How to Make Coarse Hair Soft and Silky (2024)

Coarse hair can be bittersweet because it often comes with lots of volume but can be difficult to manage at times: coarse hair is inherently dry and prone to frizz compared to other hair types. The dryness of coarse hair makes it prone to tangles, split ends, and breakage. So in order to look soft and silky, coarse hair requires a nourishing hair care routine that focuses on hydration. Whether you have straight, curly, or natural coarse hair, we’ll give you everything you need to know about caring for your strands. This is your hair care guide for coarse hair.

While hair thickness refers to density, or the number of hair strands on your head, coarseness refers to the width of each strand’s circumference. Coarse hair can be straight, wavy, curly, tightly curled, and everywhere in between, but the defining feature of coarse hair is the diameter of the strands. Coarse hair strands are the widest, making them the strongest type of hair. And while that’s great for volume and hair growth; coarse hair tends to be dry, brittle, frizzy, and prone to breakage. So if you have coarse hair, your hair care routine should focus on hydration and lots of moisture. How do you know if your hair is coarse? Strands that are coarse feel solid between your fingers; you can see them easily when held up against a contrasting background (they’re wider than a piece of sewing thread) and when you bend a coarse hair, it springs right back.

If you have coarse, frizzy strands, you can soften them while reducing frizz and tangles with the following 8 tips.

One of the most important things you can do to care for coarse hair is to choose the right hair products for your hair type, starting with your shampoo. If you have coarse hair, wash your hair with a moisturizing shampoo to infuse your dry strands with hydration and help maintain the integrity of the hair shaft.

Another option for those of you with exceptionally dry hair is to start incorporating co-washing into your routine. Co-washing is the practice of washing your hair with conditioner, instead of shampoo. With co-washing, the conditioner removes dirt, oil, and buildup cleaning your hair. Co-washing should be done at least once a week, depending on the texture of your hair.

Sleeping on silk protects your coarse, already dry hair from snarls, tangles, and damage. Silk pillowcases provide a frictionless surface that’s more gentle on your strands than a cotton one. Silk also absorbs less moisture, which means it helps your hair retain its natural oils and shine. Try to buy pure silk and avoid “silk-like” fabrics for the best results.

Coarse hair is best brushed gently when damp to help minimize frizz, flyaways, and tangling as it dries. Brushing damp hair also helps you pull the natural oils from your scalp down the lengths of your hair strands. These oils are your hair’s best conditioner. Use a high-quality nylon bristle brush with ample space between the bristles. Nylon bristles are best for coarse hair types. A round brush is useful for adding bends to a blow-dry, and a flat brush is the most versatile. The size of your brush depends on your hair’s density. The thicker your hair is, the bigger your brush should be. Additionally, you should avoid over-brushing your hair.

Having some air-dried hairstyles on hand will help you avoid the damage caused by hot tools like blow-dryers and flat irons. Try to limit the usage of these tools and when you use them, use them wisely. Use a heat protectant prior to styling and keep your routine short. Plan what you want to accomplish and get it done efficiently to minimize exposure. Also, keep the blow- dryer nozzle at least 6-inches away from your strands and don’t linger too long over one spot.

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