Today we’re talking about fine hair. It’s so fine that sometimes it blows our mind (10 points if you got the reference)!
Why is my hair so flat?
Fine hair is all about the diameter of your individual hair strands, which are smaller than those found in medium or coarse hair. This natural trait is largely genetic in men and women, and the thickness of your hair is basically determined from birth. However, environmental factors, hormonal changes, diet, and age can also influence hair texture and density. This sometimes leads to finer strands over time. One to keep an eye on.
Symptoms of fine hair include a lack of volume, a tendency to become oily quickly, and difficulty holding styles. This can result in a ‘flat’ effect. Because each strand is thin, fine hair can also appear sparse, especially when men are experiencing hair loss or thinning. In fine hair, this is more noticeable, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you are losing your hair!
What’s the science behind flat hair?
The small diameter of fine hair means it has less protein structure than thicker hair, making it lighter in weight and more prone to lying flat against the scalp. This lack of volume is also exacerbated by the scalp's natural oils, which travel down the hair shaft more quickly in fine hair, weighing it down and making it appear limp.
OK, understood. So how can I get volume in my hair?
Getting some volume in your hair starts with the right haircut. Ask your barber for a good men’s haircut for thinning hair. Growing it out, so it’s longer on top and adding layers can add movement and depth, creating the illusion of thicker hair. Growing your hair can also cover a receding hairline. Using a blow dryer is another effective technique for boosting volume. Using a round brush to lift hair at the roots while drying can establish a fuller foundation. You could dry your hair upside down too to increase this effect!
Experimenting with different hairstyles can also maximize volume. Making your hair curly or wavy creates space between hair strands, making hair feel and appear fuller and thicker. Tools like curling irons and hot rollers can be used on low heat settings to minimize damage while achieving long-lasting volume. Yes, even for men! Try your partner’s tools out - they might work for you!
Which hair product is best for adding volume?
Let’s start with shampoos
A great hair care routine is essential. Start with a shampoo that’s tailored to fine hair, which employs specific ingredients to boost volume. For example, Horace Fine Hair Shampoo contains rice protein and is clinically proven to add volume.
What about a conditioner?
Contrary to the common misconception that conditioner can weigh down fine hair, using the right type of conditioner is crucial for maintaining its health and volume. Lightweight, volumizing conditioners that are designed specifically for fine hair can provide essential hydration and nutrients without the heavy residues that cause flatness. Just make sure to select one that corresponds to your hair type - whether that’s oily, normal, dry, or very dry!
Conditioners fortified with proteins and amino acids can help to strengthen the hair shaft from within, reducing breakage and promoting a fuller appearance. Applying conditioner mainly to the ends of the hair and avoiding the roots prevents the scalp's oils from being overly distributed, ensuring that volume is not compromised.
Last but not least: styling
When it comes to styling your hair, less is more; look for lightweight mousse products, volumizing products, and sprays (like Horace Texturizing Styling Spray, for example) that support the hair without weighing it down. For added texture and volume, apply these sprays (or a dry shampoo) to the roots, to give extra lift without the heaviness of traditional styling products.
So there you have it! Now you’ve got the inside story on the causes of fine hair, and plenty of pointers on how to approach it. We hope we’ve given you the tools to transform your hair into a voluminous, vibrant style that reflects who you are. Bring on a great hair day!