March 12, 2023

How to Wash & Style Thinning, Shedding Curly Hair

If you’re currently experiencing thinning hair or a lot of shedding, you may find wash day daunting because you know that you’re going to see a ton of hair fall. Thin curly hair also has challenges when it comes to styling such as your scalp showing and achieving volume.

In this routine, I’m going to be sharing and step by step wash day routine, including tips and products that I incorporate to keep my thinning hair healthy as it’s recovering. I’m also including tips for styling low-density hair and achieving fullness and volume.

I’m also partnering with Curlsmith to celebrate their 5th birthday with 20% off sitewide, now until March 13, 2022. Discount is valid on all products except the Defrizzion Hair Dryer. Shop the sale here before it ends!

Step-by-Step Routine

1. Pre-treat

Purpose:
-Remove tangles while the hair is dry because hair is in its strongest state when dry.
-Protect hair from breakage and protein loss when shampooing.
Who it’s best for:
-All hair types
-Especially high porosity/damaged hair
Frequency: Every wash day
Product: Any oil that absorbs & isn’t too thick, such as the Curlsmith Shine Oil
Alternative: Use a conditioner or primer
Tips for thinning hair:
-Excess shedding often causes more tangles and breakage, so removing the loose hairs before shampooing helps
-Prevent further breakage/shedding with oils

2. Clarify

Purpose:
-Remove buildup from the scalp & hair
-Maintain a healthy, clear scalp for hair growth
Who it’s best for: All hair types
Frequency: 1-4x per month, replaces shampoo
Product: Shampoo labeled as “clarifying” or “detox” such as Curlsmith Wash & Scrub Detox Pro-Biotic Shampoo
Tips for thinning hair:
-Be very gentle when shampooing
-Scalp massagers are great for lifting away stubborn buildup, but can cause more shedding

3. Deep Condition

Purpose: Deeply moisturize
Who it’s best for: All hair types
Frequency: 1-4x per month, replaces conditioner
Product: Deep conditioner or mask such as the Curlsmith Soothing Mask (protein-free) or Multi-tasking Conditioner (protein)
Tips for thinning hair:
-Incorporate protein to strengthen the hair for better length retention & prevent breakage

4. Prep – Optional

Purpose: Add volume
Who it’s best for: All hair types
Frequency: Every wash day
Product: Volumizer such as the Curlsmith Full Body Thickening Lotion or a foam
Tips for thinning hair:
-Use a product that helps create volume & fullness

5. Moisturize & Style

Purpose:
-Moisturize
-Enhance curls
-Strengthen (if using a cream with protein)
Who it’s best for: All hair types
Frequency: Every wash day
Product: Curl cream such as the Curlsmith Feather-Light Protein Cream or leave-in conditioner
Tips for thinning hair:
-Use lightweight stylers to avoid hair getting weighed down
-Incorporate protein if hair is also damaged
-Keep hair moisturized for optimal health

6. Style & Seal

Purpose:
-Define curls
-Control frizz
-Hold
Who it’s best for: All hair types
Frequency: Every wash day
Product: Gel such as the Curlsmith Shine Jelly
Tips for thinning hair:
-Brush the crown area up and back for cowlick covering
-Brush style or finger coil to “tuck in” flyaways and frizz from new growth or breakage
-Be very careful with any tension on the follicles
-Use products with slip to prevent tangles & shedding
-Use lighter hold if more fullness is desired

7. Diffuse & Fluff

Purpose:
-Dry your hair quicker
-Create volume & root lift
Who it’s best for: All hair types
Frequency: Every wash day
Product: Dryer & Diffuser attachment such as Curlsmith Defrizzion
Tips for thinning hair:
-Use low heat & don’t damage your ends
-Use the diffuser prongs for lift
-Use root clips for more lift

Optional – Scalp Serums

I’ve been using the Curlsmith Full Lengths Density Elixir & Scalp Booster daily for a few months now to help encourage hair growth. They’re designed to maintain a healthy scalp environment for optimal hair growth. They are non-greasy and absorb quickly. My curls don’t get messed up either when using them, as long as focus them on my scalp and massage underneath the hair.