Your hair’s texture is the most significant element in determining its personality. It’s the number one thing you should be thinking about when it comes to treating your strands, and more importantly, choosing your products. But, there’s a lot of confusion about what exactly, constitutes “fine hair”. Case and point: did you know that it’s possible to have fine, thick hair? So, as you can see, navigating its care can feel complicated. Below, Redken Artists Kyle Pinneo and Blake Reed Evans break down everything you need to know about fine hair, and the best way to care for your hair type.
HOW TO BEST CARE FOR FINE HAIR:
- Go light on product: “With fine hair you need to be careful not to overuse a product as too much of one thing can really weigh your hair down,” says Pinneo. He’s a fan of using dry shampoo, like Redken’s new Deep Clean Dry Shampoo, to add texture, and adding Triple Dry 15 for even more volume. A little bit of each worked in at the crown will go a long, long way.
- Turn down the hot tools: “Fine hair can be damaged so much easier than other types, so turn those hot tools down if you must use them,” says Pinneo. And while you should be using use a heat protectant on any texture of hair, it’s extra important to apply some on fine strands before styling, since they’re more prone to breakage.
- Strengthen, strengthen, strengthen: “Fine hair naturally lacks protein, so make sure to stock up on all of the strengthening treatments,” says Evans. He suggests Redken Extreme CAT for at-home use, and asking for the Redken Extreme Chemistry System in the salon to “make your hair even stronger.”
HOW TO TELL IF YOUR HAIR IS FINE
If your not sure whether or not your hair falls into the ‘fine’ category, Pinneo says there’s a DIY way to figure it out. “Take a single strand between your fingers and roll,” he says. If you DON’T feel the hair strand, you have fine hair. If you feel it between your fingers you have medium hair and if it feels thick or coarse, then you have coarse hair.” For an even easier litmus test, Evans suggests holding a strand of hair to a piece of paper—if it’s thinner than the paper, it’s considered fine.
WHAT IS FINE HAIR?
Contrary to popular belief, ‘fine’ hair is not the same thing as ‘thin’ hair. “‘Fine’ hair usually refers to a small diameter or width to the individual strand of hair. ‘Thin’ hair is having a lower abundance or number of hair strands on your head,” says Pinneo. In other words, it’s about the characteristics of the strands themselves—not how many of them you have. You could have fine, thick hair, which would mean you have a lot of delicate strands, but you should be treating them with fine-friendly products.
IF YOUR FINE HAIR IS OILY:
Use Detox Hair Cleansing Cream Shampoo
When you have an oily scalp, choosing the right shampoo is extremely important. Opt for this clariftying option, which uses chelating minerals and fruit acid to remove product build up, excess oil, and pollution residue to purify and refresh your hair and leave strands shining. “I like using Hair Cleansing Cream periodically, because it helps detox and remove any product buildup that might weigh my hair down or create greasiness,” says Pinneo.
Dry shampoo is an important element for extending the life of any blowout, but when you have fine hair it’s important to find one that won’t weigh you down (and won’t leave behind a pesky, baby-powder-white finish). Redken’s Deep Clean fits the bill, using ingredients like rice and tapioca starch to fight greasy, oily roots up to four days (or more!) after your last wash.
IF YOUR FINE HAIR IS DRY:
Use All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner
All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner are the ultimate go-to for hydrating hair, no matter the texture. They’re formulated with argan oil, which is a key ingredient in promoting softer, smoother hair. Despite being infused with oil, they’re ultra lightweight, and won’t weigh down strands when you step out of the shower.
IF YOU’RE SEEKING MORE VOLUME:
Use High Rise Volume Lifting Shampoo and Conditioner
Redken’s signature volumizing products are perfect for adding some oomph before you even step out of the shower. They’re made with a body-boosting blend of filloxane plus softening and silicone polymers, which works on every strand to give your whole head a volumized look that’s extra smooth and shiny.
Use Guts 10 Volumizing Spray Foam
If your hair is falling flat at the crown, give it a little lift with this volumizing foam. The foamy texture is easy to apply, and allows you to target specific areas within your look. “Guts 10 is my favorite go-to for building added texture to the scalp,” says Pinneo. Apply it to your scalp to lift your roots and add some texture, then pat it through your strands for a little extra frizz control.
Use Triple Dry 15 Medium Control Dry Texturizing Spray
Amp up the volume on any wavy style with this texturizing spray. It offers an effortless, beachy texture with a barely-there finish that will never leave you with any crunch or build-up. For the perfect natural-looking undone texture, wavy look, this should be your pick.
FOR ALL FINE HAIR TYPES:
Use Extreme Anti-Snap Leave-In Treatment
Since fine hair is prone to breakage, it’s important to use a product that will help maintain its strength. This leave-in conditioner uses proteins, ceramides, and a fortifying complex to protect against chemical damage, heat damage, mechanical damage, surface damage, and hair breakage, giving strands the strength it needs.
Use Iron Shape 11 Heat Protectant Spray
Heat protection is necessary no matter what type of hair you have, and fine strands are no exception. This lightweight (and not-at-all sticky) spray can be used before your hot tools to prevent damage, while also de-frizzing and adding shine. And if you want a heat spray with a little extra hold, opt for Hot Sets 22 Thermal Setting Mist, which has all the same benefits and will lock your style in place all day.
*Reposted from Redken’s Blog