Flat Hair Hacks: Learn How To Perfectly Style Your Thick Hair For A Sleek, Effortless Look
What To Know
- But fear not, with the right techniques and products, you can tame your thick hair and make it lay flat, giving you a polished and sophisticated look.
- Use a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from damage, then section your hair and iron each section in small, even passes.
- Embrace your thick hair and find ways to style it that enhance its natural beauty, rather than trying to force it into a style that doesn’t suit it.
Thick hair is often a blessing, adding volume and texture to your locks. However, it can also be a challenge to style, especially if you want to achieve a sleek, flat look. Thick hair tends to be more prone to frizz and flyaways, making it difficult to control and keep in place. But fear not, with the right techniques and products, you can tame your thick hair and make it lay flat, giving you a polished and sophisticated look.
1. Wash and Condition Properly
The foundation of healthy, manageable hair starts with a proper wash and conditioning routine. Opt for shampoos and conditioners designed for thick hair, which typically contain ingredients that help weigh it down and reduce frizz. Avoid harsh sulfates and parabens that can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and increased frizz.
2. Use a Leave-In Conditioner or Serum
After washing, apply a leave-in conditioner or serum to damp hair, focusing on the ends. These products help detangle, hydrate, and smooth your hair, making it more manageable and less prone to frizz. Look for leave-in conditioners with ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, or shea butter, which are known for their moisturizing and smoothing properties.
3. Blow Dry with a Round Brush
Blow drying is a key step in achieving a flat, sleek look for thick hair. Start by rough-drying your hair with a medium heat setting, using your fingers to separate the strands and remove excess water. Once your hair is about 80% dry, switch to a round brush and begin blow drying section by section. Roll the brush away from your face as you dry, pulling the hair taut to create a smooth, flat surface.
4. Use a Flat Iron
If you want a pin-straight look, follow up blow drying with a flat iron. Use a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from damage, then section your hair and iron each section in small, even passes. Avoid running the flat iron over the same section multiple times, as this can cause heat damage and breakage.
5. Try a Hair Mask
Once a week, treat your thick hair to a deep conditioning hair mask. Hair masks are intensive treatments that penetrate the hair shaft, providing deep hydration and nourishment. Look for masks that contain ingredients like coconut oil, avocado, or honey, which are known for their moisturizing and smoothing properties. Apply the mask to damp hair, leave it on for the recommended time, and rinse thoroughly.
6. Avoid Over-Styling
One of the best ways to keep thick hair from getting frizzy and unruly is to avoid over-styling. Excessive heat styling, chemical treatments, and harsh brushing can all contribute to damage and frizz. Limit your use of heat styling tools, and when you do use them, be sure to use a heat protectant spray. Avoid brushing your hair when it’s dry, as this can cause breakage and frizz. Instead, brush your hair while it’s wet and detangled, using a wide-toothed comb or detangling brush.
7. Get Regular Trims
Regular trims are essential for maintaining healthy, manageable thick hair. Trimming off split ends prevents them from traveling up the hair shaft, which can cause frizz and breakage. Aim for a trim every 6-8 weeks to keep your hair looking its best.
Embrace Your Natural Texture
While it’s possible to achieve a flat, sleek look with thick hair, it’s important to remember that your natural texture is beautiful and unique. Embrace your thick hair and find ways to style it that enhance its natural beauty, rather than trying to force it into a style that doesn’t suit it. With the right care and styling techniques, you can have thick, healthy hair that is both manageable and stylish.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: How often should I wash my thick hair?
A: The frequency of washing depends on your hair type and lifestyle. Generally, thick hair can be washed every 2-3 days. Avoid washing your hair too frequently, as this can strip it of its natural oils and lead to dryness and frizz.
Q: Can I use regular shampoo and conditioner on my thick hair?
A: It’s best to use shampoos and conditioners designed for thick hair, as they typically contain ingredients that help weigh it down and reduce frizz. Regular shampoos and conditioners may not be able to effectively cleanse and moisturize thick hair, leading to dryness and frizz.
Q: What are some natural ways to flatten thick hair?
A: There are several natural ways to flatten thick hair, such as using coconut oil, aloe vera gel, or avocado masks. These ingredients have moisturizing and smoothing properties that can help weigh down thick hair and reduce frizz. You can also try wrapping your hair in a silk or satin scarf at night to help keep it smooth and prevent frizz.