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Your Best Hair Yet Starts With A Reliable Haircare Routine
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It doesn’t matter if you’re a man or woman—your haircare routine should be tailored to your:

Scalp Condition:

Hair Type:

Length:

Goals:

Your haircare routine is about what your hair needs—not who you are.

What’s Your Scalp Condition?

How To Know Your Scalp Condition:

  • Dry scalp: Itchy, tight-feeling scalp with flakes (not greasy).
  • Oily scalp: Hair becomes greasy quickly after washing.
  • Dandruff-prone scalp: Flakes and itchiness, often accompanied by redness or irritation.

Tip: Check your scalp a day or two after washing to see how it feels and looks—this will reveal your scalp type.

Dry Scalp

Do This:

  • Use a hydrating scalp treatment twice a week.
  • Opt for a moisturizing shampoo and avoid harsh cleansers.
  • Incorporate a scalp oil (like argan or jojoba) for added hydration.

When:

  • Wash: Every 3–4 days.
  • Scalp treatments: Twice a week.

Why:

  • A dry scalp can lead to itchiness, flakiness, and irritation. Proper hydration soothes and maintains the scalp’s health.

How:

  • Apply scalp oil directly to your scalp at night and wash it out in the morning. Use lukewarm water when rinsing hair to prevent further drying.

What You’ll Need:

  • Shampoo: L’Oreal EverCreme Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo

Gently cleanses while providing essential hydration to soothe a dry scalp.

  • Scalp Oil: Moroccanoil Dry Scalp Treatment

Nourishes the scalp, reduces flaking, and relieves itchiness with a lightweight formula.

  • Hydrating Conditioner: Living Proof Restore Conditioner

Strengthens and hydrates hair, ensuring the scalp stays balanced and hair feels soft.

Oily Scalp

Do This:

  • Wash every other day with a clarifying shampoo.
  • Avoid heavy conditioners on the roots.
  • Rinse with cool water to close the pores.

When:

  • Wash: Every other day or as needed.

Why:

  • Overactive oil glands can weigh hair down and lead to buildup. A balanced routine keeps oil production in check without over-drying.

How:

  • Focus shampoo on the scalp and conditioner on the ends. Use dry shampoo between washes if needed.

What You’ll Need:

  • Clarifying Shampoo: Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo

Removes excess oil and product buildup without stripping the scalp.

  • Conditioner: Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Conditioner

Hydrates hair ends without adding grease to the scalp.

  • Dry Shampoo: Batiste Dry Shampoo Original

Absorbs excess oil between washes, leaving hair refreshed and voluminous.

Dandruff-Prone

Do This:

  • Wash with an anti-dandruff shampoo containing zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, or ketoconazole.
  • Avoid scratching the scalp, as it worsens flaking.
  • Use a scalp scrub or exfoliating treatment weekly.

When:

  • Wash: 2–3 times a week or as needed.
  • Exfoliate: Weekly.

Why:

  • Dandruff results from excess oil or fungal overgrowth. Consistent treatment soothes irritation and reduces flakes.

How:

  • Apply anti-dandruff shampoo directly to the scalp and leave it on for 3–5 minutes before rinsing. Follow with a hydrating conditioner to prevent dryness.

What You’ll Need:

  • Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Contains ketoconazole to treat dandruff and prevent itching and flaking.

  • Scalp Scrub: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Scrub

Exfoliates dead skin and removes buildup for a healthier, flake-free scalp.

  • Hydrating Conditioner: Aveeno Oat Milk Blend Conditioner

Soothes and moisturizes the scalp while preventing dryness.

What’s Your Hair Type?

Curly and straight hair example

How To Know Your Hair Type:

  • Curly hair: Spirals or waves that range from loose to tight.
  • Straight hair: Smooth strands with no curl or wave.
  • Fine hair: Each strand is thin, and hair may feel flat or light.
  • Thick hair: Each strand is coarse, and hair appears full or dense.

Tip: Observe your hair’s natural shape after air-drying and feel the texture between your fingers to identify its type.

Curly Hair

Do This:

  • Use a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo once or twice weekly.
  • Deep condition weekly to retain moisture and prevent frizz.
  • Apply leave-in conditioner after every wash.
  • Use a curl cream or gel to define curls.
  • Avoid heat styling; use a diffuser on low heat if necessary.

When:

  • Wash: 1–2 times weekly.
  • Deep condition: Every week.
  • Style: Daily or after washing.

Why:

  • Curly hair is naturally drier due to the shape of the strands, which makes it prone to frizz and breakage. A moisturizing routine keeps curls healthy and defined.

How:

  • After washing, gently squeeze excess water from your hair with a microfiber towel. Apply products on damp hair to lock in moisture. Use a wide-tooth comb for detangling.

What You’ll Need:

  • Shampoo: SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo

This sulfate-free shampoo gently cleanses without stripping natural oils, while hibiscus and coconut oil hydrate curls, enhance shine, and reduce frizz.

  • Deep Conditioner: DevaCurl Heaven in Hair Deep Conditioner

This rich conditioner deeply hydrates dry curls, improves elasticity, and prevents breakage.

  • Leave-In Conditioner: Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner

A lightweight detangler that smooths curls, locks in moisture, and makes styling easier.

  • Curl Cream: Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Curl Activator Cream

Enhances curl definition, tames frizz, and adds softness and bounce to curls.

  • Microfiber Towel: Aquis Original Hair Towel

Reduces frizz and prevents breakage by absorbing water gently without roughing up the hair cuticle.

Straight Hair

Do This:

  • Wash every 2–3 days with a lightweight shampoo.
  • Avoid heavy conditioners near the scalp to prevent flatness.
  • Use a volumizing spray or mousse for body.
  • Protect with a heat protectant before styling tools.

When:

  • Wash: Every 2–3 days.
  • Style: As needed before heat tools.

Why:

  • Straight hair tends to get oily faster, so over-washing can strip natural oils and create a cycle of overproduction.

How:

  • Shampoo at the roots and use conditioner only from mid-length to the ends. Air-dry or blow-dry with a round brush for added volume.

What You’ll Need:

  • Shampoo: Kristin Ess The One Signature Shampoo

Cleanses hair thoroughly without weighing it down, leaving it shiny and smooth.

  • Conditioner: Verb Ghost Conditioner

A lightweight formula that nourishes straight hair without adding heaviness, keeping it silky and manageable.

  • Volumizing Spray: Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray

Adds body and lift to straight hair, making it look fuller and more voluminous.

  • Heat Protectant: Tresemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray

Shields hair from damage caused by heat styling tools, maintaining strength and preventing split ends.

Fine Hair

Do This:

  • Wash every other day with a volumizing or lightweight shampoo.
  • Avoid heavy conditioners or products that weigh hair down.
  • Use a root-lifting spray or volumizing mousse.
  • Avoid over-brushing to prevent breakage.

When:

  • Wash: Every other day or as needed.
  • Style: Daily or after washing.

Why:

  • Fine hair tends to lack volume and gets weighed down easily. A lightweight routine keeps hair bouncy and manageable.

How:

  • Focus shampoo on the roots and use conditioner sparingly, applying only to the ends. Blow-dry using a round brush for extra lift at the roots.

What You’ll Need:

  • Shampoo: Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Shampoo

Infused with biotin and ginseng, this shampoo boosts volume, strengthens fine hair, and promotes growth.

  • Conditioner: Paul Mitchell Extra Body Conditioner

Hydrates hair while adding lightweight volume and fullness.

  • Root-Lifting Spray: Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray

Provides root lift and texture, giving fine hair a fuller appearance.

  • Round Brush: Conair Pro Round Brush with Boar Bristles

Helps create volume at the roots and smooths hair for a polished finish during blow-drying.

Thick Hair

Do This:

  • Use a moisturizing shampoo to prevent dryness.
  • Deep condition weekly to maintain manageability.
  • Apply a smoothing serum or cream for styling.
  • Detangle with a wide-tooth comb to prevent breakage.

When:

  • Wash: 2–3 times a week.
  • Deep condition: Weekly.

Why:

  • Thick hair is prone to dryness and tangles, requiring extra moisture and detangling care.

How:

  • Divide hair into sections when washing and conditioning to ensure even application. Air-dry whenever possible to reduce heat damage.

What You’ll Need:

  • Shampoo: SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Shampoo

Deeply hydrates and softens thick hair while reducing frizz and dryness.

  • Deep Conditioner: Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask

Repairs damaged, thick strands and adds intense moisture, leaving hair shiny and smooth.

  • Smoothing Serum: Moroccanoil Treatment Oil

Tames frizz, adds shine, and makes thick hair more manageable without weighing it down.

  • Wide-Tooth Comb: Hercules Sägemann Magic Star Wide-Tooth Comb

Gently detangles thick hair without causing breakage or pulling.

What Your Hair’s Length?

Hair length examples buzz, mid, long

How To Know Your Hair’s Length:

  • Buzz cut: All your hair is less than 1 inch (2.54 cm) long.
  • Medium length: Anything longer than a buzz but still too short to be able to tie your hair up.
  • Long-flowing hair: If you can tie your hair up you have long hair.

Tip: Think about how much time and effort you spend detangling or styling—it often corresponds to length.

Buzz Cut

Do This:

  • Wash daily or every other day with a mild shampoo.
  • Use a scalp moisturizer or oil to maintain healthy skin.
  • Apply sunscreen to protect the scalp if exposed to the sun.

When:

  • Wash: Daily or as needed.
  • Moisturize: After every wash.

Why:

  • Buzz cuts expose the scalp, making it more prone to dryness and sun damage. Regular care keeps it healthy and smooth.

How:

  • Gently massage shampoo into the scalp and rinse thoroughly. Apply a lightweight moisturizer after drying.

What You’ll Need:

  • Mild Shampoo: CeraVe Hydrating Shampoo

Cleanses the scalp gently without causing dryness.

  • Scalp Moisturizer: The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA for Scalp

Hydrates and nourishes the exposed scalp.

  • Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60

Protects the scalp from harmful UV rays, preventing sunburn.

Long Flowing Hair

Do This:

  • Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to prevent split ends.
  • Deep condition weekly to maintain shine and softness.
  • Detangle daily with a wide-tooth comb.
  • Trim every 8–12 weeks to avoid breakage.

When:

  • Wash: 2–3 times a week.
  • Deep condition: Weekly.
  • Detangle: Daily.

Why:

  • Long hair is more prone to tangles and split ends, requiring extra moisture and maintenance.

How:

  • Apply shampoo to the scalp and let it rinse through the lengths. Use conditioner from mid-length to the ends. Air-dry or use low-heat tools to reduce damage.

What You’ll Need:

  • Shampoo: Pureology Hydrate Moisturizing Shampoo

Nourishes and hydrates long hair, preventing dryness and split ends.

  • Deep Conditioner: Kérastase Nutritive Masquintense for Thick Hair

Restores moisture and softness to long hair, keeping it manageable.

  • Wide-Tooth Comb: Wet Brush Detangling Comb

Gently detangles long hair without causing breakage.

  • Heat Protectant: GHD Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray

Protects hair from damage caused by heat styling tools.

Medium-Length

Do This:

  • Wash every 2–3 days with a shampoo suited to your hair type.
  • Apply conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends.
  • Use a styling cream or serum to tame flyaways and add shine.

When:

  • Wash: Every 2–3 days.
  • Style: Daily or as needed.

Why:

  • Medium length strikes a balance between manageable and versatile but still needs care to avoid frizz and damage.

How:

  • Focus on using lightweight products that enhance the natural shape of your hair. Air-dry or blow-dry with a round brush for soft volume.

What You’ll Need:

  • Shampoo: Redken All Soft Shampoo

Adds softness and shine to medium-length hair, making it manageable.

  • Conditioner: Redken All Soft Conditioner

Hydrates and smooths hair, preventing frizz.

  • Styling Cream: Ouai Finishing Crème

Tames flyaways and adds a polished finish.

  • Round Brush: Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Thermal Brush

Helps create soft volume and smoothness during blow-drying.

What’s Your Hair Goals?

How To Decide Your Hair Goals:

  • Volume: You aim for fuller, bouncier hair—use volumizing products and techniques.
  • Damage repair: Your hair is brittle, dry, or frizzy—opt for strengthening and hydrating treatments.
  • Growth: You want longer or thicker hair—focus on scalp care and growth serums.

Volume

Do This:

  • Use a volumizing shampoo and skip heavy conditioners.
  • Add a root-lifting mousse or spray before styling.
  • Blow-dry upside down for extra lift at the roots.
  • Use a texturizing spray for added body.

When:

  • Wash: Every other day or as needed.
  • Style: Daily or after washing.

Why:

  • Volumizing products and techniques help create body and movement, especially for flat or lifeless hair.

How:

  • Apply volumizing products on damp hair before blow-drying. Use a round brush to lift hair at the roots. Avoid overloading with styling products.

What You’ll Need:

  • Volumizing Shampoo: Living Proof Full Shampoo

Adds volume and thickness to hair without weighing it down.

  • Root-Lifting Mousse: Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse

Provides instant lift and body to the roots, creating fuller-looking hair.

  • Texturizing Spray: Amika Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray

Adds texture and volume for a tousled, fuller appearance.

  • Round Brush: Drybar Full Pint Medium Round Brush

Helps lift hair at the roots and create a smooth, voluminous finish.

Damage Repair

Do This:

  • Use a protein treatment or mask every two weeks.
  • Avoid heat styling as much as possible.
  • Trim split ends every 6–8 weeks.

When:

  • Protein treatment: Bi-weekly.
  • Trims: Every 6–8 weeks.

Why:

  • Damaged hair needs protein to strengthen weakened strands and regular trims to prevent further breakage.

How:

  • After washing, apply the protein treatment for 5–10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Follow with a hydrating conditioner to maintain softness.

What You’ll Need:

Protein Mask: Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

  • Strengthens damaged hair by infusing it with protein and moisture.

Conditioner: Pantene Pro-V Repair & Protect Conditioner

  • Smooths and strengthens hair, preventing further breakage.

Heat Protectant: CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray

  • Protects hair from heat damage caused by styling tools, reducing breakage.

Growth

Do This:

  • Massage your scalp daily to improve blood circulation.
  • Use a growth serum with active ingredients like minoxidil or peptides.
  • Avoid tight hairstyles that cause breakage.

When:

  • Scalp massage: Daily.
  • Growth serum: Apply nightly.

Why:

  • Stimulating the scalp encourages blood flow to hair follicles, while growth serums provide nourishment to the roots.

How:

  • Use your fingertips or a scalp massager for 5–10 minutes daily. Apply serum directly to the scalp and massage it in.

What You’ll Need:

Improves circulation and stimulates hair follicles for growth.

Contains plant-based ingredients that promote thicker, healthier hair.

Reduces tension and breakage caused by tight hairstyles.

References

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