How To Soften Coarse Gray Hair

As you grow older, your hair goes through changes that may leave it damaged. This damage makes your gray locks rough. But there are ways you can soften coarse gray hair. Your hair incurs damage because of different factors that impact the cells inside your hair follicles (1). Over time, gray hair becomes dull, dry, unkempt, and difficult to manage (2). Understanding the characteristics of gray hair is necessary for adequate care. Gray hair typically lacks moisture and may feel coarse due to the loss of natural oils. Therefore, a proper hair care routine tailored to its needs is crucial for maintaining softness and manageability. Here, we have the right techniques and tips to soften your hair and make it healthy and shiny. Scroll down to check them out!

Why Is Gray Hair Coarse?

1. Changes in your hair follicle functionality, moisture absorption, and moisture retention accelerate with age. These may cause your hair to become unmanageable, wild, and dry (2). Also, the hormones that change throughout the body also change and flow through the hair follicles and can change their texture compared to pigmented hair (3).
2. The weathering of the hair shaft is another sign of hair aging (4). Styling hair with heating tools, over-grooming, pollution, UV rays, coloring and bleaching, and chemical treatments can cause this weathering and eventually lead to cuticle loss and hair fracture. These hair fractures weaken the hair and make it dull, frizzy, rough, and tangled (5).
3. Rough hair is a sign of hair damage that results from the misuse of hair products and lack of hair care (5).
4. Stretching your hair and brushing it while it is wet can also lead to fractures in the hair shaft. These fractures can result in rough hair (5).
5. With age, your hair loses its color and becomes fragile and dry due to changes in the hair follicle structure (6).
6. It is known that oxidative stressⁱ  Stress caused by an imbalance between unstable oxygen molecules and antioxidants within the body is linked to rapid aging (4). Aging also causes a decline in the body’s antioxidant defense system, aggravating oxidative stress (7). Anecdotal evidence suggests that this oxidative stress may cause hair to go coarse. The heat from the sun could also be responsible for hair coarseness (8).
7. Our hair gets its color from melanocytesⁱ  Cells that are present within the skin, eyes, and hair follicles that produce and store melanin . These melanocytes may control more than just hair color (9). They also affect the production of the keratin-producing cells. As you age, the production of keratin in your hair may reduce and lead to coarseness and damage.

If you are struggling with overall coarseness, exploring tips on how to soften coarse hair can provide you with additional techniques to manage your hair effectively. Here are some tips and techniques to make your coarse gray hair smooth again.

How To Soften Coarse Gray Hair?

1. Stop Using Chemicals: Avoid chemical treatments, colors, bleaches, and perms. These treatments can severely damage the hair cuticles (4). You may instead opt for natural DIY remedies or vegan coloring and straightening products. You can also go for organic alternatives to chemical treatments, hair dyes, and smoothing treatments.
2. Stop Using Heating Tools: Heat damages hair and may cause yellowing of white hair (5). Curling irons, flat irons, blow dryers, straightening treatments, perms, and crimping tools require heat. Putting your hair through so much heat every day can leave it rough and dry (5). Find alternatives for heating tools, such as heatless hair rollers.
3. Find The Right Products: Hair damage can be repaired using the right hair products (5). Find a mild shampoo that doesn’t strip your hair dry. Use a conditioner whenever you wash your hair. You should opt for sulfate-free shampoos designed for coarse or gray hair. Look for products that contain natural oils, such as argan oil and jojoba oil, which can help restore moisture.
4. Stop Over-Grooming Your Hair: Excessive hair washing or combing can lead to hair damage. Wash your hair twice a week. If you have an oily scalp, opt for using a co-wash or a conditioning cleanser mid-week. Do not comb or style your hair too much. Give your hair a few days off and let it fall naturally. Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on your hair.
5. Choose The Right Hairstyle: Sometimes, picking the right hairstyle can transform your hair. Excess volume at the bottom can weigh your hair down, stretch it, and cause roughness.
6. Oil Your Hair: Oiling hair keeps it hydrated. It also enriches your hair with nutrients and makes it manageable. Oils also coat your hair strands and make hair smooth (5). For those who prefer natural solutions, using homemade hair oils for gray hair can nourish and soften your strands.

7. Cleanse Your Scalp: Under washing your hair can also lead to hair damage. Excess use of serums, protectants, volumizers, dry shampoos, conditioners, and regular shampoos can leave residue on your scalp. Even hair dyes and chemical treatments that penetrate the hair may leave chemical residues, causing hair damage (5). Anecdotal evidence suggests that washing hair with shampoo mixed with apple cider vinegar once a week may prevent this product residue and dirt buildup. ACV’s acetic acid content helps remove residues from other hair products that may build up on the scalp and hair shafts. It also conditions the hair, leaving it softer, silkier, and shinier (10).
8. Have A Healthy Diet: Your body produces less antioxidants as you age (11). Hence, have fruits that can increase antioxidant production naturally. Have a balanced diet of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and other important nutrients. Meet with a nutritionist and prepare a meal plan.

9. Avoid Drying Products: Dry hair means rough hair. Avoid alcohol-based products as they can be very drying.
10. Exercise: Stress affects hair and one of the best ways to relieve stress is to exercise (12) (13). No, you don’t have to join a gym or become a fitness expert. But you can opt for less strenuous exercises. Going for a walk or practicing yoga or Pilates can go a long way in keeping you healthy and stress-free.
11. Use A Healthy Hair Mask: A hair mask may help add moisture to your coarse gray locks. You may use a banana and henna hair mask once a week. Research suggests that bananas are rich in natural oils and potassium and may help condition your hair and prevent split ends (14). Henna may help color your hair naturally, nourish it, reduce scalp itchiness, and prevent hair fall (15). To make henna and banana henna and water:
    • Mash a banana, mix two teaspoons of henna and water.
    • Mix these ingredients. 
    • Apply the henna-banana mix to damp hair after shampooing. 
    • Leave this mix for about 5 minutes before rinsing it off with cool or lukewarm water.
12. Consider Regular Scalp Treatments: Regularly treating your scalp with nourishing oils can improve moisture retention. Products containing ingredients like tea tree oil or coconut oil can soothe the scalp and help maintain hair health.

Quick Tip

Deep moisturizing once weekly may soften your coarse gray hair.

Here are some common ingredients that can be incorporated into your hair care routine to make your hair softer.

Common Ingredients That Soften Coarse Gray Hair

As hair turns gray, its texture often becomes coarse and dry. To keep gray hair soft and manageable, it’s essential to incorporate the right ingredients into your hair care routine. Below are some common ingredients known for softening gray hair:

1. Argan Oil

Argan oil is packed with vitamins and antioxidants that may nourish and hydrate gray hair. It helps restore softness and shine by locking in moisture and combating frizz (16).

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is another highly effective ingredient for softening gray hair. Its small molecular structure allows it to penetrate the hair shaft deeply, providing intense moisture (16).

3. Shea Butter

Shea butter is known for its deep moisturizing properties (17). It is rich in fatty acids and vitamins A and E, which help hydrate gray hair and smooth its texture. Applying shea butter regularly can soften coarse hair and reduce frizz.

4. Olive Oil

Olive oil is an excellent natural conditioner that softens and smooths gray hair. Rich in essential nutrients like vitamin E and oleic acid, it moisturizes the scalp and hair, restoring lost shine and reducing roughness (16).

5. Glycerin

Glycerin is a humectant and hair-conditioning agent that draws moisture from the air into the hair, keeping gray hair hydrated and soft (18). It works well in combination with other moisturizing ingredients to improve the overall texture of gray strands.

6. Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil closely resembles the natural oils produced by the scalp, making it a great option for gray hair. It helps condition the hair without leaving it greasy while also restoring softness and smoothness. Studies show that when added to hair-straightening products, it helps strengthen hair, reduces protein loss, and protects hair strands from breakage (19).

7. Keratin

Keratin is a protein that strengthens and smooths hair strands. A study tested keratin-based particles on virgin and overbleached hair to see if they could improve strength and smoothness. The results showed that keratin helped restore hair strength by up to 40%, reduced surface roughness, and enhanced thermal stability (20). Therefore, it might help replenish the lost protein in gray hair, making it feel softer and less prone to breakage. 

8. Honey

Honey is a natural humectant that locks in moisture and keeps gray hair hydrated. Its antioxidant properties also protect hair from environmental damage, helping it stay soft and shiny (21).

9. Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins that may help deeply nourish and soften gray hair (22). It might help to combat dryness and restore the natural elasticity of the hair, giving you smooth and healthy hair.

10. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties (23). According to anecdotal evidence, it helps to balance the pH level of the scalp and keeps gray hair hydrated, resulting in smoother, softer strands.

Now that you know the ingredients, it is time to learn how to soften coarse gray hair with these ingredients. Keep reading.

How To Soften Coarse Gray Hair With Common Ingredients

1. Argan Oil Treatment

Ingredients: 

• Argan oil

What to do:

1. Apply a few drops of argan oil to damp or dry hair.
2. Massage it into your hair and scalp.
3. Leave it in. No need to rinse.

2. Coconut Oil Mask

Ingredients: 

• Coconut oil
• A mild shampoo of your choice

What to do:

1. Warm up coconut oil and apply it to your hair.
2. Leave it on for 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Wash with a mild shampoo.

3. Shea Butter Conditioner

Ingredients: 

• Shea butter

What to do:

1. Melt a small amount of shea butter.
2. Apply to the ends of your hair.
3. Leave for 20 minutes, then rinse or leave in for extra moisture.

4. Olive Oil Massage

Ingredients: 

• Olive oil
• A mild shampoo

What to do:

1. Apply a few drops to your hair and scalp.
2. Massage and leave it for 30 minutes.
3. Wash with a gentle shampoo.

5. Glycerin Hair Spray

Ingredients: 

• Glycerin
• water

What to do:

1. Mix equal parts of glycerin and water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray onto damp hair.
3. Let it air dry or style as usual.

6. Jojoba Oil Serum

Ingredients: 

• Jojoba oil

What to do:

• Apply a few drops to damp or dry hair.
• Focus on the ends and frizzy areas.
• Leave in—no need to rinse.

7. Keratin Treatment

Ingredients: 

Keratin-infused hair mask or conditioner

What to do:

1. Apply to damp hair after shampooing.
2. Leave for 10-15 minutes.
3. Rinse with lukewarm water.

8. Honey Hair Rinse

Ingredients: 

• Honey
• water

What to do:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 1 cup of water.
2. Pour over damp hair.
3. Let sit for 10 minutes, then rinse.

9. Avocado Oil Hair Mask

Ingredients: 

• Avocado oil
• A mild shampoo

What to do:

1. Massage avocado oil into your hair.
2. Leave for 30 minutes.
3. Wash with a mild shampoo.

10. Aloe Vera Gel Treatment

Ingredients: 

• Aloe vera gel

What to do:

1. Apply fresh aloe vera gel to your scalp and hair.
2. Leave for 20 minutes.
3. Rinse with water or a mild shampoo.

However, remember that these ingredients may not work for everyone and could cause unwanted effects, so it is best to do a patch test before use. If your hair doesn’t improve, consult a professional who can recommend treatments tailored to your hair needs, like Botox or Keratin.

If you have curly or wavy hair, here are some specific tips that can help soften coarse gray hair.

Softening Coarse Gray Curls, Waves, And Textured Hair

Most people with curly and wavy hair have oily scalps but dry hair strands. The sebumⁱ  An oily substance released from the sebaceous glands that offer protection to the skin and help retain moisture. , which help the skin retain moisture that usually produces natural oils to moisturize hair have low productivity in such hair types. The coily structure of curly hair and the S-shaped form of wavy hair keep the sebum from reaching the tips of the hair strands causing them to become very coarse (5). Here is how you can change that:

• Comb and brush your hair regularly to evenly spread the sebum through your hair.
• Stop chemically relaxing and straightening your hair. These treatments cause hair damage, stretch your hair, and change its structure.
• Use conditioners and leave-in products to decrease any friction between hair fibers.
• Certain anti-dandruff shampoos leave your hair dry and cause frizz, roughness, and tangles. Understanding what to do about frizzy gray hair can help you maintain a smoother and more polished look. Always use a conditioner after shampooing your hair. A conditioner reduces frizz and flyaways and smooths hair.
• Use products that specifically cater to your hair type. Curly and wavy hair is different from straight hair, and each hair type needs a separate set of products.
• You may also use purple shampoos to brighten ad soften your coarse gray hair. A lifestyle blogger shares her experience managing her coarse gray hair that grew after chemo sessions. In her blog, she mentions that her hair grew back in a mix of different shades of gray, with some brown in certain areas, making the color nothing particularly striking. She writes, “It’s more coarse and wiry, and I’ve broken two large-tooth combs on it (i). However, she manages it with the help of purple shampoo. She adds, “I do recommend the purple shampoo to brighten grey hair up. It takes the dullness out and gives it a little sort of silvery sparkle.”

Quick Tip

Sleep on a satin pillowcase to prevent your hair from unnecessary frizz.

Do Ionic Hair Dryers Soften Coarse Hair?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that ionic hair dryers do make hair softer. These are different from regular hair dryers. They release negative ions that attract positive ion water molecules to the hair strands. This helps seal the hair cuticles and increases moisture retention. The water molecules are also thought to reduce friction from the fibers and make hair smooth and shiny.

Does Coloring Gray Hair Make It Softer?

Coloring gray hair with chemical hair dyes, bleaches, or harsh colorants does not soften it. These hair colors use chemicals that penetrate the hair shaft and cause further hair damage.

You can instead opt for natural, vegetable, or vegan hair dyes. These do not use harsh chemicals but organic plants, fruits, and vegetables. An example of this is henna. It is less expensive, nourishes the hair, and rarely has side effects (15).

Infographic: 8 Easy Tips To Soften Coarse Gray Hair

Your hair may become damaged and rough as you age, making your gray locks challenging to manage. Thankfully, there are ways to help soften and bring back the shine to your gray hair. A little effort goes a long way, and we have excellent tips to make your locks look healthy and glossy again. Check out the infographic below to know more.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What lifestyle changes can help manage coarse gray hair?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, staying hydrated, and reducing stress through regular exercise can positively impact the health of your hair.

Why is gray hair so wiry?

Gray hair is wiry and coarse as the hair follicles start producing less sebum when there is a decrease in melaninⁱ  A naturally occurring skin pigment responsible for pigmentation and tanning that also protects skin cells from sun damage , the pigment that renders colors to our hair and skin.

Why does hair turn white instead of gray?

There are various reasons behind hair turning white instead of gray, including thyroid and vitamin deficiency, albinismⁱ  A genetically inherited disorder involving insufficient or no production of melanin in the skin, eyes, or hair , and absence of melanin.

How do you condition coarse gray hair?

You can use a good daily conditioner and deep moisturize your hair once a week. Additionally, a hydrating serum can also keep your hair lustrous and smooth.

Illustration: How To Soften Coarse Gray Hair

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Grey hair is coarse because it lacks the pigment that gives hair its softness. Learn the reason in this video! Expand your hair knowledge! Watch now and embrace the beauty of greying gracefully.

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Madison DufourBarber & Cosmetologist

       

Madison Dufour is a licensed and practicing barber and cosmetologist with 10 years of experience, as well as an entrepreneur running several hair businesses, including MadisonD Barbering and The Exquisite Find Hair Blog.

Read full bio of Madison Dufour

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

 

Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

Read full bio of Eshna Das

Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor

Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.

Read full bio of Krati Darak