Do you fight tangles, deal with limp and lifeless hair, find that your hair breaks easily and then sometimes feel like you’ve been dipped in oil? Don’t worry! This just means that you have fine hair and are managing some of the most common fine hair problems. 

The good news is that you’re not alone. It may feel like you’re the only one who can’t get an incredible blowout or let their hair go days without washing, especially with today’s style trends, but you’re not. 

We often hear from people with fine hair and have come up with some of the best ways to deal with your common hair concerns. Now you can have great looking tresses without a constant struggle.

Solutions for tangled hair

Tangles are a big problem for people with fine hair since it simply tangles easier. But there are ways to fight the bird’s nest and give your hair a soft, sleek look that lasts.

Use a conditioner: A daily conditioner is essential for soft, well-moisturized hair. To avoid using too much, apply it just to the ends of your hair. Another way to avoid using too much is to try a leave-in conditioner for all-day detangling. 

Comb differently: Ditch the tiny comb and opt for a wide-toothed comb. Begin at your ends and detangle upward. Starting at the roots and pulling down will rip out hairs.

Brush then shower: Always brush before you shower. Pick a natural boar-bristle flat brush to get the best results. It’s not only more gentle on your hair, but it also disperses sebum down the hair shaft for added protection.

Keep essential oils: Promote oils that your body makes naturally by using a sulfate-free shampoo, then air-dry your hair as much as possible before using the blow dryer. If possible, skip the moisture-stripping dryer entirely.

Limp and lifeless hair remedies

Fine hair is not limp and lifeless, but it can easily look that way, as it lacks the strength to hold the body as more coarse hair does. These tips can help you boost your hair’s body.

Products for body: Find haircare products that are designed to add body and then use sparingly.

Styling tips: Blow dry your roots while bending over after most of the hair has air-dried to lift at the crown. Master drying with your fingers, so it doesn’t get pulled straight by a brush or comb.

Pick a haircut that uses layers to add body and movement, then use color with highlights and lowlights that create an illusion of depth.

Dry before bed: Never sleep on wet hair, it gets damaged while you’re sleeping and can break or be stuck in unflattering kinks.

Prevent hair breakage

Fine hair is more fragile than other types of hair, which is why it breaks easily. And when your hair is breaking more often, it’s hard to grow it out. These tips can help you avoid breakage, leaving a length to create the styles you want.

Careful when wet: Hair is most fragile when wet, so you must be careful in the shower to apply shampoo to the scalp, not ends, and massage gently. 

When you dry your hair, don’t rub it. You should squeeze or blot instead. Try to air-dry as much as possible or use a heat protectant and a diffuser. 

Eat biotin: Biotin is a B vitamin that’s closely linked to thinning hair. To strengthen and thicken your hair, eat foods rich in biotin like nuts, bananas, and eggs. We recommend this Farro with Bananas, Walnuts, and Dried Cranberries recipe. Start the day with hair-healthy foods.

Avoid friction: Friction causes breakage. Common places your hair meets friction: ponytails, barrettes, hats, scarves, cotton pillowcases and even clothing. 

Solutions for oily hair

It just doesn’t seem fair that fine hair needs moisture and yet your scalp gets oily. But there are ways to take this and make it into an advantage.

Shampoo daily: Fine hair needs daily cleaning. Make sure to choose a sulfate-free shampoo, and apply a small amount to your scalp. Use dry shampoo on the go or before bed, so it can absorb extra oil and add texture to your hair.

Fewer products: Rethink your products, as they tend to weigh hair down. If you must use them, apply only to the mid-length and end areas.

Final thoughts

Fine hair has some unique problems that other hair types don’t face but you can manage them by taking good care of your hair.

Create a shower routine that babies your locks when they’re wet and most fragile. Choose shampoos that are sulfate-free and designed to add body and volume to your hair. And when you get out of the shower, continue to treat your hair very gently until it is dry.

Learn what products work best for you and use them sparingly. Don’t over style, use too much heat or create friction situations.

Using this as a long-term approach will help you get a handle on your individual hair situation and learn to make the most of it. Eventually, you’ll be able to reap the rewards of healthy, silky fine hair.