Coarse hair strands are thicker in diameter than most other types of hair. Also, coarse hair can be dry and prone to split ends. Moreover, it is less pliable than other hair types and can therefore sometimes make it difficult for you to style your hair. The scalp of people with coarse hair requires more oil than it can produce. Additionally, the larger diameter of each strand of hair and its porous nature make it more difficult for hair shafts to absorb oil. As a result, the moisture easily drains out of coarse hair leading to dryness and roughness. This is why people with coarse hair must have softening and conditioning elements as an important part of their hair care routine.
How to Soften Coarse Hair?
Coarse hair can be made softer in different ways. A specially formulated hair care regimen including moisturizing products can significantly support hair softening efforts.
Regularly Apply Coconut Oil
Many cosmetics containing coconut oil have flooded the market. In addition to treating dry skin, it can be used in hair softening. Coconut oil deeply penetrates hair strands and hydrates the hair internally. You can buy coconut oil-based shampoos and conditioners or coat your hair with undiluted cold-pressed virgin coconut oil after shampooing. While massaging, rub coconut oil only on the tips of your hair strands once every other day in order to avoid making your scalp too oily.
Use a Hair Mask Every Week
Try using a hair mask on a weekly basis to moisturize and nourish your hair. A hair mask can help in effectively drawing in moisture and softening your hair over time. You can either get a ready-to-use hydrating hair mask or make your own with nourishing ingredients like eggs, bananas, honey, coconut oil, olive oil and avocado oil. Apply the hair mask on damp hair after you shampoo and leave it in for five minutes before rinsing out. This can help in making coarse hair smoother, adding volume and shine and stimulating hair growth.
Improve Your Washing Routine
Wash your hair only when necessary. Overwashing can lead to more dryness, making coarse hair coarser. For instance, individuals with dry hair may only need shampoo once a week while those with an oily scalp may need it every alternate day. You can also use dry shampoo as needed. It can help remove the extra dirt and oil without stripping away the moisture. If you have an oily scalp and dry ends, then you can try washing your scalp thoroughly before conditioning only the ends. This can help in eliminating excess oil from the scalp while softening hair strands.
Avoid Heat Styling
While many hairstyles require the use of hot styling tools like curling irons, flat irons and blow dryers, prolonged contact with high heat can generate bubbles in the hair cuticles, resulting in damaged hair and increased breakage. If you do decide to use heat styling tools, then try the following:
- Use a heat protectant before every use
- Never use these tools on completely wet hair; let it air dry a little first
- Set the tools to the lowest possible temperature
- Don’t use the tools too frequently. Take weekly breaks to let your hair recover
Even washing your hair with hot water can lead to damage, causing dry and dull hair. Try using lukewarm water instead. To make coarse hair shinier and softer, rinse hair with cool water while conditioning to get the product out without stripping away the moisture.
Adopt Some Lifestyle Changes
Wondering how to naturally soften hair? Making some lifestyle changes can also help in hair softening. These changes include:
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids not only helps maintain your overall health but also boosts the circulation of blood to hair follicles. Try to replace sugary drinks with healthy drinks like fruit juices and smoothies.
- Practice Mindful Eating: Taking a diet rich in nutrients like beta-carotene and omega-3 fatty acids can help in making coarse hair softer. For vegans, adding pumpkin seeds or flaxseeds to the diet can be highly beneficial. Moreover, most orange fruits and veggies are a rich source of beta-carotene.
Conclusion
It can be very difficult to manage and style coarse hair due to its dryness. Adopting a good hair care routine can help in smoothening frizzy and dry hair. Following a few simple tips like using the right hair products, massaging nourishing oil, air drying hair after washing and using hair masks every week can significantly help in hair softening. Besides, making a few lifestyle changes and consuming a healthy diet can help in promoting the health of your hair.
