Coarse hair is often misunderstood, but it doesn’t have to be difficult to manage. If your hair feels thicker, rougher, or drier than most, you might have coarse hair.
While it can be prone to dryness, frizz, and split ends, the right care routine can keep it healthy and strong.
Whether your coarse hair is natural or caused by styling habits, knowing how to care for it makes all the difference.
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What is coarse hair?
Coarse hair has thick individual strands that you can feel when rolling a single strand between your fingers. It can be straight, wavy, curly, or coiled and is often stronger but less flexible than other hair types.
Unlike fine or medium hair, coarse hair has a larger diameter, making it more resistant to damage but also more prone to dryness. Because the strands are thick, natural oils from the scalp take longer to travel down the hair shaft, which can lead to a rough or dry texture.
Some people are born with coarse hair, while others may develop it over time due to ageing, heat damage, or certain health conditions.
A simple way to check if your hair is coarse is to compare a single strand to a piece of sewing thread. If your hair feels just as thick or thicker than the thread, it is considered coarse.
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What causes coarse hair?
Coarse hair can be a natural trait, but sometimes, changes in hair texture happen due to different factors. Here are some common reasons why hair can become coarse:
- Genetics – If your family members have coarse hair, you may naturally have it too.
- Frequent heat styling – Using flat irons, curling wands, or blow dryers at high heat can strip moisture and make hair feel rough.
- Chemical treatments – Hair dyes, relaxers, and perms weaken the hair shaft, leading to a coarse texture.
- Ageing – As people get older, their hair often loses moisture and becomes drier and rougher.
- Nutritional deficiencies – A lack of iron, biotin, or vitamin D can lead to changes in hair texture.
- Medical conditions – Conditions like hypothyroidism or hormonal imbalances can cause hair to become coarse.
- Medications – Some medications, including steroids and chemotherapy drugs, can change hair texture.
Coarse hair vs. Thick hair: What’s the difference?
Coarse hair refers to the thickness of each individual strand, while thick hair refers to how many strands you have on your scalp.
Someone can have coarse hair but not a lot of it, meaning their hair isn’t necessarily thick. On the other hand, a person with thick hair might have many strands, but each one could be fine or medium in diameter.
Understanding the difference between these terms is important when choosing the right hair care routine. If your hair is coarse, it needs extra moisture to stay soft and manageable. If your hair is thick, it may need lightweight products to avoid looking weighed down.
12 expert-approved tips for managing coarse hair
Here are 12 simple ways to keep coarse hair soft, manageable, and healthy:
- Use a moisturising shampoo without sulfates.
- Apply deep conditioners and hair masks weekly.
- Try co-washing to maintain hydration.
- Avoid alcohol-based hair products.
- Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction.
- Minimise heat styling and use a heat protectant.
- Apply lightweight oils and serums for moisture.
- Eat a balanced diet with hair-nourishing vitamins.
- Use a wide-tooth comb or boar bristle brush.
- Get regular trims to prevent split ends.
- Use protective hairstyles to reduce damage
- Stay hydrated to maintain softer strands
1. Use a moisturising shampoo without sulfates
A good shampoo sets the foundation for healthy hair. Coarse hair tends to be dry because natural scalp oils don’t spread easily along thick strands. Using a shampoo that hydrates rather than strips moisture is key.
Look for shampoos labelled moisturizing, hydrating, or nourishing. Ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera, and glycerin help keep hair soft and prevent breakage.
Avoid shampoos with sulfates, as they create too much lather and remove natural oils, making hair even drier. If you feel your hair getting rough or brittle, switching to a gentler shampoo can make a huge difference.
2. Apply deep conditioners and hair masks weekly
Deep conditioning is one of the best ways to keep coarse hair smooth and manageable. Unlike regular conditioners, deep conditioners and hair masks penetrate the hair shaft, giving long-lasting moisture.
Some great ingredients to look for in a deep conditioner or hair mask include:
- Avocado oil – Strengthens and softens the hair.
- Shea butter – Deeply hydrates and reduces frizz.
- Honey – Acts as a natural humectant, drawing moisture into the hair.
- Coconut oil – Helps prevent protein loss and keeps hair strong.
Try using a hair mask once a week for intense hydration. If your hair is extremely dry, twice a week may be better. Apply it from mid-length to the ends, leave it on for 15-30 minutes, then rinse with cool water to lock in moisture.
3. Try co-washing to maintain hydration
Co-washing is short for "conditioner washing," meaning you wash your hair with conditioner instead of shampoo. This method helps remove dirt while keeping natural oils intact, making it perfect for people with very dry, coarse hair.
When co-washing, use a silicone-free conditioner and massage your scalp well to remove buildup. This method can make hair feel softer and reduce frizz.
Some people do co-washing every other wash, while others replace shampooing altogether. It depends on what works best for your hair.
4. Avoid alcohol-based hair products
Many hair sprays, gels, and mousses contain alcohol, which can dry out coarse hair and make it feel even rougher. While these products may provide short-term styling benefits, they often strip moisture from the hair, leaving it frizzy and brittle.
Not all alcohols are bad for hair, though. Fatty alcohols like cetearyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol actually help retain moisture and keep hair soft.
The ones to watch out for are ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and denatured alcohol, as they can cause dryness and breakage over time.
When shopping for hair products, check the ingredient list and choose alcohol-free formulas whenever possible.
5. Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction
Switching to a silk pillowcase is one of the simplest ways to prevent hair damage while you sleep. Cotton pillowcases absorb moisture, leaving hair dry and tangled by morning. Silk, on the other hand, creates less friction, helping to keep hair smooth and frizz-free.
If a silk pillowcase isn’t an option, you can also wrap your hair in a satin or silk scarf before bed. This helps lock in moisture and protects hair from breakage while you sleep.
6. Minimize heat styling and use a heat protectant
Heat styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons can weaken coarse hair over time. Since coarse hair already tends to be dry, frequent heat exposure can lead to split ends, frizz, and brittleness.
If you must use heat, follow these simple rules:
- Use a heat protectant spray before styling to add a layer of protection.
- Keep the heat setting low to medium-high heat is unnecessary and can cause damage.
- Hold the dryer at least six inches away from your hair to prevent overheating.
- Limit heat styling to once or twice a week to maintain moisture levels.
Letting your hair air dry whenever possible can help keep it soft and healthy. If you prefer blow drying, using a diffuser on low heat can reduce frizz while keeping hair smooth.
7. Apply lightweight oils and serums for moisture
Oils and serums help lock in moisture and smooth the hair cuticle, making coarse hair feel softer and easier to manage. However, not all oils work the same way. Thick, heavy oils can weigh down hair, while lightweight oils provide hydration without making hair greasy.
Some of the best oils for coarse hair include:
- Argan oil – Lightweight and great for frizz control.
- Macadamia oil – Helps soften and strengthen hair.
- Almond oil – Rich in vitamins and absorbs quickly.
- Coconut oil – Deeply hydrating but should be used sparingly to avoid buildup.
Apply a few drops of oil or serum to damp or dry hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Too much oil can make hair look greasy, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
8. Eat a balanced diet with hair-nourishing vitamins
What you eat plays a big role in hair health. If your diet lacks important nutrients, your hair may feel rough, dry, or weak.
Some of the best foods for healthy hair include:
- Salmon and walnuts – Rich in omega-3 fatty acids that keep hair hydrated.
- Spinach and eggs – Packed with iron and biotin for strong strands.
- Sweet potatoes and carrots – High in vitamin A, which helps with scalp health.
- Green tea and berries – Full of antioxidants that support hair growth.
If you’re not getting enough nutrients from food, taking a biotin or vitamin D supplement may help. However, it’s always best to focus on a well-balanced diet first.
9. Use a wide-tooth comb or boar bristle brush
Brushing coarse hair the right way can make a big difference in how it looks and feels. Regular brushes with plastic bristles can cause breakage and frizz, while wide-tooth combs and boar bristle brushes help distribute natural oils and prevent tangles.
When brushing:
- Use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair to gently detangle without pulling.
- Brush dry hair with a boar bristle brush to smooth and distribute oils.
- Start from the ends and work your way up to avoid breakage.
Brushing gently and using the right tools can help keep coarse hair looking smooth and shiny.
10. Get regular trims to prevent split ends
Coarse hair is more prone to split ends, which can make it look dry and frizzy. Getting a trim every 6 to 8 weeks helps remove damaged ends and keeps hair looking fresh.
If you’re trying to grow your hair out, regular trims might seem counterproductive, but they actually help prevent breakage, allowing hair to grow longer and healthier.
If visiting a salon regularly isn’t an option, learning to trim your ends at home with sharp hair-cutting scissors can help maintain your hair between professional cuts.
11. Use protective hairstyles to reduce damage
Wearing protective hairstyles can help shield coarse hair from breakage, dryness, and split ends. Styles like braids, twists, buns, and low ponytails keep the hair tucked away, reducing exposure to friction and environmental stress.
A few things to keep in mind when wearing protective styles:
- Avoid styles that are too tight, as they can pull on the scalp and cause hair loss over time.
- Moisturise your hair before styling to keep it hydrated while it's tucked away.
- Limit long-term protective styles to 4-6 weeks, so hair doesn’t become dry or brittle.
Protective hairstyles can be a great way to let your hair rest from daily styling while keeping it healthy.
12. Stay hydrated to maintain softer strands
Drinking enough water isn’t just good for your skin—it also helps keep your hair hydrated from the inside out. When your body is dehydrated, your scalp produces less natural oil, making coarse hair feel even drier.
To keep hair healthy, aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day. You can also add water-rich foods like cucumbers, oranges, and watermelon to your diet for an extra hydration boost.
While deep conditioners and oils help externally, staying hydrated internally gives hair the moisture it needs to stay soft and strong.
Common myths about coarse hair (debunked!)
There are plenty of misconceptions about coarse hair, and many of them lead people to use the wrong products or care methods. Here are some of the most common myths—along with the truth behind them.
Myth #1: Coarse hair is always dry and damaged
Coarse hair is often thicker and stronger than other hair types, but that doesn’t mean it’s automatically dry or unhealthy. The key to keeping it soft and manageable is using moisturising products and avoiding ingredients that strip away natural oils.
People with coarse hair may need deeper hydration, but that doesn’t mean their hair is damaged. With the right routine, it can be just as smooth and healthy as any other hair type.
Myth #2: Coarse hair is hard to style
It’s true that coarse hair doesn’t always behave the same way as fine or medium hair, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to style. In fact, coarse hair often holds styles longer and can handle heat better—when properly protected.
Using the right techniques, such as working with damp hair, using heat protectant sprays, and opting for low-heat styling tools, makes a big difference. Whether you prefer sleek, straight looks or voluminous curls, coarse hair can be incredibly versatile.
Myth #3: Coarse hair and thick hair are the same
This is one of the biggest misunderstandings. Coarse hair refers to the thickness of each strand, while thick hair refers to the overall density of hair on the scalp.
Someone can have coarse hair but not a lot of it, while another person might have fine strands but a full head of thick hair. Understanding the difference helps when choosing the right products and styling techniques.
A holistic approach to your overall hair health
Taking care of coarse hair isn’t just about what you put on it—it’s also about how you care for your hair from the inside out.
Along with proper hydration, good nutrition, and gentle styling, using high-quality hair products can help keep strands strong and healthy.
One option some people find helpful is the Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Growth Routine. This three-step system includes a hair strength shampoo, a recovery conditioner, and the Bio-Pilixin activation serum, designed to support healthier, fuller-looking hair.
While results vary from person to person, some users have reported noticing less hair shedding within weeks and an improvement in hair thickness over time.
The routine is drug-free and clinically tested, making it a safe option for daily use.
If you're looking for ways to support overall hair health, a well-rounded routine like this—combined with good daily habits—can be worth exploring.
Conclusion
Caring for coarse hair doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right shampoo, deep conditioning treatments, and gentle styling habits, you can keep your hair soft, manageable, and healthy.
Moisture is key—hydrating products, protective hairstyles, and a well-balanced diet all play a role in keeping coarse strands strong.
By making small changes, like using a silk pillowcase, reducing heat styling, and applying nourishing oils, you can prevent dryness and frizz while embracing the natural beauty of your hair.
Whether your coarse hair is genetic or has changed over time, a little extra care goes a long way.
FAQs
Can you make coarse hair softer?
Yes! Keeping coarse hair soft starts with using hydrating shampoos and deep conditioners. Regular oil treatments, co-washing, and avoiding drying ingredients like sulfates and alcohol also help. Drinking enough water and eating nutrient-rich foods can improve hair softness from the inside out.
Is coarse hair harder to style?
Not necessarily. Coarse hair holds styles well, but it may require extra moisture and heat protection to keep it smooth. Using lightweight serums, the right brush, and working with damp hair can make styling easier.
Does ageing make hair coarse?
Yes, it can. As people get older, the scalp produces less natural oil, which can make hair feel drier and rougher. Hormonal changes and nutritional deficiencies can also affect hair texture. Regular deep conditioning and gentle care can help keep hair soft and healthy.
How often should you wash coarse hair?
It depends on your hair’s needs, but two to three times a week is a good starting point. Washing too often can strip moisture, while not washing enough can lead to buildup. If your hair feels dry, try co-washing or using a sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse without over-drying.
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