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Hair Care

Getting into a hair care routine is just like embarking on a skin care one. Once you’ve found one that works for you, you’ll rarely stray.

But the process of finding that routine can seem a little daunting, especially when there’s numerous options for people with the same hair type.

Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know to find the hair care ritual that’s right for you.


Your individual routine ultimately depends on a few factors

From the feel of your hair to the styles you prefer, these elements will all alter the routine you end up choosing.

Hair types tend to be fine, thick, or coarse and fall into one of four categories are straight, wavy, curly and kinky.

Each has its upsides and downsides. For example, straight hair usually looks and feels greasy quicker than curly hairTrusted Source due to oil speedily making its way down the hair shaft.

Whether your hair has been bleached, dyed, or otherwise chemically processed

Whether your hair has been bleached, dyed, or otherwise chemically processed

People with dyed hair are advised not to wash it every day to prevent premature color fadingTrusted Source and dryness.

And bleached hair may require some extra nourishmentTrusted Source in the form of conditioner or hair masks.

Cleanse

Cleansing is a balance between removing things like dead skin and product residueTrusted Sourcewithout stripping the hair of its natural oils.

Without a good wash, sebum will build up, leaving unwanted oiliness. So will dead skin if not removed. The skin renews itself around every 28 daysTrusted Source, and this may be noticeable if the hair is not clean.

And, if you’re an avid swimmer, you don’t want to leave chlorine on your locks. The longer it sits, the more time it has to strip hair of its natural elements and cause damage.

Condition

Conditioners have myriad benefits. The main one is moisturizing, but others include detangling, shininess, and frizz reduction.

The main ingredient of a conditioner is called a cationic surfactantTrusted Source.

When hair is wet, this sticks to it, coating the strands to replenish the moisture that shampoo may have removed.

Moisturize and seal

To add further hydration to the hair, you may want to embark on a two-step process known as moisturize and seal.

This can be particularly useful for kinky or coily hair that tends to be dry.

The aim is to seal in moisture, not to lock in dryness, using a hydrating product and sealing oil.

Detangle

Detangling is essential for stopping breakage and for making your life a whole lot easier.

But you need to use the right tool, such as a wide-tooth comb, to avoid pulling hair out by mistake.

Depending on your hair type, you may need to detangle every day or much less often.

Style and protect

Thanks to a number of tools and tricks like volumizers and gels, you can style your hair practically any way you want.

But if you’re a fan of heated tools, you’ll need to protect those strands with a heat protection spray.

For example, you’re fed up with how frizzy your hair is, so you try a protein treatment. Or you’ve noticed that your scalp is feeling extra dry, so you apply a super nourishing product designed for that area.

The products and tools used in each step vary widely

Although most people religiously stick to the above steps, there’s no set product or tool that you need to abide by.

Cleansing and conditioning
  • Skin anatomy and physiology - A deep-working shampoo, clarifying formulas work to remove buildup from the hair. Restrict use to around once a month, as they can remove natural oils.
  • “Daily” shampoo -Used for regular washing, this shampoo may not need to be applied daily as the name suggests, but whenever your hair feels like it needs a good cleanse.
  • “Daily” or rinse-out conditioner - The conditioner that you use the most is likely to be one that rinses out after a couple of minutes. It’s best applied to the middle and ends, as root application can result in a greasy-looking scalp.
  • Leave-in conditioner -With this kind of conditioner, you apply it in the same way but don’t rinse it out. This allows for an increased level of nourishment.
  • Deep conditioner - For even more hydration, try a deep conditioner. Great for hair that’s prone to dryness, these conditioners are designed to be left in for longer.
Moisturizing and sealing
  • Hair lotion -Once hair is cleansed and conditioned, a cream-based lotion can offer further protection from breakage and dryness. It also provides a light, non-stiff hold.
  • Oil - When it comes to oil, a little goes a long way. Enhancing your hair’s natural oils, it locks in moisture and strengthens strands.
Detangling
  • Comb -Wet hair can break more easily when brushed, although this doesn’t apply to textured or tightly curled hair types. A wide-tooth comb can be a less damaging alternative.
  • Brush - Different types of brushes exist. Some find bristles to be too hard on their hair, so opt for a plastic version. Try not to brush your hair too much. Once a day is usually sufficient.
  • Spray - If you find tears welling up when brushing or combing, apply a detangling spray beforehand.
  • Serum -A richer way of managing those knots, a detangling serum can further condition hair and make it softer so combs seamlessly work their way through.
Styling and protecting
  • Mousse - It sounds super retro, but modern mousse adds texture and volume to hair and can even enhance curls. What’s more, it doesn’t leave behind a sticky or clumpy feel.
  • Wax - A thicker product, hair wax provides more of a hold while increasing shininess. Plus, it shouldn’t leave strands feeling stiff.
  • Pomade - For a long-lasting, super shiny look, opt for pomade. This styling product should be used on damp hair, as it doesn’t dry, leaving you with a sleek finishing touch.
  • Gel - Styling gel can give hair anything from a light hold to a super strong one, depending on the product you use. All gels, however, provide a noticeable texture and shine.
  • Dry shampoo - If your hair gets greasy pretty quickly but you don’t want to wash it every day, a little dry shampoo can get rid of unwanted oil. But it does tend to build up on the scalp, so try not to use too much.
  • Volumizer - Hair looking limp? Volumizers lift hair away from the head to make your do look thicker while still feeling lightweight.
  • Texturizer - This category can encompass everything from salt sprays to curl definers, and is designed to add texture to the hair and preserve styles.
  • Shine serum or spray - These products sit on the surface of the hair, resulting in that smooth, glossy look. Apply from the ends up to the middle.
  • Hair spray - Today’s hair sprays come in various holding strengths and can even target concerns like frizz. Unlike years gone by, they don’t leave hair super stiff.
  • Heat protection spray - Whether you’re using a hair dryer, straightener, or curling iron, you need to protect those strands. These sprays create a barrier to prevent exposure to extreme heat.