While the pillars of a hair care routine are a wash, dry, and style, there are numerous other things to consider for the healthiest, thickest, and shiniest hair. Although you don't need a slew of products and tools to achieve the look you want, hair care essentials go beyond shampoo and conditioner.
Step 1. Determine your hair type
Hair texture isn't the only factor to consider. Characteristics such as how effectively your hair absorbs moisture and whether it breaks readily determine the type of hair. The five indicators listed below might help you evaluate whether your hair is thick, fine, coarse, curly, or oily.
DIAMETER
Perform a basic strand test. You have fine hair if you don't feel anything when you rub one hair strand between your hands. If you can feel a single strand, your hair is probably medium width, and if it feels thick or textured, it's perhaps coarse.
DENSITY
Take a handful of hair from the front of your head and gently tug it to the side to evaluate your hair density. If you can see a lot of your scalp between the strands of hair you pulled, your hair density is thin; if you can barely see your scalp at all, your hair density is thick.
ELASTICITY
The flexibility of your hair determines how effectively it can hold any style. Low elasticity is associated with thin hair, while high elasticity is associated with thick, normal hair.
POROSITY
Porosity is the ability of your hair to absorb moisture and product. Damaged, frizzy, or dry hair is the most common cause of high porosity. Low porosity can feel oily because it absorbs a lot of products but does not distribute them evenly.
TEXTURE
Knowing your hair type can help you figure out which products you need and structure your hair care regimen to satisfy all of your requirements.
Step 2. Gather your hair products
Essential products for hair care:
- Hair-specific shampoos and conditioner
- An excellent quality hair dryer with adjustable heat
A microfiber towel
- For our curly-haired ladies, a diffuser
- Spray or cream to prevent heat
- Styling Products
Step 3. Determine when to wash your hair
the number of suggested hair washes per week will vary based on your hair type and activity level.
Shampoo your hair twice a week, on average, if you have dry hair. Washing your hair twice a week is also effective if you have thick or curly hair, as natural oils from the scalp do not reach the hair shaft as quickly as those with thin hair. Wash your hair three times a week if you have oily hair.
Building a hair care routine is all about determining what your hair needs and treating it as such. It doesn't have to be complicated, and most hair care routines will follow, wash dry, style and treatment steps. The frequency of your hair washing, properly drying and protecting your hair from heat and adding any extras as needed make for an easy-to-follow hair care routine for healthier hair.
STEPS FOR HAIR CARE
-
CLEANSING AND CONDITIONING:
Cleansing is a delicate balance of eliminating dead skin and product residue. Conditioning has numerous advantages. Moisturizing is the most important, although detangling, shininess, and frizz reduction are also important. When hair is wet, this adheres to it, covering the strands and replenishing the moisture lost by shampoo.
- "Daily" shampoo: This shampoo is suggested for regular washing, not every day as the name says, but whenever your hair feels like it needs a good cleanse.
- Rinse-out conditioner. The conditioner you use the most may rinse off after a few minutes. Applying it to the middle and ends of your hair is preferable, as applying it to the roots can cause a greasy appearance.
- Leave-in conditioner. This type of conditioner is applied the same way as the others, but it is not rinsed away. This enables a higher level of nutrient absorption.
- Deep conditioner: Try a deep conditioner for even additional hydration. These conditioners are designed to be kept in for longer, making them ideal for hair prone to dryness.
-
MOISTURIZING AND SEALING:
Moisturize and seal is a two-step method that adds more hydration to the hair. This is especially beneficial for kinky or coily hair that is dry. Using a hydrating product and sealing oil, the goal is to lock in moisture rather than dryness.
- Lotion: A cream-based lotion can help preserve hair from breakage and dryness after being cleaned and conditioned. It also has a soft, non-stiff grip.
- Oil: A little goes a long way when it comes to oil. It seals in moisture and strengthens strands by enhancing your hair's natural oils.
-
DETANGLING:
Detangling is critical for preventing breakage and making your life much easier.
However, you must use the proper equipment, such as a wide-tooth comb, to avoid accidentally pulling hair out. You may need to detangle every day or much less frequently, depending on your hair type.
- Comb: It is more likely to break when brushing wet hair, albeit this does not apply to textured or tightly curled hair. A wide-toothed comb is a less harmful option.
- Brush: Brushes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some people prefer a plastic version because bristles are too harsh on their hair. Avoid brushing your hair excessively. It's typically enough to do it once a day.
- Serum Spray: Apply a detangling spray before brushing or combing your hair if tears start to come up. A detangling serum can further condition and soften hair, making it easier for combs to work their way through.
-
STYLING AND PROTECTION:
You can style your hair almost any way you like, thanks to a variety of tools and tactics, including volumizers and gels. If you use heated tools, you'll need a heat protection spray to keep those strands safe.
- Mousse: Modern mousse adds texture and volume to hair and even enhances curls, despite its antiquated sound. Furthermore, it does not leave a sticky or clumpy residue.
- Wax: Hair wax is a thicker substance that provides more grip while also boosting shininess. It also shouldn't make the strands rigid.
- Gel: Depending on the product, styling gel can provide hair anything from light hold to a super stronghold. All gels, on the other hand, have a distinct texture and sheen.
- Dry shampoo: If your hair gets greasy quickly, but you don't want to wash it every day, a little dry shampoo will help you get rid of the excess oil. However, it tends to build upon the scalp, so don't apply too much.
- Volumizer: Volumizers push hair away from the head, giving your hair a thicker appearance while being light.
- Shine serum or spray: These treatments sit on the hair's surface, giving it a smooth, glossy appearance. Start at the ends and work your way up to the centre.
- Hair spray: Hair sprays today come in a variety of holding strengths and can even address issues like frizz. They don't leave hair stiff as they did in the past.
- Heat protection spray: It would help if you safeguarded those strands whether you're using a hairdryer, straightener, or curling iron. These sprays form a barrier to keep you safe from the sun's rays.
-
TREATMENTS:
Spot-treating hair entails identifying an area that is bothering you and taking action to address it. For example, if you're tired of your hair is frizzy, you might try a protein treatment. Or perhaps you've observed that your scalp is dehydrated, so you use a specially formulated nourishing cream to that area.
- Scalp treatment: Exfoliating the scalp helps clear clogged follicles, increase circulation for growth, and relieve itching. Once or twice a month, use.
- Protein treatment: Protein may be required in the case of frizzy or broken hair. These monthly treatments strengthen and smooth strands by filling in holes in the cuticle.
- Targeted mask: Hair masks are often laced with nourishing nutrients, are applied to the hair and left on for several minutes to replenish it and treat dryness, split ends, and frizz.
CONCLUSION:
Developing a hair care routine entails determining what your hair requires and treating it accordingly. It doesn't have to be difficult, as most hair care routines include washing, drying, style, and treatment procedures.