Behold: summer! Curlies yearn for volume to match their torrid days and nights this season, but the elements pose a constant threat, and the fine-but-curly hair texture makes gravity-defying curls even more difficult to achieve. High heat, humidity, and winds can disrupt the definition and volume you devoted so much time to during the styling process.
Fine curly hair, which refers to the size of each individual hair, requires specific products to hold the curls without weighing them down amid heat and other summertime-induced conditions. Whereas the strand count between fine and coarse hair does not differ, the circumference of the strands do: fine hairs are simply thinner than coarse ones.
Common issues with fine hair include product buildup, over-conditioning, and damage from heat styling. Nothing yucks my yum like a flat mop of undefined curls after I took multiple steps to make my hair look perfect. This article will address these problems while guiding you through a routine that keeps your curls thriving; heat waves be damned!
At NaturallyCurly, we want our readers to be active without the dread of frizzy, deflated curls. By following these steps, you can have your halcyon summer.
1. Cleanse with a Clarifying Shampoo
Image Source: @nina.loore
Fine curls experience build-up more easily than coarse ones because of the thinness of the hair strands and the space between hair follicles on the scalp. If you’re in the pool all day, it’s essential to clear out those harsh chemicals.
To start with a fresh, clean base, use a clarifying shampoo, like the Un-Do-Goo from Malibu C, which has zero sulfates and parabens. The short ingredient list gives you exactly what you need to leave your scalp refreshed without being too harsh.
2. Scrub with a Scalp Massage Tool
Image Source: @natasshapatel
A scalp massager can break down the buildup of products we use to define our curls. Excess dirt, sand, and oils require something denser, narrower, and more consistent than fingers to clear out the mess. Using a scalp massager, like this one from Rizo’s, specifically designed for curly hair, can also release tension. Upgrade your washday to an at-home spa treatment.
3. Hydrate with a Lightweight Conditioner
Image Source: @lesliejoanny
Fine hair loves hydration like all curls but can only carry so much in the strands’ smaller circumference. Lightweight conditioners use seed oils like grape or flaxseed rather than heavy butter like shea or coconut. The less ingredients, the better! When you’re on washday, use a full-spectrum conditioner like the Fable & Mane Volumizing Conditioner for Fine, Thinning Hair, which has Amla extract, a natural UV protectant, when you’re getting more sun than usual.
Try a leave-in, like this one from Innersense, to refresh and hydrate your curls on day 3 or 4. It also contains rosemary oil, which promotes hair growth. Thoroughly rinse after this.
4. Strengthen with a Protein Treatment
Image Source: @curlsbythecoast
Keratin, the protein in your hair, is essential to keeping fine hairs strong. This protein treatment from Ouidad is specifically formulated for fine hair: it’s lightweight and in mousse form, meaning it can be used after conditioning and before styling. Ingredients like rice and vegetable proteins will enrich and protect your curls!
5. Style with a volumizing foam or strong-hold gel
Image Source: @angies.curls
Less is more when it comes to fine curls – a heavy cream and combination of products will quickly weigh the hair down. Keep it simple with a volumizing mousse that fills the space between follicles or gel, which holds them in place. The Curlsmith Bouncy Strength Volume Hair Foam is made paraben-free with Hemp Seed and Rice Protein Complex – remember, these are the ingredients fine hair thrives with.
For extra hold, use a gel-like Jessicurl Spiralicious Styling Gel. Be sure to shake the bottle before use, and if your cast is too firm, just crunch it out after drying! Glycerin is one of the key ingredients in this product, increasing elasticity and preventing breakage in your hair. As always, ensure your hair is soaking wet before applying these products.
6. Define and Refine with Finger Curls or a Brush
Image Source: @georgiagirlcurls
Thin curlies are more likely to lose their definition throughout the day. Be proactive and coil your hair with your fingers or a brush after applying your products to soaking wet hair. The Denman D3 is the gold standard, with a long handle designed to coil curls around.
7. Diffuse
Video Source: @naturalfrecklesandcurls
Effectively drying your hair is essential to creating that volume that you started with the styling products. A diffusing blow dryer is the best tool for this step, but there are options for drying without additional purchases that can assist in volumizing hair. Focus on the roots first.
Using your fingers to lift your roots while drying your hair upside down helps create a hold in the curl structure. Slightly rubbing your scalp can also loosen the hair, adding volume. You can use claw clips through your scalp in various sizes to help lift the hair at the roots while you dry.
8. Finish with Spritz and Pick
Image Source: @itsmarinaann
Just like the happy-hour Aperol you’re enjoying after work, your hair also deserves a little treat. This Ceremonia Guava Rescue Hair Heat Protectant Spray can be used as a primer before heat styling or as a refresher in between wash days.
Natural UV protectants are essential before stepping out in the sun, while Blue Agave and Avocado Oil add hydration and shine. To shake up curls that may have a cast post-styling, a hair pick at the roots adds extra lift. Be sure to begin at the roots on completely dry hair, pulling out an inch and stopping before brushing through the entire curl.
Which styling method will you apply to your hair routine? Let us know in the comments!
