While volume may come naturally for folks with thick hair (and you can rock a mean bixie cut) keeping frizzy and poof at bay is always top of mind. And while there are lots of things you totally should be doing with your locks (like getting regular trims), sometimes it’s easier to remember what you should not do when it comes to thick hair, like over-washing your scalp. So, I chatted with two celebrity hairstylists to help me jot down five things you should never do with thick hair.
5 Things You Should Stop Doing If You Have Thick Hair
According to Celebrity Hairstylists
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Published Nov 27, 2024
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Meet the Experts
- Jennifer Korab is a celebrity hairstylist and owner of Renaissance Salon in New Jersey. She has over a decade of experience working in commercial, runway and editorial spaces. She is certified in all coloring techniques, haircutting and hand-tied extensions.
- Millie Morales is a celebrity hair stylist, makeup artist and beauty expert for Garnier. She has over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry with her work being featured in publications such as Cosmopolitan and PEOPLE en Español, as well as award shows like the Latin Grammys and Billboard Awards. Her clients include Karol G, Roselyn Sanchez and Alejandra Espinoza.
How Do I Know If I Have Thick Hair?
“Thick hair is characterized by the density and diameter of individual strands. They usually have a greater number of hair follicles and their strands tend to be coarser and stronger, resulting in a fuller, more voluminous appearance,” explains Korab. In styling terms, thick hair can hold styles better and appears fuller than thinner strands. However, Korab says it requires more moisture and maintenance “to prevent frizz and manage its natural weight.”
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1. Over-Washing Your Hair
There’s been an ongoing debate on how often you should wash your hair. Well, the experts say you should avoid washing it too frequently. “Over-washing can strip your hair of its natural oils, which can lead to dryness and frizz. It can also be more challenging to manage thick hair and cause your scalp to overproduce oil, creating an imbalance,” says Morales. Instead, stick to washing one to three times a week, using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
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2. Air-Drying Instead of Heat Styling
I’ll admit, I get lazy sometimes and prefer to air dry my hair instead of using a diffuser. However, if you have thick hair, according to Korab, air-drying can lead to unwanted frizz and puffiness. She explains, “Thick hair holds onto moisture longer, making it harder to achieve a smooth, controlled look. Air-drying can result in uneven textures and more frizz, especially in humid environments.” Consider picking up your blow dryer (or blow dryer brush) to manage your strands more effectively. One more thing: Don’t forget to apply some heat protectant to protect your hair and prevent any heat damage.
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3. Sleeping with Wet Hair
Do you think your hair is going to magically dry overnight while you snooze? Well, think again. “Sleeping with wet hair can cause tangles, frizz and breakage easily due to the friction of your pillow. It can also take a long time to dry. This can lead to scalp issues (like irritation or fungal infections) as moisture gets trapped against your scalp for an extended period of time,” explains Morales. And as #2 clearly states, dry your hair before bed, my friend.
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4. Using Heavy Creams or Butters
If you’re using thick styling creams or butters, chances are you’re weighing your hair down—resulting in greasy, flat hair. “Since thick hair naturally has more weight, adding heavy products can overwhelm it, leading to excess product build-up on your scalp, stands and ends,” says Korab. “This build-up can cause dullness, excess oil and a lack of volume, particularly if you're not regularly clarifying your hair.” To avoid this, the stylist suggests applying lightweight products like a leave-in conditioner or a lightweight hair oil. She also recommends incorporating a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove any build up and keep your thick hair manageable.
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5. Skipping Regular Trims
FYI: trimming your hair consistently is important. Morales warns that skipping out on your trim appointments can lead to split ends and breakage. “Thick hair takes longer to grow and some think thickness can hide damage, but if you don’t trim thick hair regularly, it makes your hair look dull and frizzy. The weight of thick hair can also lead to a flat appearance overall,” she says. Trim your ends at least 6 to 8 weeks to prevent split ends and maintain their shape. Morales adds, “Ask your stylists to add layers to reduce weight and give your hair movement.”
