Caring for Thick Hair

You have naturally thick hair — lucky you! But keeping it looking great isn't always easy. For tips and techniques that'll help your locks look fantastic, read on.

So you’ve got a head full of thick hair — congratulations! You’re likely the envy of your fine-haired friends. But thick hair isn’t maintenance free. Those luscious locks can be prone to frizz without proper care. These tips and techniques for caring for thick hair will help you keep that mane full, shiny, and free of frizz.



Keep it clean. Shampoo regularly, but not every day. Two or three times a week should be plenty for thick hair. If your hair is prone to frizziness, try a cold-water rinse after you rinse out the shampoo. Shampoos designed for dry hair can also help keep frizz at bay, especially in thick, curly hair.

Stay in condition. When you shower, rinse your hair with warm water and condition it. Try a leave-in conditioner periodically and a deep conditioner once a week or so.

Pick your product. There are lots of gels, pomades, and mousses that can help control the frizz that can plague thick hair. Experiment to find one you like, or ask your stylist what he or she recommends. When you apply it, rub it between your hands a bit to make it easier to distribute through your hair, and apply first thing after your shower, when your hair is still quite wet.

The right way to dry. Towel dry your thick hair by patting, not rubbing, from the scalp to the ends. Air-drying is best, but thick hair can take a long time to dry. Try washing and conditioning your hair in the early evening so it has time to air-dry while you’re home. Then put it in braids or a ponytail overnight. If gel or mousse leaves your hair looking slick, scrunch your hair with a towel or an old T-shirt to loosen your locks without adding frizz. If you choose to blow-dry, dry your hair until it’s damp, not bone-dry, and use a diffuser.

Steer clear of brushes. Brushing your hair will likely lead to frizziness. Use a wide-toothed comb instead.

Beat back dryness. Thick hair can be prone to dryness, since it’s harder for the scalp’s natural oils to travel down the strands. To keep dryness to a minimum, avoid these drying products, treatments, and exposures:

• Harsh or frequent shampooing
• Heated styling tools such as blow-dryers, curling irons, and straightening irons
• Styling products that contain alcohol
• Coloring or perming your hair
• Sun and wind
• Chlorine

Get protection. You can’t always avoid exposure, but you can minimize its effects. Use conditioner with sunscreen, and protect your hair from dryness and tangles with a hat or scarf on windy days.

Trim on time. If thick hair gets dry, it can be prone to split ends. Trim them regularly to keep them under control.

Talk to your stylist. Thick hair can cover your face and overwhelm your appearance. A stylist with experience cutting thick hair can suggest flattering looks and cuts that require minimal blow-drying and maintenance.

With the right style and hair-care routine, you’ll be proud to show off your thick, full, gorgeous locks.