Hello, I'm a specialist in dermatology with a keen interest in hair health. It's a fascinating subject, as hair is not just a cosmetic feature but also an indicator of overall health and well-being. Let's delve into the factors that can make hair coarse.

Hair texture is determined by the shape of the hair shaft, the distribution of natural oils, and the presence of moisture. Coarse hair is typically characterized by a rough, dry, and sometimes brittle texture. There are several reasons why hair might become coarse:


1. Genetics: The natural texture of your hair is largely determined by your genetics. Some people are born with coarse hair due to the shape of their hair follicles and the way their hair grows.


2. Environmental Factors: Exposure to harsh environmental conditions such as sun, wind, and pollution can damage the hair shaft, leading to a coarse texture.


3. Chemical Treatments: Chemical processes like coloring, perming, or relaxing can alter the hair's protein structure, making it more prone to damage and resulting in a coarser texture.


4. Heat Styling: Regular use of heat-styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, and hair dryers can weaken the hair and cause it to become dry and coarse.


5. Poor Nutrition: A diet lacking in essential nutrients can affect the health of your hair. Nutrients like biotin, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E are vital for maintaining strong, healthy hair.


6. Aging: As we age, the natural oils produced by our scalp decrease, which can lead to dryness and a coarser hair texture.

7.
Health Conditions: Certain health conditions and medications can affect the health and texture of your hair. For example, conditions like alopecia areata can cause hair to become brittle and break easily.

8.
Hair Care Practices: Over-washing, using harsh shampoos, or not conditioning can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to a coarse texture.

Now, let's address the specific points mentioned in the reference material:

- Flaking and Roughening: When the hair strands are damaged, they can flake and roughen, making the hair feel coarse. This is often a sign of dryness and damage.

- Curly Hair: Curly hair tends to be coarser than straight hair due to its natural texture and the way the hair shaft is structured. The curls can create more friction, which can also contribute to a rougher feel.

- Weak and Fragile Hair Strands: Damaged hair strands are weak and prone to breakage, which can make the hair appear coarse and unhealthy.

To maintain healthy hair and prevent it from becoming coarse, it's important to take good care of your hair by using gentle hair products, avoiding excessive heat styling, eating a balanced diet, and protecting your hair from environmental damage.

read more >>

This causes the brittle strands to flake and roughen, resulting in hair that is coarse to the touch. Very curly hair from all ethnic groups often lacks the silky smoothness of straight hair. This may due to the same reason, but to a lesser extent. ... The hair strands become weak and fragile, making them prone to breakage.Apr 26, 2005read more >>