Often, thick hair is admired by every woman. It, however, tends to become unmanageable hence difficult to style. This canopy shape makes the hair appear unkempt and frizzy. In order to avoid these conditions, it is advisable to thin out the hair. Beauty parlors have hair thinning processes known as hair texturing. These can be quite expensive especially if done on a regular basis. A homemade solution to thick hair provides an affordable and reliable way to manage thick hair.

How to Thin out Hair

There are simple methods you can use to get thinner hair. These include using thinning shears, razors, different styles, and change of routine.

1. Use thinning shears

• Buy the right thinning shears. Thinning shears are scissor like appliances with a thick serrated edge popularly used in salons. They reduce the volume and density of hair by 15% without distorting the shape and style of the hair. You can buy the thinning shears from a beauty store specializing in hair care supplies. You can also find them in the hair care section within the department stores.
• Begin with dry, clean hair. First, shampoo hair and dry normally. Use a blow drier if preferred and ensure that the hair is styled in its normal texture. Unlike regular hair trimming scissors, which require wet hair, the thinning shears are easily manipulated when the hair is dry. Dry hair allows you to see exactly how much volume should be removed to avoid over-thinning. Second, if you want to have full hair, avoid adding styling products to the hair as these tend to block the shearing process because you will not see and determine how much to trim out.
• Thin a fist-sized strand of hair. For an effective trimming process, thin out one section of the hair first. Follow by thinning other sections until you cover the whole back.
• Cut your hair down the shaft. Before you open the shears, place them halfway through your hair shaft and close it over your hair. Open the shears and move them to about half an inch below your hair length. Close the shears and repeat the process on the lower part of your hair. If your hair is fuller at the tips, you need to begin thinning at a lower level and remove smaller sections of the hair. Do not start the thinning process too close to the roots. Since the thinning shears reduce your hair in bits and pieces, it is advisable that you start trimming from the lowest level.
• Comb the thinned hair. To check if the hair is appropriately thinned out, comb the hair a few times. This will reveal any thick sections for further trimming. If need be, thin the sections again to remove the extra pieces of hair for a new look.
• Go on with the rest. Using the same process, even the hair by the sections. Do this by trimming each section equally. You can take a step backwards and view the new look for a perfect fix.

2. Use razors

Razor cutting involves cutting out hair in measured percentages at a time. To cut a measured size of your hair, use a safety razor to run down the hair. Hold the hair base with one hand and apply tension on the razor, cutting the right portion. In order to effectively thin out the right amount of hair, experiment by pressing against the razor and holding the hair with the thumb. The thumb pressure against the razor edges controls how much pressure is used in the cutting process for effective measurements.

Watch a video: how to thin out your hair with sheers or a razor

3. Style the hair differently

• Get a long layered cut if your hair has a triangle head shape defined by full hair that is thick and bushy. You can thin it by creating a balanced hair volume. Redistribute the volume of your hair for sleek hair that is less puffed up. A stylist can help reduce full and heavy hair for long hair that is thinned out. Avoid straight across cuts and short cuts because these can cause the hair to mushroom and hence become unmanageable. For hair that is thick and full of volume, pay attention to the layers.
• Keep your hair straight by straightening your hair permanently or temporarily to reduce the volume of your hair for a thinner, sleek, and shiny look. You can use a round brush to blow dry your hair, use a straightener, or chemical treatment.

4. Change hair care routine

• Wash in cold water. Hot water opens the hair shaft making the hair frizzy and voluminous. When taking a hot shower, cover hair with a cap and use cold water to wash hair afterwards. Cold or lukewarm water flattens hair and reduces puffiness.
• Wash less often. Daily cleansing of the hair removes natural oils leaving the hair dry, bushy and rough. If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, wash after 3 or 4 days to give it time to rejuvenate.
• Use apple cider vinegar. For softened supple hair that is thinned out, mix half vinegar and water. Spray all over the hair after shampooing then rinse off.
• Choose anti-frizz hair products. Buy gels, creams and serums for thinning hair. Select volume reducing products ideal for your hair texture. Note that some products will work best under a blow dryer. Avoid products that add volume to your hair. Use shampoos and conditioners meant for thick and hard to manage hair
• Use peddle brush. To keep your hair straight during blow drying process, use a paddle brush.
• Apply hair conditioning. Use hair masks and deep conditioners to smoothen out hair. Tame unmanageable thick hair effectively with homemade masks like mayonnaise and olive oil.