Getting Your Hair Thinned

Hairdresser who is about to thin hair out
Photo: Andriano/Shutterstock
Q: I'm thinking about getting my thick, curly, long hair thinned out. Will this make my hair more manageable and easier to straighten? I straighten it pretty often, and everyone I know who's had their hair thinned says it's way more manageable afterward!
 
A: You're right to consider hair thinning if you're dealing with thick, unruly curls that you frequently straighten. Many people with dense, curly hair find that thinning is a game-changer for their daily styling routine, and there are several reasons why this technique works so well.
 
When you have thick hair, thinning helps reduce the overall bulk and weight, which immediately makes your hair feel lighter and more cooperative. This is especially beneficial for curly hair types, which tend to have more volume and can sometimes feel overwhelming to manage. By strategically removing some of the hair's density, your stylist can create a more balanced shape that falls better and requires less effort to style.
 
For straightening specifically, thinned hair offers significant advantages. The biggest mistake people make when straightening thick hair is trying to work with sections that are too large or dense. This forces you to make multiple passes with your flat iron, often at higher temperatures, which can cause serious heat damage over time. When your hair has been thinned, you can work with appropriately sized sections that allow the heat to penetrate evenly and effectively. This means you'll need fewer passes, can use lower temperatures, and will achieve better results with less damage to your hair.
 
For your natural curly hair, thinning can also open up new styling possibilities. The reduced weight often allows curls to form more defined, bouncy patterns rather than the sometimes heavy, triangular shape that very thick curly hair can create. You might find that you can achieve great results simply by applying a curl-enhancing cream or gel to towel-dried hair, scrunching gently, and allowing it to air dry naturally. This gives you the flexibility to alternate between straight and curly styles depending on your mood or the occasion.
 
However, it's crucial to approach hair thinning with caution and work with an experienced stylist who understands your hair type. Over-thinning is a common problem that can leave your hair looking lifeless or damaged. When too much hair is removed, you lose the natural body and movement that makes hair look healthy and full. This is particularly important for curly hair, which relies on having enough strands to create those beautiful, voluminous curl patterns.
 
The timing of your thinning appointments is also important. As a general rule, you should only have your hair thinned every third haircut. This allows your hair to maintain its natural density while still keeping it manageable. More frequent thinning can gradually weaken your hair's overall structure and make it more prone to breakage and damage.
 
©Hairfinder.com
 
See also:
 
How to use a flat iron
 
How to use hair thinning scissors
 
I thinned my hair too much. How can I make it thick again?