How To Wash Thin Hair Properly

The proper hair washing routine depends largely on your hair type. In order to understand how to best clean your hair, you have to become familiar with your hair type and its specific needs. That's why here, we’re sharing what defines thin hair, how to properly wash thin hair and the best shampoos for thin hair so that your strands look and feel their best.  

What Is Thin Hair?

Before diving into how to wash thin hair properly, it’s important to assess whether or not you actually have thin hair. People often use the terms thin hair and  fine hair interchangeably, but they’re not necessarily the same thing. The difference is that while thin hair refers to having fewer strands, fine hair refers to the density of each strand. If you have fine hair, you might have a ton of hair but each strand is slim. If you have thin hair, you likey don’t have much volume and might notice some thinning spots at your crown.

How To Wash Thin Hair

Washing your hair may seem totally intuitive, but it’s actually possible that you aren’t using your shampoo and conditioner in a way that caters to your hair type. When you have thin hair in particular, there are specific techniques to follow and products to use to ensure you’re being gentle on your strands, and we’re sharing them below. 

STEP #1: CHOOSE THE RIGHT SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER 

Not all shampoos and conditioners are the right fit for every hair type. For example, the best shampoo for thin hair is probably not the best shampoo for ultra-curly hair. When you have thin hair, you’ll want to opt for formulas which help to strengthen your strands and boost volume. Try the L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Thickening Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Thickening Conditioner which are formulated to reinforce and strengthen thin hair while remaining gentle on your mane. 

STEP #2: SHAMPOO AS USUAL

Start your cleansing routine by saturating your hair completely with water before breaking out your shampoo. Once your hair is thoroughly soaked, gently massage the shampoo onto your scalp, then rinse it out completely and move on to the next step. Having thin hair can often mean that excess oil and looks more obvious, so if you feel like your hair is extra oily, you can cleanse with shampoo a second time.

STEP #3: CONDITION—WITHOUT OVERDOING IT

Pick up the conditioner that coordinates with your shampoo and smooth it onto the lengths and ends of your hair. Be sure not to apply too much as that can weigh down your hair and make it look limp. No thanks! Most conditioners should be left on for one to three minutes, then you can rinse again. Remember not to leave behind any conditioner residue.

STEP #4: DRY GENTLY

Since hair is more fragile when it’s wet, be gentle when drying. Instead of using a bath towel to soak up the water, switch to a soft, cotton T-shirt or a microfiber hair towel, which will be gentler on your thin tresses. 

STEP #5: STYLE WITH LIGHTWEIGHT PRODUCTS

Hair creams, hair pomades, and any other products that are on the thicker side may be too heavy for your thin hair. If you want to embrace your natural hair texture, try using a lightweight mousse like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse. To apply it, shake the can, squeeze a quarter size amount into your hand and work the product through your hair. If you’re going to be heat styling your hair, make sure to always apply a heat protect first, like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slater Pre-Iron Spray Leave-In which defends against heat damage of up to 450 degrees.

Photo Credit: Jasmine Burnside