Being unique gives you style.
Although often categorized as straight, shiny, and fine, the characteristics of Asian hair span a variety of unique textures and densities.
In part two of Toppik’s Your Hair is Unique Series, we will take a look at the science and structure of Asian hair.
What are some of the some of the unique challenges that come with styling, caring and preventing hair loss with this hair type?
Follow along as we provide expert tips and advice on how to style Asian hair for a thicker, fuller look.
Science Behind Asian Hair
When talking about what makes hair types unique from one another, it’s important to start at the beginning and examine the structure of the hair.
Structure
When looking at hair follicles through a microscopic lens, Asian hair follicles are typically round in shape, which causes the hair to grow out naturally straight. Straight hair tends to retain moisture better than most other hair textures because oils can easily travel down the hair shaft. When hair is curly, moisture has a more difficult time traveling to the ends of the hair shaft because of waves and coils.
When compared to other hair types, Asian hair is typically characterized as stronger.
This is because the protective cuticles that cover the inner protein of the hair follicle tend to be more dense with layers. Typically hair shafts have between 5-10 cuticle layers – Caucasian hair usually has about 5 layers of protective cuticles whereas Asian hair tends to have up to 10 layers.
Having a higher number of cuticles that protect the hair shaft increases elasticity and allows for more flexibility and bend in the hair shaft, which makes the hair more resistant to breakage.
Breakage
Since Asian hair is more solid in structure, breakage tends to happen when the adhesive that holds the cuticle cells together fails. Other hair types typically break at the cuticle level, causing split ends.
Hair Types
Although a majority of Asian hair is defined as being slick and straight, there are actually a variety of characteristics that can be used to define this hair type, other than fine and thin.
With so many different textures and densities, it’s not a surprise that styling Asian hair comes with its own unique challenges. The techniques that are used to style Caucasian, Middle-Eastern or African American hair may not necessarily be the same that should be used to style Asian hair.
Let’s explore some of these styling challenges and solutions below…
Styling Asian Hair
For the purpose of this blog we will focus primarily on the challenges that are faced when styling Asian hair texture that is fine, thin or straight. As we mentioned previously, when hair is straight, oils from the scalp can easily travel down the hair shaft, causing the strands of the hair to typically be more oily.
Hair that is oily requires much more cleansing than other hair types. In order to properly care and cleanse straight, fine hair, a shampoo that is clear and clarifying works best. Shampoos and conditioners that are free of sulfates and parabens, like Viviscal Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner, help add volume and density to thin, Asian hair types.
See below for some recommended tips on how to properly cleanse hair that is fine and straight.
Prep
Before washing, detangle hair with a wide tooth comb or brush. Fine hair tends to be tangly when wet, so it’s best to start off the washing process with hair that is combed through and smooth.
Wash
When washing, focus on the scalp first before moving to the ends of the hair. The scalp tends to have the most build up, so it’s important to remove oils from this area first. As you wash and condition be sure to use the pads of hands and not scrub with finger nails, this can cause damage to the scalp for those who have fine, thin hair. Lastly, although hotter showers feel amazing, we suggest showering in a mild- cool temperature to help increase shine and minimize hair loss.
Styling
When styling, avoid using products that contain heavy oils to help keep hair light and breezy. Texturizers like Toppik Root Volumizing Spray are great to use to give fine, thin hair added body and volume. Hair tools like curling irons, crimping irons or flat irons are also a great way to create the appearance of fuller hair.
Fine Hair Challenges
Styling and caring for fine, Asian hair can be challenging. Finding ways to create big, voluminous styles without adding stress to thin hair can be tricky. Heat tools and hair products that contain harsh ingredients can be detrimental to fragile hair as well. Toppik products help provide a cosmetic solution to address these challenges. Using Toppik Hair Building Fibers can quickly add fullness to areas of thin hair on any style without causing any strain to fine hair.
Watch this video to see how they work:
Toppik’s Root Volumizing Spray also provides an additional solution to add the appearance of thicker hair. When sprayed into the roots of the hair, oil is absorbed and the appearance of thicker, fuller hair is quickly created. Using Toppik products is a safer, more reliable way to create volume and thickness when compared to other methods. The products simply wash out and do not cause any stress to hair that is already fragile or thin.If you are experiencing damage or hair loss due to styling or other factors, it’s important to be aware of the situation and take preventative measures to protect your hair and reduce fall out.
Hair Loss Tips
Dealing with hair loss can be difficult to endure in any situation but even more so when hair is already fine and thin. Whether it’s from hormonal changes or medical issues, it’s important to have the right tools in place to deal with the challenges that come with hair loss.
Here are some tips to help manage and prevent hair loss:
1. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by nurturing your body with supplements that contain vitamin B, calcium, and zinc and by eating foods that are high in protein while also drinking an adequate amount of water.
2. Take care of your hair by keeping it clean and using products that are not harsh and damaging.
3. Avoid doing harsh things to your hair, such as pulling it back too tight or using the wrong brush.
Hottest Hairstyles and Haircuts for Asian Women in 2016
Having thin, fine hair doesn’t mean you can’t wear some of the most popular hairstyles that are out there today. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular hairstyles this year.
Short Bob Haircut
(Credit: Pinterest)
Long Bob/Lob Haircut with Loose Waves and Ombre
(Credit: Pinterest)
Long A-line Haircut with Side Bangs
(Credit: therighthairstyles.com)
Add volume and texture to any of these above styles with Toppik Root Volumizing Spray. This spray is especially helpful when styling fine hair because it helps build body and volume.
Did you know you can add added volume with color too? Coloring hair is a great way to add depth and dimension to any hairstyle or haircut. Watch this helpful video for tips and tricks on how to dye Asian hair from dark to light:
Hottest Hairstyles and Haircuts for Asian Men in 2016
Styling fine, thin hair is not solely a challenge for Asian women, but it can be for Asian men as well. Often times men feel limited to the types of styles they can wear due to their hair being very fine and thin.
Classic Side Part
(Credit: Getty Images)
Classic Spiked Haircut
(Credit: hairstyleonpoint.com)
The Man Ponytail
(Credit: hairstyleonpoint.com)
The Man Braid
(Credit:machohairstyles.com)
A helpful tip for someone with this hair type is investing in a quality haircut that allows you to manipulate the hair into the style that you want.
We hope this blog provided some helpful insight and tips on how to style thin, fine hair. Remember being unique is what gives you style!
Do you have thin, fine hair? What are some tips and tricks that you use when styling to create a fuller look?
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