Caring for fine hair doesn’t have to be cumbersome. Use this fine hair checklist PDF to remind you of all things you need to do and the things you shouldn’t do. If you have fine high density hair, you may exercise discretion. Know your hair.
When it comes to taking care of fine hair, there aren’t many things you need to do (or not do) differently than those who have thicker stands.
Yet, while there are few actions they are important if you want to maintain the length of your hair. Let’s start with your Don’ts list
Fine Hair Don’t Do’s
When it comes to the health and strength of fine, thin hair avoid doing these things:
- Back combing – this frays the cuticle of your already fragile strands of hair
- Leaving your hair out – while you can certainly enjoy wearing your hair out from time to time, this should not be a regular thing. At least, not if you are looking to retain length
- Twirling your ends – this lends to too much manipulation; if you are styling your hair and need to twirl, be sure your ends are moisturized and you are sealing while twirling.
- Flat ironing – this is debatable for some but if you have fine hair and want to prevent heat damage or breakage, it’s best to avoid the flat iron. Using a gentle blow dryer to stretch your hair is much better. For super fine and lower dense hair, this may even be enough to “straighten” your hair sufficiently.
- Braid or twist small sections – Braids and twists are great styles to put your hair away but if you do them too small, you are creating an atmosphere for breakage when it’s time to take them down.
- Compare your hair to others – this isn’t necessarily something that will affect the health of your hair but it will affect your appreciation of your own.
- Do styles exactly like those with thick hair – while you may be able to do some hairstyles like those with thicker hair, the outcome will not be the same so don’t expect it. You may need to tweak your technique, products used or avoid the style altogether. Of course, test it out and if all else fails, throw it in a bun.
- Use heavy oils and butters on your curls – these are OK when protective styling but will weigh fine hair down and your curls will look stringy and flat.
Fine Hair Do’s
Now, let’s take a look at the things you want to do for your fine hair to thrive. There are nearly as many do’s as there are don’ts and these are just as important for the health of your fine strands if not more-so.
- Use protein – you may have heard of protein sensitivity; it’s just not a thing. What is a thing (or things) is using the wrong type of protein for your hair. Also, using it too often (not needed) AND/OR not balancing your protein treatments with moisturizing, deep conditioning.
- Add herbs and essential oils to your hair products – these are so beneficial to the health of your hair. Is it 100% necessary to use them? No, but why not if they are going to supercharge your hair regimen? Personally, my hair has never been stronger since adding herbs and essential oils to my products. Some I DIY. Others, I add to commercial products that are just….lacking.
Check out: Top 5 Herbs for a Complete Hair Regimen - Short Term Protective Style 80-90% of the time – leaving your hair out is a recipe for accelerated wear and tear. Protect your fragile strands by tucking them away most of the time. This doesn’t mean neglecting your hair though.
- Finger Detangle FIRST – This will remove most shed hair in the gentlest way but a detangling tool such as a large tooth (and seamless) comb or flexible detangling brush is necessary for effective detangling and removal of shed hairs.
- Keep your hair stretched – this is actually a good practice for everyone with natural hair. It reduces single strand knots and tangles. When fine hair tangles, it breaks easier so you can prevent this by keeping your hair stretched.
- Apply styling products from mid-shaft down – this reduces “flat” roots and allows for a bit more volume; styling products can sometimes weigh fine hair down. Especially those containing oils.
- Create 1-2 Go To “Recovery” Styles – If you like to try new hairstyles from time to time, you probably noticed many of those times your hair falls flat. In these instances you don’t want to be stuck with lack luster hair. Having 1 or 2 alternate styles (I like to call these recovery styles) will help you get your hair presentable with less fuss if a new style you tried just isn’t working out.
As someone who has had fine hair for well over 50 years of my life, I’ve discovered that this checklist of do’s and don’ts for fine hair are what have kept my hair healthy and looking its best.
Additional Resources to Care for Fine Hair
Free Protective Styling Checklist Guide (however, don’t use the link to sign up for the mailing list. I’m changing providers and will update soon)
Fine Hair Care Routines (for Fine Natural Hair) – Doing Fine Hair Better
Hair Planners & Journals
Printable hair care planners, journals and planner insert pages
Christian Life Planners & Journals
Christian Worksheets
Money Savings for Beauty Expenses
Printable savings challenges and trackers to help pay for beauty services and products. Fun ways to save money for hair care, skin care, and all beauty related things.
All Products
Lastly, if you want to pin this fine hair checklist PDF for future reference, here’s an image for ya. You can also download the PDF version here.
