Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCauses of Coarse HairHow to Treat Coarse HairAre There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of Coarse Hair?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes of Coarse Hair
How to Treat Coarse Hair
Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of Coarse Hair?
This article will discuss what can cause coarse hair and how coarse hair can be treated if necessary.
Westend61 / Getty Images.
What Is Coarse Hair?Coarse hair tends to:Have a thick diameter with a rough texture you can feel when you hold a strand between your fingertips.Cover the scalp so that little to no scalp is visible when you pull a handful of your hair to the side.Stretch and return to its initial length when a strand is gently stretched with your fingers.Coarse hair that is damaged or a result of a medical condition may have additional symptoms, such aseasy breakageor atypical growth patterns.
What Is Coarse Hair?
Coarse hair tends to:Have a thick diameter with a rough texture you can feel when you hold a strand between your fingertips.Cover the scalp so that little to no scalp is visible when you pull a handful of your hair to the side.Stretch and return to its initial length when a strand is gently stretched with your fingers.Coarse hair that is damaged or a result of a medical condition may have additional symptoms, such aseasy breakageor atypical growth patterns.
Coarse hair tends to:
Coarse hair that is damaged or a result of a medical condition may have additional symptoms, such aseasy breakageor atypical growth patterns.
Damage to the Hair or Hair Shaft
Structural abnormalities of the hair shaft can result from a medical condition or be acquired through damage such as from an injury.
Overprocessing hair can also damage the hair shaft, including:
Medical Conditions
Medical conditions such ashypothyroidism(when the thyroid doesn’t make adequate levels of thyroid hormones) can be associated with hair changes, including coarse hair.
Changes that come with aging, such as hormonal changes, can also cause hair to become more coarse, particularly for women around age 30 to 40.
Genetic Disorders
Several genetic syndromes cite unusual hair texture as a symptom. These syndromes involve variants in genes that contribute to hair structure and stability. Researchers suggest the genes involved with these disorders likely also influence normal hair thickness and texture variations.
Genetic disorders that may have coarse hair as a symptom include:
Medications That Can Cause Coarse Hair
A 2022 study found that hair texture changes could be potential side effects of medications such as:
Coarse Body Hair in Women
Excess growth ofcoarse, usually dark hairfor women in areas found primarily in men (such as the face, chest, inner thighs, abdomen, or back) is calledhirsutismand can indicate an underlying condition.
Conditions associated with hirsutism include:
Hair Types and Textures in Men and Women
Treating the underlying cause of coarse hair and changing grooming habits that cause damage may help.
Whether coarse hair is your natural texture or a symptom of an underlying condition, there are care practices that can help manage it. These are outlined below.
Wash Your Hair With Conditioner
If you have coarse hair, you can try washing your hair with conditioner only, called co-washing. This process is gentle on the hair, offering more moisture to lock in.
Apply an Oil Mask
Adding an oil mask, like coconut oil, helps the hair follicle retain moisture. Do this on your wet hair, otherwise, it can make your hair look greasy.
Audit Your Haircare Products
Try to avoid alcohol in your haircare products. Many hair sprays and gels contain alcohol, which can strip your hair of moisture.
Black Haircare TipsIt is common for Black people to have coarse hair. Black hair can also be fragile and prone to damage. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends these tips for everyday care of Black hair:Wash haironce a week or once every other weekUse a conditioner with every hair wash, particularly on the endsUse ahot oil treatmenttwice per monthApply a heat-protecting product to wet hair before styling to minimize heat damageGo to a professional hair stylist if you choose to use relaxers. Get touch-ups only to new hair, and no more than every two to three monthsIf thermally straightening your hair, use ceramic combs or irons at the lowest effective temperature and no more than once a weekWatch that braids, cornrows, or weaves arenot too tight(if it hurts, it is being damaged)
Black Haircare Tips
It is common for Black people to have coarse hair. Black hair can also be fragile and prone to damage. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends these tips for everyday care of Black hair:Wash haironce a week or once every other weekUse a conditioner with every hair wash, particularly on the endsUse ahot oil treatmenttwice per monthApply a heat-protecting product to wet hair before styling to minimize heat damageGo to a professional hair stylist if you choose to use relaxers. Get touch-ups only to new hair, and no more than every two to three monthsIf thermally straightening your hair, use ceramic combs or irons at the lowest effective temperature and no more than once a weekWatch that braids, cornrows, or weaves arenot too tight(if it hurts, it is being damaged)
It is common for Black people to have coarse hair. Black hair can also be fragile and prone to damage. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends these tips for everyday care of Black hair:
If it is suspected that your coarse hair is due to an underlying cause, your healthcare provider may:
Summary
Coarse hair is hair that has a wide diameter. It can be a natural, normal hair texture or an indication of an underlying condition.
Abnormal coarse hair may be associated with damage to the hair shaft, medical conditions such as hypothyroidism,aging, or a genetic condition.
Some medications, such aschemotherapy, can also change hair texture.
See your healthcare provider if you notice changes to your hair, such as the development of coarse hair.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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