It doesn’t matter if you’re a man or woman—your haircare routine should be tailored to your:
Scalp Condition:
- Dry, oily, or dandruff-prone.
Hair Type:
Length:
- Buzz, medium, or long-flowing.
Goals:
- Growth, volume, damage repair, or stop hair loss.
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?
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?

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:
- Scalp Massager: Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager
Improves circulation and stimulates hair follicles for growth.
- Growth Serum: Vegamour GRO Hair Serum
Contains plant-based ingredients that promote thicker, healthier hair.
- Gentle Hair Ties: Slip Silk Scrunchies
Reduces tension and breakage caused by tight hairstyles.
