What is the ideal hair care routine for coarse hair?
- Emanuele Bortolotto
- Sep 13
- 4 min read
There are two types of people in the world: those who think coarse hair is just “thick hair” and those who have actually tried to run a brush through it on a humid day. Spoiler: it’s not the same thing.
Coarse hair isn’t just hair with attitude—it’s hair with diameter. Each strand is harder, better, faster, stronger. I mean...wider, stronger, and more rebellious than fine or medium hair. Which sounds epic, like wielding a Daedric Warhammer instead of a butter knife. But the trade-off is that coarse hair tends to be drier, more porous, and more stubborn than an italian grandma approaching tehnology. You don’t just “wash and go.” You battle. You strategise. You learn that your bathroom shelf will slowly morph into a mini Sephora.
So, what’s the ideal routine for coarse hair? Let’s break it down scientifically, practically, and with just enough manu-fuelled nonsensical humor to survive the Finnish winter.
The science of coarse hair 🔬
Coarse hair = larger diameter strands. On average, coarse hair measures over 120 microns wide, compared to fine hair at 50–70 microns. This means:
Stronger shaft. Less prone to breakage. You could probably use it to floss a dragon’s teeth.
More cuticle layers. This sounds protective, but actually increases stiffness, making hair less flexible and more frizz-prone.
Porosity risk. Coarse hair absorbs water slowly but loses it fast, leaving it dry.
Volume galore. Even when flat, it has presence. Like my mother, capable of making you run for your life whenever she told me, ‘Come here, we just need to talk.’
The key to managing coarse hair is hydration and control. You can’t shrink strand diameter, but you can make the fibre more pliable, smoother, and shinier.
Step 1: Washing with intention 🚿
Washing coarse hair isn’t about stripping everything away—it’s about gentle cleansing while protecting natural oils.
Here’s where the Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo comes in. This isn’t marketing fluff, it’s formulated with protein and argan oil to cleanse without leaving coarse hair feeling like straw. Why does this matter? Because coarse hair cuticles already resist water; harsh cleansers just slam the gates shut and lock moisture out.
How to wash coarse hair properly:
Wet thoroughly. Coarse strands need more time to absorb water. Think of them like your ex taking hours to respond a message.
Apply shampoo to scalp only. Let the suds travel down naturally.
Massage with fingertips, not nails. Pretend you’re scrubbing away the sins of watching too many times Dragon Ball Daima.
Rinse well, repeat once if necessary. Coarse hair often needs double cleansing if heavy oils or styling products are used.
Step 2: Conditioning like it matters 💧
Coarse hair thrives on conditioner. Skipping this step is like skipping leg day—it shows.
Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Conditioner is the logical partner here. It balances protein for strength and moisture for flexibility. Without conditioner, coarse strands become stiff and unmanageable, like a Nightwish song with no melody—technically powerful, but missing the point.
Conditioning tips:
Apply from mid-lengths to ends. Scalp doesn’t need it.
Leave for at least 2–3 minutes. Coarse hair takes time to drink.
Use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush in-shower to distribute evenly.
Step 3: Deep treatment (weekly quest) 🛡️
If shampoo and conditioner are your daily training, a mask is your ultimate questline.
Enter the Moroccan Weightless Hydrating Mask. Designed to flood coarse hair with moisture without making it heavy. Coarse strands, despite being thick, still get weighed down if overloaded with the wrong lipids. Balance is everything.
How to use:
Once per week, replace your conditioner with the mask.
Leave on for 5–10 minutes (listen to one Rhapsody of Fire song—it’s about the right length).
Rinse with lukewarm water.
This weekly reset keeps coarse hair flexible, reducing frizz and breakage.
Step 4: Leave-in protection 🧴
After washing, coarse hair needs ongoing hydration. Enter the Pureology Color Fanatic Leave-In Conditioner. Even if you don’t colour your hair, this product adds slip, detangles, and provides heat protection.
Think of it as armour plating. Without it, coarse strands rub together, roughening cuticles. With it, they glide like Legolas shooting arrows—smooth, effortless, deadly accurate.
Application tips:
Spray on damp hair after towel-drying (microfiber, not cotton).
Focus on mid-lengths and ends.
Comb through to distribute.
Step 5: Oil for polish and flexibility ✨
The last step is sealing. Coarse hair is like a leather jacket—it needs oil to stay supple. That’s where the Moroccanoil Treatment comes in. Argan oil smooths frizz, adds shine, and locks in moisture.
But moderation matters. Too much, and you’ll look like Sanji accidentally dumped a frying pan on your head.
How to apply:
1–2 pumps in palms.
Rub together, then apply to damp or dry hair, mid-lengths to ends.
Never dump directly on the scalp.
Styling coarse hair without carnage 🎭
Coarse hair can take heat, but that doesn’t mean you should abuse it. Use the lowest temperature that works. Always apply leave-in + oil first.
For blow-drying:
Pre-dry upside down until 70% dry.
Section hair, use a round brush with tension.
Finish each section with a cool shot.
For natural drying:
Apply leave-in + oil.
Twist sections to encourage pattern.
Avoid touching until fully dry.
Questions from the Internet 🤔
Is coarse hair the same as thick hair?
No. Thick hair refers to density (how many follicles per square cm). Coarse refers to strand diameter. You can have fine but dense hair, or coarse but sparse.
How often should coarse hair be washed?
Every 5–7 days, depending on oil production and environment. Over-washing = dryness. Under-washing = buildup.
What’s the biggest mistake with coarse hair?
Skipping conditioner or mask. Coarse hair needs moisture more than Goku needs Senzu beans.
Can coarse hair be air-dried?
Yes, but with product. Leave-in + oil reduce frizz. Air-dry without product = puffball.
Is oiling necessary?
Yes. Coarse strands benefit from light oils. But avoid drowning them. Argan is ideal; coconut can be too heavy.
Conclusion 🎇
So, what’s the ideal routine for coarse hair?
Gentle cleanse with Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo.
Moisturise daily with Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Conditioner.
Weekly quest: Moroccan Weightless Hydrating Mask.
Leave-in armour: Pureology Color Fanatic.
Seal and polish with Moroccanoil Treatment.
That’s your armour set. Hydrate, protect, seal. Do it consistently, and coarse hair transforms from wild beast to tamed dragon. Still powerful, still dramatic, but under your control.
If you enjoyed this, check out my article on the science of how shampoo actually works—because understanding cleansing is the foundation of every good hair routine.
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