Q+A THICK HAIR

We often get asked in the salon about how to tackle hair problems, so here are some specifically related to thick hair.

What is regarded as thick hair?

When we talk about thick hair we are referring to your hair's density or how much hair you have on your scalp. This is not to be confused with the texture or individual thickness of the hair strand. The texture and density of your hair are two different things and everybody has a combo of the two.

Can layers make my thick hair look thinner? Or should I get my hair thinned out?

Layers are great at creating more shape and they can also remove added bulk, this can give an appearance of less volume in your hair. Using thinning shears are a quick way of lessening bulk as well but deciding on how to take out weight depends on the hairstyle. Discuss with your stylist where you are finding heaviness and they can address what's the best approach to remove weight in your hair. An option which can be rather helpful for heads with thicker locks, is an undercut! It may sound a bit daunting but even a small undercut can be beneficial. Especially if you wear your hair down, the undercut is well disguised.

How often should I cut my thick hair?

It is usually recommended that in order to maintain a style you should get a haircut every six to eight weeks. However, it really depends on the kind of hairstyle you have and want. The shorter your hairstyle is, the more you will notice your hair growth. So sometimes you could even get your hair cut every four to five weeks to keep that cropped hairdo in check! But if you are wanting length and are trying to grow your hair out, we would suggest extending that time frame and push your haircuts out by a couple of weeks.

What kind of brushes should I be using for thick hair?

Usually brushes with nylon bristles are designed for thicker locks as they glide through the hair more easily. You should also look out for how the teeth are spaced, the wider spaced the bristles the better! A must have is the Tangle Teezer's large wet detangling brush to use while the hair is wet. It is the perfect size for thicker hair, it has a longer handle which makes it quick and easy to detangle through knots. For blowdrying, paddle brushes are great at achieving a quick, smooth blow dry for thick hair. The GHD paddle brush is particularly sturdy and covers more surface area than most brushes so you can take larger sections when drying. And if you want a brush that can do sleek or big and bouncy blow waves, round brushes are an excellent option. The GHD ceramic radial brush can hold a lot of volume of hair and the vented barrel is great for optimising a speedy dry. 

What's the best shampoo routine for thick hair?

A very common problem with thick hair is that you never get all your hair fully wet! we recommend making sure the nape of your neck is saturated before you go in for your first shampoo. If you feel like the product is not spreading out enough, just add more water to emulsify and that should help it go a bit further. It sounds silly and obvious but it really does make the world of difference. Usually, we would say two shampoos before using conditioner. But, if you only wash your hair once a week then a third shampoo isn't out of the question, just to get rid of any build up. Then only apply your conditioner to mid lengths and ends and make sure you squeeze out enough water so your conditioner isn't too diluted. Now grab a Tangle Teezer or a wide tooth comb to distribute evenly.

What are the best remedies for thick, damaged hair?

Ideally, the best remedy is a good old haircut. Getting a good chop can remove any damaged ends, preventing the hair to split even further up the hair shaft. The next best remedy would be conditioning treatments! Our new favourite is the Olaplex Number 8, it's an intense moisture mask that is perfect for thicker locks. It's easy to use as well. After shampooing just apply three pumps to your damp hair and using either a comb or fingers, rake it through your mid lengths to ends and leave it to sit for ten minutes, then rinse off! So simple.

What are some time saving hacks for drying my thick locks?

If you haven't tried a hair wrap, it will change your life! The Louvelle Riva Towel wraps are the best for when you are air drying. It cuts down on drying time by the towel absorbing most of the moisture in your hair. However, if you prefer to blow dry your hair we recommend removing as much excess moisture with a towel as you can before you start. Be sure to flip your hair upside down and dry the nape area first as that is prone to staying wet. Really blast your hair with a dryer until it's about eighty percent dry, then go in section by section with a brush to smooth over.