Fine Hair Tips: Unlock Your Mop’s Mysteries

Short answer: ideally we want to max out our washes at no more than once per day.

So, really, it could be that simple.

But, if you’re interested in the nitty gritty, get your dipstick out because we’re about to pop the hood and check oil levels... I see you cracking your knuckles in preparation for self inspection!

Why the sudden automotive analogy?

Well, everyone has a different level of oil production. And scalps present on a spectrum of dry to oily.

Some people naturally run drier and would benefit from less frequent washing. Dry-scalped folks might even be able to wash once every 3-5 days.

Easy, right? Well, not exactly.

Since we’re all trying to squeeze in a semi-daily sweat session – remember how exercise is fantastic for follicles? – a post-workout wash is refreshing.

Plan your washes around playtime

Planning hair washes around your most intense workouts is a smart way to go (unless you like the sweaty look, in which case, we support you!). Either way, good job on your workout!

For instance, if you end up saturated in smoke after a beach bonfire or a foray onto a fog-filled dance floor, the residual odor will no-doubt demand a bonus wash. We’re all for “letting our hair down”, but remember, airborne particulates settle in our scalp and cause follicle distress.

Why can’t I just wash my hair whenever, even if that means twice a day?

Good question! Frequent washing is a “no-go”, because frequent washing strips hair of natural oils.

In fact, even though it seems counter-intuitive, the scalp can become excessively oily due to over-washing. This is because when natural oils are frequently washed away, the scalp perceives an oil shortage and attempts to correct the issue.

The next thing you know your scalp is channeling the Millennium Falcon and slipping into hyperdrive. (Wait, now we’re making Star Wars references? What happened to the cars?)

Then, quite suddenly, your hair feels way more oily – and a wash seems like the only hope. Ack!

This cycle can become self-fulfilling. Not even a lightsaber can free you from this one… although a dry shampoo might save you.

How can dry shampoos prevent natural oil loss?

Dry shampoos are a clever way to increase manageability on no-wash days.

For example, Mara Jade PUMP is our fine-hair-focused dry shampoo. PUMP will pump up your volume on “clean” hair days while absorbing excess oils on those “not-so-clean” hair days.

Once you have this Mara Jade torpedo in your arsenal, chances are good that you will be able to adopt a washing regimen that works wonders for you.

So we suggest being curious... start to extend out your hair washing schedule and see what happens.

Ultimately, we recommend that you pay attention to hair performance in relation to washing frequency. In doing so, you will begin to unlock the mysteries of your mop.

Q: What’s more selective than finding the perfectly ripe avocado?

A: Finding the right shampoo!

. . .

Hello? Is this thing on?

. . .

And with shampoo selection, walking around the grocery store giving all the bottles a squeeze isn’t gonna help anybody.

I wish picking the right product was as easy as that, but the truth is that you need to analyze your hair needs before you can make the best choice.

Step 1: Know your hair texture

It is important to match product formulation to hair type, and that begins with knowing your texture.

Hair texture refers to a classification that uses circumference, width, and diameter to categorize hair shafts. That’s where we get terms like fine hair or thick/coarse hair.

We discussed hair textures and types in the Fine Hair Anthology Installment #1. If you missed it, go check it out and come back.

For instance, if you have fine hair and use a thick hair shampoo, your hair will be very flat and limp, kind of like a pancake. If breakfast is what you’re looking for, spare your locks and hit up the IHOP – otherwise, figure out your hair texture and choose your haircare products accordingly.

Step 2: Estimate protein demand

Did you know that hair shafts have different protein needs? The ways that we process and style our hair define our shaft’s protein requirements.

Chemical processing and thermal styling rob your hair of proteins. If this is pertinent to you, you will definitely want a ribeye in a bottle – AKA, a protein-rich repair formula.

On the other hand, if you are a natural, no-frills, air-dry-and-go kind of noggin, massaging that same protein-rich formula into your already-protein-rich hair will cause your shafts to become brittle.

To be honest, it can be complicated. There are a lot of combinations of hair textures, types, subtypes, and styling regimes to consider when determining protein demand of your hair.

But if you have fine hair you’re in luck! Just pick up Mara Jade’s fine hair shampoo, BOOST:

• BOOST shampoo is formulated with vitamin complex and natural peptides to strengthen hair and inspire manageability
• BOOST shampoo was designed for fine haired individuals who are looking for lustre
• BOOST shampoo has adequate protein balance so it meets the needs of natural and processed locks

Step 3: Conditioning doesn’t end with the Peloton

Hey, I know you’re out there, squeezing in a home workout because you’re seriously busy – not to mention dedicated.

A trend I’ve noticed?
Busy people are typically interested in efficiency.

So it makes sense that massaging in a conditioner and waiting 3 minutes on a tight schedule might seem like too much.

But having a go-to conditioner, one that’s specifically formulated for your hair texture, is a pro-move.

It’s like having band-aids in the cabinet. Or moisturizer, for that matter.

Why? Because even hair shafts get the blues.

Think... the Friday morning feels... it’s been a demanding week and you’re a bit ragged and ready to recharge.

Now imagine your cuticle – the ones on the exterior of your hair shafts. They're worn down and pitted from the difficult task of being fabulous all week, which often includes processing and thermal styling.

Conditioner is a loving blanket for your cuticle. It’s clingy too.

Choosing a conditioner is like picking out a new comforter. Exciting AND important.

And just like your quilt shields you from cold and protects you from discomfort, the right conditioner will fill in the gaps on your cuticle and act as a shield to reinforce and protect your locks.

You know what else is efficient? Mara Jade QUENCH. QUENCH is a light conditioner developed specifically for fine hair, with a perfect balance of ingredients whether your locks are au natural or colour-treated.

Ever feel like you have 100,000 hairs tangled in a ball? Well, I’m here to validate those feelings.

Put mildly, detangling can be a vigorous process.

But we all have a lot of hair to contend with: 100,000 hairs, give or take. (How is it even possible that we don’t have even more knots?)

It’s no small wonder we need to detangle.

But because we’re smart and capable, we simply bust out our detangling brush and viola! Detangled.

(Okay, I feel like I lost some of you there. Maybe you haven't heard the phrase “detangling brush” before? That’s alright, but seriously now, if you’re not using a purpose-built detangling brush to smooth things out, the time is now. Check out the fantastically-named Tangle Teezer online, or at Violet Hair Lounge in Nanaimo, BC.)

This one is for you long-haired lovelies.

Breakage happens when we forget to diversify.

So to that end, I’d like to invite you to rock the high pony, and the low pony. (Good advice for life, really.)

Repetitive motions with joints and tendons create and exacerbate injuries, right? Well, hair is similarly susceptible. For example, if you always pony the same spot, you’ll end up with a circular breakage-halo.

So mix it up, okay?

It’s super common among the fine-haired clan to get nervous about a trim. We get it.

But remember, even with all your best efforts to prevent breakage, regular haircuts are good for your hair.

So we reject the scarcity mindset and embrace abundance!

In other words, trimming off dead ends with a seasonal cut is a good thing.

Self-promotion incoming! Styling products can also help with strengthening and volume too, but you need to choose products that will enhance your desired look. So if you have fine hair and want volume from your coiffure, give Mara Jade’s PLUMP styling serum a whirl (it makes skinny hair feel fat).