September 12, 2021

How to Style Low-Density/Thin Curls, Dos & Don’ts

Do you have thin curly hair and struggle to cover your scalp and get fullness and volume? For today’s video, I’m going into detail about all the techniques I do when styling my low-density curly hair, including does and don’ts.

I wanted to preface by saying there is nothing wrong with low-density hair and it’s not something you have to “fix”! Thin curls are just as beautiful as thick hair. For those of us that prefer a more voluminous look, I’m simply sharing some ways to achieve that. There is no right or wrong way to style your curls, and if you’re doing and of these “don’ts” and they’re working for you, keep doing them!

What is Low-Density Hair?

Low-density hair is also referred to as “thin” curly hair, meaning you may be able to see your scalp. To measure your hair, gather your dry hair into a ponytail and measure the circumference with a measuring tape.

Less than 2 inches around = low-density hair

2-3 inches around = medium density hair

More than 3 inches around = high-density hair

Low-Density vs. Fine Curly Hair

There is a difference between texture and density. Hair texture refers to the thickness of the individual hair strand itself. Fine hair cannot easily be felt between the fingers and may be hard to see when a shed hair is laying on a surface. Coarse hairs are thick, often dark, and can easily be felt between your fingers. They also sometimes feel rough or bumpy if you slide your fingers down a strand. It’s common to have multiple textures.

My Hair Type

My hair is 50% medium and 50% coarse. It’s also low-density, so I don’t have a ton of hair on my head and I can see my scalp in thin areas. I still incorporate many tips for fine-curly hair because it’s also easy to weigh down low-density hair and volume is often the goal for both.

Do’s & Don’ts When Styling Low-Density Curls

DO Dry detangle with pre-poo oil to prevent matting & tanlges when washing.
- Don’t go straight in and lather up tangled curls
DO Use a lathering shampoo
- Don’t use a co-wash as your only cleanser if your hair gets weighed down or is oily
DO Deep conditioner weekly or every other week
- Don’t apply it to your roots if it gets weighed down. Another option is to deep condition before shampooing.
DO Rinse & style upright if possible. If rinsing upside down, be sure to brush hair in the upright position after rinsing.
- Don’t begin to style with your hair all pulled forward upside down.
DO towel dry hair and then spritz water where needed before applying stylers.
- Don’t style soaking, dripping wet. This dilutes your product, clumps curls too much to where your scalp shows, and takes forever to dry.
DO Apply a lightweight curl cream or leave-in for moisture
- Don’t use heavy butters or oils. Avoid shea butter, cocoa butter, and coconut oil for example.
DO Use a thin, gel formula or mousse
- Don’t use heavy, thick gels that contain butters and oils.
DO Use a styling brush to create seperated ringlets, finger coil, etc. Pickup vertical sections, curling random pieces and not your whole head.
- Don’t create large, thick curl clumps. Avoid sectioning if you want more volume.
DO direct hair up and away from scalp, and pickup horizontal sections at crown to cover the scalp and any cowlicks
- Don’t brush downwards only when styling
DO microplop
- DON’T plop (it presses product and hair against the scalp) or go straight to diffusing with soaking wet hair
DO diffuse your hair compeltely dry, and use the diffuser prongs to create lift at the roots.
- Don’t air dry if you want volume
DO fluff and scrunch out the crunch or gel cast for a softer, fuller look
1. Don’t leave it flat, stuck to the scalp, and crispy