How To Maintain Thick, Full And Unruly Hair
Thick hair has enough volume and bounce to spare, but a common question we get asked is; how can we control this hair?
Having thick, bouncy locks that ooze volume is a desire for many, but the reality is that this type of hair can have a mind (and body) of its own. For some, this full-bodied look comes easy and for others, it may seem like a distant desire.
But with the right products and routine, managing thick and full hair is really quite simple. Here are our recommended tips and products to help manage your full head of hair.
Assess your current hair products
For thick and wildly unmanageable hair, it’s important to assess the type of products you are currently using that are meant to control and maintain your unruly hair.
Assess the products you’re using, and ask yourself: “Is this product helping to soften my hair or is it adding extra volume I don’t need?” For example, using volumising shampoo and conditioner on thick and full hair will only make your hair frizzy, rather than adding texture and value to your ‘do’. In this instance, rather opt for products that are meant to control your thick hair.
By better understanding what type of hair you have and how it is reacting to products, you can learn to make better decisions on how to maintain your hair’s health and better protect it from elements such as heat and cheap shampoos.
Cheryl’s top tips:
“Nourishment and self-care is number one when managing one’s own hair. Correct shampoos and conditioners would be your first step in the right direction. Once a week treatment is also recommended, along with hair styling products that help to smooth and control the thickness of your hair. Longer hair that extends past your shoulders will help to weigh down and lengthen rather than widen unruly hair, so consider growing your hair out if it’s currently a bit short.”
Change up your routine
For many, the routine of hair washing is usually “wash when needed”, but getting into a healthy washing routine with your hair can help manage it all the better.
The “wash when needed” routine for many also often occurs after a long hard day and not necessarily in the busy rush of the morning – we get it. If you prefer to shampoo and condition your hair at night and style your hair dry in the morning, there are a few really good tips we suggest you follow.
- After shampooing and conditioning, it’s important for you to towel dry your hair thoroughly, before applying a smoothing creme or oil to enhance shine and softness, and, very importantly, heat protection to aid and protect while dry styling your hair the next day.
- After treating your hair, give it a really good brushing. A good brush for wet and dry hair is an important accessory for anyone but especially those with thick locks. Paddle brushes and MyDetangler are always good to have.
- Let your hair air dry as much as possible and then style at leisure. Should you happen to go to bed with damp hair, do not use elastic bands of any kind, but rather a soft silky scrunchy.
Other products that might help? For those dreaming of slick and manageable hair volume – consider the use of serums and oils that can get your strands sleek and straight. Using dry shampoo daily could also be adding unnecessary volume, so you may want to consider reducing the number of times you use it.
Cheryl’s top tips:
“Washing hair with steaming hot water will not only leave it dry and brittle and prone to breakage, and will also fade your colour treated hair as well. It’s important to also not over-wash your hair, but washing your hair too little will also mean that your hair follicles can become clogged with sebum (that is natural oils secreted from the scalp) and hair styling products – so try to find a good balance, twice a week will suffice. A treatment should be applied at least once a week to maintain healthy hair and give it extra shine.”
A few brilliant products to get you started in the right direction
Joico Defy Damage repairs hair damage with smart repair systems that replace the exact keratin proteins lost in damaged and fragile hair, targeting only the damaged areas. Defy Damage hair care products can also be used on all hair types, not only full and thick hair.
Recommended Products
Protective Shampoo – Joico
FOR BOND STRENGTHENING & COLOR LONGEVITY
With a rich, luxurious lather featuring damage-preventing ingredients, this gentle daily cleanser swiftly sloughs away dirt, impurities, and buildup without roughing up the hair cuticle or stripping vibrant color.
The result: shiny, smooth, clean strands
Protective Conditioner – Joico
FOR BOND STRENGTHENING & COLOR LONGEVITY
Replenish moisture and build resilience every day without weighing hair down.
Here’s Why You’ll Love It
Helps prevent and protects from daily damage
Boosts vital moisture
Instantly detangles
Leaves hair soft, shiny, and healthy
Protective Masque – Joico
FOR BOND STRENGTHENING & COLOR LONGEVITY
This powerful at-home treatment goes deep to infuse hair with a brilliant, bond-strengthening defense system. The result? Less breakage, more protection from heat styling; and hair has instant softness and shine…the kind you can see and feel on contact.
Protective Shield-Joico
TO GUARD AGAINST THERMAL & UV DAMAGE
A true damage defense hero against the harsh effects of daily styling and exposure to UV and environmental pollution—helps prevent damage and guards against color fade for beautiful, vibrant, healthy-looking hair. Used prior to styling, hair is fortified inside and out.
Cheryl’s top tips:
“A daily, thorough scalp massage should form part of your regular hair care regime to promote healthy hair. Applying a gentle circular motion to the scalp increases blood circulation to the hair roots, which not only increases hair renewal that will ensure your thick hair is always looking healthy. This can be followed by a hair mask or treatment that is designed to assist in damage and repair.”
As always, if you have any questions, let us know, we would be more than happy to assist you in your hair care journey.