I’ve made that mistake once and it was not a great experience, to say the least.

For those of you with color-treated hair, the apple cider vinegar rinse is not very acidic, so you can safely use it without stripping your hair color. Vinegar for hair can only affect its color when used more often than twice per week.

Helpful Tips and Tricks

​The only downside of this rinse is the apple cider vinegar smell. I find that it goes away once my hair is completely dry, but if the smell bothers you a lot, I would recommend adding some flower extract or essential oils to your rinse when you make it. Some of my favorites are rosemary, lavender, and ylang ylang. Using the rinse in between your shampoo and conditioner can also help.

The ACV rinse doesn’t need to be used more than once a week. Overall, the frequency will depend on your hair type and how much build-up you experience. I personally use this about once or twice a month, but I don’t use any type of hairspray or styling products on my hair. On the rare occasion that I use dry shampoo, I might follow up with this rinse to clear it all out later.

It’s also important to note that if you have low porosity or protein-sensitive hair, this rinse might make your hair feel dry and brittle. If that’s the case, use this rinse once a month at most, and dilute it with some more water. If your hair still feels dry, follow up with a hydrating hair mask on your next wash day. If this doesn’t solve the dry hair issue, try using an alternative clearing product like New Wash, which gets great reviews from those following the no-poo method.
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As always, listen to your hair, focus on what works best for your hair type and your hair care preferences, and ACV rinse will become the best friend for your hair and scalp.

The apple cider vinegar rinse is one of the DIY treatments that I have been using the longest throughout my hair journey. I’m always really pleased with the results, and it’s really helped me maintain scalp and hair health.


From The Right Hairstyles

From low ponytails to messy buns, hair ties are the go-to accessory for many hair styles. Hair ties of the past, however, had a reputation for damaging strands and being painful to remove, in part due to low-quality construction and metal components. 

More recently, they’ve been engineered with far better designs that are comfortable, safe and more durable than ever before. One of many new designs on the market is Scunci No Damage Thick Hair Elastics, which tops our shopping list for its soft, flexible design.

What to know before you buy hair ties

Before you invest in new hair ties, it’s helpful to know the different styles on the market. 

Classic hair ties

Basic hair ties have a single piece of elastic wrapped in fabric. In the past, these hair ties had metal fasteners, though most newer varieties are metal-free. They’re considered versatile, though some wearers report they may damage hair.

Terry hair elastics, often used in children’s hair, are blended with elastic thread. Because they’re soft, flexible and low-tension, they’re suitable for sleeping or all-day wear. Terry hair ties are also less likely to damage hair.

New hair ties

Snap hair ties have a secure, locking closure that won’t create creases in hair. They work well with thick and curly hair, as well as braids and dreadlocks. According to many wearers, they’re far easier to remove from hair than other ties— though they tend to be expensive. 

Coiled hair ties are designed for maximum comfort and minimum damage. While they’re effective at holding ponytails and buns in place, they’re a low-tension option that is easy to remove. However, they get stretched out easily and may take a few hours to return to their original shape.

Extra-large hair ties lend themselves to more “wrapping” around hair, which some wearers feel is more secure than other options. These hair ties tend to be more durably made. Additionally, they’re often used to hold back dreadlocks and box braids. These hair ties are sometimes more difficult to find at retailers than others. 

What to look for in quality hair ties

Popular materials for hair ties

Many hair ties are wrapped in polyester or satin thread, giving them a smooth finish. They’re affordable and come in several sizes. However, they’re not the most durable option, and these fibers eventually break under tension. 

Some hair ties, including scrunchies, are made with soft materials like cotton, velvet and satin. They’re soft on hair and can be removed without causing much damage. Unfortunately, these materials are so slick that they may end up sliding down hair throughout the day.

Silicone hair ties, namely coiled ones, are noted for their smooth, snag-free designs. They also won’t leave kinks or creases in hair. One of the pitfalls, however, is that silicone hair ties are the most expensive options. 

Color
Hair ties are available in a rainbow of colors, including pastel, primary and neon shades. More recently, the market has seen an influx of hair ties in discreet colors that blend in with natural hair colors. These include shades to accommodate blonde, brunette, redhead, black and silver-toned hair. 

Non-slip details
Some premium hair ties have non-slip details, such as silicone or rubber dots, to offer a more secure hold. They’re particularly popular among active individuals who engage in high-impact activities. While many wearers agree they’re effective at staying put, they may snag hair or create kinks. 

How much you can expect to spend on hair ties

Because hair ties are typically sold in multipacks, it’s best to compare cost based on price per hair tie. Basic hair ties cost $0.10-$0.20 apiece, whereas better-quality hair ties and scrunchies run $0.25-$1 apiece. Speciality hair ties, such as designer scrunchies and coil hair ties, cost $1-$5 per piece. 

Hair ties FAQ

How do I prevent damage from hair ties?
A. If possible, wear ponytails as loosely-tied as possible to reduce tension and pulling. It’s helpful to limit how often you wear your hair up, especially in tighter styles. As for topical damage treatments, a restorative or hydrating hair mask can replenish hair’s natural moisture barrier. These products may reduce your hair’s brittleness, and in turn, could make it less prone to breakage.

Can you wash or clean hair ties?
​A. Silicone hair ties can be cleaned in soap and water and left to air dry. Hair ties made with elastic, fabric or terry cloth, can be machine washed inside a mesh laundry bag and then hung to dry. Some people place hair ties in a UV sanitizer for quick and easy cleaning. 

Scunci No Damage Thick Hair Elastics

What you need to know: Made by one of the best-known hair accessory brands, this set of 24 elastics are uniquely designed to hold up thick and heavy hair. 

What you’ll love: The ultra-strong elastic can be wrapped tight without snapping under pressure, and the metal-free design won’t snag or damage hair. This set has assorted colors to match every outfit. 
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What you should consider: It’s common for the elastic to snap after several uses.

​GOODY Tiny Terry Ponytailers

What you need to know: These small ponytailers, soft enough to use on kids’ hair, come in a set of 42 vibrant colors. 

What you’ll love: This is one of the softer options, making them ideal for sleeping. They hold pigtails and mini buns in place without sliding down hair, and they can be hand or machine washed. 
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What you should consider: The threads and elastic wear out sooner than expected.

invisibobble Traceless Hair Ties

What you need to know: A new arrival to the market, invisibobble is praised for its no-kink design, and it is often embraced for active wear. 

What you’ll love: The coil design secures hair without pulling it. It is suitable for all hair types, including thick and curly hair. The silicone texture prevents the hair tie from slipping down hair. 

What you should consider: The ties get very stretched out and loose by the end of the day.

Almost a year ago today, I suffered one of the greatest betrayals of my life.

OK, that's dramatic. But it's hard to overstate the magnitude of shook the curly hair community was back in January 2020.

It all started when influencer Ayesha Malik posted a tearful and scathing video warning her roughly 250,000 followers to stop using the beloved, longstanding golden standard of curly hair products: DevaCurl. Her brunette corkscrews as frazzled as her emotions, Malik explained how she went from proud brand ambassador to boycott leader: Over the course of a year, she started noticing inexplicable damage to her prized, perfectly preserved locks, her thick mane not only thinning but changing texture in a way usually induced only by chemical relaxers.

She was far from the only one.

Malik's video opened the flood gates. Other influencers and even DevaCurl stylists came forward, culminating in a Facebook support group of 60,000 echoing similar experiences that led to a class-action lawsuit. The lawsuit names some of the most popular products, including their entire shampoo cleanser and conditioner line, leave-ins, styling gels, and repair treatments. Influencers who hadn't experienced these negative effects weighed in, too, most with support and belief in the allegations but others to challenge the accusations.

Watching this chaos unfold, it felt like the ground fell from beneath me as I realized DevaCurl — the products I once heralded as the divine savior of my hair and beauty — might be the culprit for the damage I'd been literally losing hair over. After years of happily spending thousands of dollars on DevaCurl products and services, I threw away gallons of the stuff in the trash, doubtful that I could ever trust again.

Straight-haired readers might eye-roll at the idea of mourning a brand like this. But fellow curly-haired sisters know the struggle and sacred journey of learning how to care for, embrace, and hopefully even love your curls. It comes only after years of trauma.

While curly hair stigma is pretty universal, as a white Latina myself I've had the privilege of not being subjected to the worst of it. For Black girls and women especially, natural afro-textured curls are politicized, discriminated against, and almost completely excluded from mainstream beauty standards, media representation of all kinds, and literal curly hair ad campaigns. From Mia in the Princess Diaries to country music-era Taylor Swift (whose curls allegedly miraculously straightened due to natural causes right as she became more mainstream pop), at an early age we're fed the clear message that curls are something to be fixed, eradicated, straightened out.

The insecurities of growing up with curly hair are so real that Dove saw a business opportunity in exploiting them in the way they did body image insecurities. Despite knowing it's all bogus (no one recommends actually using Dove curl products), I still cry every time I watch this old commercial.

For curly women and girls, your hair is the first thing people notice about you. For better or for worse, curls become inextricably tied to your identity. Whether that identification takes the form of self-loathing or defiant pride all depends on finding the right products and styling techniques.

The DevaCurl cult-following went beyond products, too, with a whole oeuvre of essentials like the famed Curly Girl Method and pricey Devachan salons with special Devacuts and Pintura highlights. Despite the high cost, it always felt worth it, an investment into the best ingredients that nurture your curls that need to recover from years of trying every damaging fix under the sun.

Seeing the company's fall from grace felt like a loss of identity. The products once responsible for making me feel beautiful for the first time ever as a young girl were now potentially ruining the locks I'd worked so hard to love.

To be clear, nothing has been proven. In a statement to its "devoted Deva community," in February, the company said it was, "committed to providing the information you need to continue to use DevaCurl with confidence." Pointing to the "rigorous and thorough testing" all their products undergo, it promised to work with "an independent third-party toxicologist to verify the safety of these formulas." (Though expert doctors in this New York Times article question many of the facts DevaCurl presents on its website to refute allegations.)

It's been pretty much crickets ever since, but the damage was already done. The lawsuit is ongoing with no trial date set, but both sides have asked to make their case before a jury, according to court documents.

My trusted longtime hairdressers at CurlsOneonOne (owned by two incredible ladies I met at the now-closed Los Angeles Devachan) are dubious that DevaCurl is to blame for my case. To be fair, I'd been pretty aggressively bleaching my hair Khaleesi-silver since 2014.

But when my colorist cut me off in 2019, my curls didn't bounce back like usual during bleaching breaks. The alarming amount of hair fall continued, along with scalp dryness and curl pattern loss after six months of nothing but Olaplex for color damage and deep conditioner treatments.

However, discontinuing all DevaCurl use led to immediate improvement. More damning still, months post-DevaCurl, I had a curl-mergency and only access to the travel-size Ultra Defining Gel (a product listed in the lawsuit) that I kept in my purse. Even a small amount caused that now-familiar burning sensation and unusual shedding during my next shower

Listen, I can't say whether DevaCurl is the cause. But breaking from my religious devotion to the brand opened up new paths of discovery that only made me understand, embrace, and appreciate my curls more. But the process of finding new products and a new regimen was harrowing — and expensive. It takes lots of trial and error.

In August, Malik made her first video since that explosive one in January, her curls miraculously unchopped and more fortified. She says she worked day and night to recover from the Deva damage, and still has a long way to go. But from where I'm standing, it's the hope every suffering curly girl needs to know they can bounce back from this.

Though I don't claim to be an expert, after dozens upon dozens of products and hours of research, though, I've picked up a thing or two. So here's my guide to replacing DevaCurl. Everyone's curls are unique, so not everything will work for you. But maybe we can learn from each other while on our individual journeys to curl perfection. 
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[Editor's Note: While the writer independently purchased almost everything listed here, BounceCurl did provide samples for review].

1. Find your curly hair gurus.
Like everything in the influencer economy, curly hair YouTubers get sponsorships and make money the more you spend on products they recommend, which incentivizes lots of bullshit.

But the best beauty bloggers know the value of their honest opinion is worth more than a #sponcon payday. Trust the ones who are transparent about their relationship to brands and that include unmonetized content and affordable options.

That's why I personally love Bianca Renee. Aside from sharing the same hairstylists, she's never led me astray on general consumer knowledge. She's great for learning how to be a smart shopper, figuring out what's right for you, which products you really need, the no-no ingredients, exploring options, and testing brands for that curly girl seal of approval.

For styling routines and tricks, seek out curl gurus with similar hair textures and concerns.

Fellow 3B-C girls should check Manes by Mell. She has a wealth of tutorials, with videos for every type of situation like changing seasons, sleep-to-wash-to-style-to-refresh regimens, correct product application, essential accessories, mistakes to avoid, budget picks, and technique pros and cons. She was anti-Curly Girl Method before it was cool so I trust her as a zero-bullshit stylist (and notably one of the most vocal influencers denying Devacurl damage).

2. Throw out all those strict rules and experiment instead.
Treat all curl advice and rules from tried-and-true methods with skepticism, including mine. None of us really know anything except what's worked for us. Feel free to deviate and, above all, question assumptions and one-size-fits-all truisms.
In my many years of Curly Girl Method devotion, I was told sudsy shampoos and brushes were sacrilege. But failing to cleanse my roots likely contributed to product build-up that caused scalp issues, hair loss, and stunted growth. Meanwhile, exclusively finger brushing led to uneven product distribution.

I religiously stuck to wash-and-go air drying to avoid heat damage, with no patience for diffusing. But like a curly hair newbie hopping on the latest TikTok trend, I tried plopping for the first time. To my amazement, it cut my dry time in half and created amazing from-the-root volume with zero extra effort.

See your journey as a literal experiment: Make hypotheses, test them, add and subtract variables, and through deductive reasoning learn what leads to more consistent great hair days.

3. You do NOT have to spend a lot of money for great products.
One of the good disillusionments from this DevaCurl fiasco was realizing some of the best, healthiest products for curly hair are affordable drugstore picks.

SheaMoisture and Cantu, for example, are always in the $5-$10 range. Cheap, trusted classics help keep your routine affordable, especially when it comes to shampoo and conditioners which wash out of your hair rather than staying on it for days like a styling product.

Save your money for treatments or fun stuff like Curlsmith's temporary color hair makeup (which worked great on me for Halloween). By saving on products you can also likely budget for great curl specialists and stylists, too, which I still recommend paying top dollar for rather than going to the nearest SuperCuts.

4. Don't underestimate the importance of the right accessory.
The above rule still applies here, but don't blow your budget on products alone.
The three brushes I now can't live without for wash days include:

• The Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager for cleansing with a gentle shampoo
• Detangling with this and a conditioner
• The Denman brush for styling

Also great for your arsenal:

• An ultra-fine microfiber towel (or 100% cotton t-shirt) for plopping
• If you like diffusers, research good budget options. No need to drop hundreds on that Dyson monstrosity.
• A misting spray bottle for refreshing curls
• A sleeping cap or turban made of gentle fabrics like microfiber or silk so your curls last longer between wash days
• Better yet, invest in silk pillowcases, which are expensive but did wonders for both my curls and skin
• If you live somewhere with terrible water quality like me, get a shower water filter! Do research into affordable picks targeting the specific chemicals used by your county that hinder all your haircare and skincare efforts.

5. OK, here's my new routine and DevaCurl product replacement recommendations.
While these are what I like personally, it is not a definitive guide. Others have crowdsourced a publicly edit-able list of alternatives for each product, but note that there's zero vetting involved.
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1. Shampoo and conditioner: I replaced the no-poo co-wash DevaCurl cleansers (all listed in the lawsuit) with actual shampoo that removes product without stripping my natural oils, using it at least 2-3 times a week. Shampoo should only be applied to your scalp — leave your ends alone. People rave about expensive brands like Innersense and Verb, but I stick with this SheaMoisture shampoo and Cantu conditioner. (Check out SheaMoisture's curl type chart for personalized recommendations). If luxury is what you want, Curlsmith's Vivid Tones Vibrancy Shampoo protects my highlights while BounceCurl's Super Smooth Cream Conditioner makes my hair feel like butter.
2. Curl primer and leave-ins: Similar to how I'm not sure makeup primers do anything, I'm not convinced this needs to be a two-step process. But the important thing here is hydration and nourishment. While still in the shower I flip my soaking wet hair upside-down, raking a small amount of primer or light leave-in that I alternate depending on what my curls need. When they're fragile from coloring, a pinch of Hot Tresses Rehab Leave-In. For hydration, Be My Curl's Mane Squeeze (stylist recommended) or BounceCurl's Moisture Balance Leave-In. For my main leave-in, nothing beats Curlsmith's Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream, which woke me up to oil as essential to curly routines. Thicker curl types will probably love BounceCurls' Clump & Define Cream with the Denman brush, but it weighs my curls down a bit.
3. Styling gel: For me, this step is about sealing with a "cast" of gel that combats frizz and creates strong hold so my curls last three days. Technique is just as important as product here. The reigning champion replacement for my beloved Ultra Defining and Arc Angel DevaCurl gels (again, both listed in the lawsuits) is Dippity-Do Girls with Curls Gelee, applied with the praying hands technique and then scrunched up to my roots. Some popular alternatives like Ouidad's Heat & Humidity Control gave me that same burning sensation DevaCurl did. I can't rely on Be My Curls' To Have & To Hold gel alone, but do love how it hydrates while styling. Though it wasn't right for me, those with wavier, less frizz-prone hair should look into Bounce's Light Hold Creme Gel for touchable, lightweight results. An important lesson I learned for each of the above steps is to avoid putting much of any product directly on your roots (unless it's a treatment or shampoo). I focus almost exclusively on my ends, then rely on the plopping method to bunch all my hair on the top of my head so product trickles down a bit.
4. Refreshing method: A key to great styling products that last between wash days is ones that list water or "aqua" as one of the first ingredients. That means when you re-wet your hair with a spray bottle, the product re-activates, so you don't need to add much more and avoid build-up.
5. Treatments: Since I highlight my hair, Olaplex every other week is essential. But everyone can benefit from the occasional deep condition treatment, and thirsty curls will love SheaMoisture's Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Masque or more luxury-priced BounceCurls' Ayurvedic Deep Conditioner. Those jonesing for DevaCurl's Heaven in Hair (which, you guessed it, is also referenced in the lawsuit) should try the nearly identical Be My Curl's Seal the Deal. BounceCurls' Hair Detox is great for those with build-up and scalp issues (akin to a DIY apple cider vinegar treatment) but use it veryy sparingly. Don't leave any of these on longer than instructed.

The moral of this story, though, is that finding your personally-tailored curl routine will never be a paint by numbers experience. Just trust your gut, and be confident that you're the best expert on your hair.

Our hair texture, density and thickness vary just like our facial features and body shapes do. Although coarse hair is often described as “difficult” and “challenging”, the main issue is knowing how to look after this kind of hair structure.

Indeed, styling coarse hair requires some effort – from detangling the knots to the potentially longer drying process. While this can sound like a lot to handle, these struggles aren’t harder than styling fine and flat hair; it’s all about learning some tricks and embracing the unique features of your hair.

What is Coarse Hair?

​Coarse and thick hair are often used interchangeably. However, hair thickness is defined by the number of the strands, their density, while coarse hair is hair with a bigger diameter of each individual strand. You can easily check if you have coarse hair by taking a bunch of hair and rubbing it between your fingers: if you can define separate strands and they feel and look like threads, you have coarse hair.
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​The main downside is that this hair structure is more prone to dryness; consequently, it can easily become knotty, wiry, and uncontrollable. On the positive side, coarse hair is very good at holding styles and volume and it doesn’t require too frequent washing. Hence, using good quality hydrating and restoring products, you can easily make coarse hair your best friend.
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Both straight and curly hair can be coarse and fine, as well as thin and thick. On the hair type chart, 1C, 2C, 3C and 4C types are often on the coarse side. While coarse hair structure is mainly determined by genetics, hair often becomes coarser when graying.

7 Tips for Coarse Hair Treatment

Here are 7 tips and tricks that will help you cater to the unique needs of your hair structure. Amend your routine, learn to deal with the challenges, and your hair is sure to be your source of pride and confidence.

#1: Start with the Haircare Products for Coarse Hair
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A healthy hair care routine is the ultimate base needed for good-looking locks, and for coarse hair the key point is moisturizing. The best hair products for coarse hair are those without parabens, sulphates, and other drying ingredients.

While you might not be ready to switch to completely natural hair products, try using weekly coconut oil masks – it will noticeably soften and smooth your hair. Shea Butter Deep Treatment Mask and the whole moisture retention collection is also a good choice for deep hydration of coarse hair. Even though finding products that are right for you can be a bit of a journey, it will soon pay back with healthy and lustrous tresses.

As mentioned before, coarse hair tends to tangle. For detangling, use a nylon paddle brush: firm and smooth bristles penetrate the strands and glide through the hair without causing any damage, while an air cushion protects and massages your scalp. Ideally, brush your hair when it’s semi-dry – it is not as fragile as soaking wet strands and not as knotty as they become when they dry out completely.

A ceramic round brush with longer nylon bristles is a great choice for blow-drying your hair – it retains heat, thus speeds up the process. For a smoother finish, always use cold air in the end.
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#3: Straighten Hair with a Hairdryer Instead of a Flat Iron

It is certainly healthier to blow dry your hair rather than use straighteners or other hot tools. Follow these easy steps to achieve a sleek, salon-worthy blow out:

#4: Choose the Right Temperature
​While you are in process of advancing your blow-drying technique, straighteners are understandably a handy and quick option. Try to reduce the heat to 350F: it is quite likely that this temperature will be absolutely enough to straighten or curl your hair.

Important note: if you apply a heat protecting spray before curlers or straighteners, always make sure the product dries out before you use the hot tools. Applying heat on wet hair literally fries them, which causes immense damage.

#5: Pick the Best Hair Styling Products for Coarse Hair
Think smoothing creams and shine sprays to get a sleek, polished, and frizz-free look. If you like reading ingredients as much as we do, bear in mind that ideally, silicones shouldn’t be listed as the first three in the list on the bottle. Although silicones create a protective layer around hair shafts, this ingredient can also create buildup which causes hair breakage and a dull look.

Briogeo Farewell Frizz silicon-free leave-in conditioner would be a great option that smoothes hair, boosts shine, and eases detangling. Unfortunately, sea salt sprays aren’t made for you – those are making hair rougher and drier – certainly, not the outcome that you are looking for.

#6: Choose the Haircut That Works for Coarse Hair
A graduated bob or long layers are the best options for coarse hair. These shapes won’t look bulky on thicker hair and will show off the beauty of coarse hair: it’s natural volume.

#7: Love Your Coarse Hair
Embrace your natural hair texture and appreciate its advantages like full-body, ability to hold curls and any other styles.

We hope these pieces of advice were useful and you will implement some of them in your day-to-day hair care routine to achieve the best styling results for your coarse hair.

From The Right Hairstyles