Just as it is important to have a skincare routine to help your skin stay in good condition, it is essential to have a hair care routine to promote hair growth and health. However, with thousands upon thousands of products in the market, it can be overwhelming to know which products would work for you. That is why it is best to start from the beginning to create an effective routine.
Determine Your Hair Type
The texture of your hair will fall into one of the four main categories: straight, wavy, curly, and kinky.
If you are unsure about which group your hair falls in, allow your hair to air dry the next time you wash it but do not apply any products once you step out of the shower. If your hair dries without a bend or curl, your hair is straight or if it forms a “S” shape, then your hair is wavy. If you notice a loop pattern, then your hair is curly while tight or “Z” shaped curls are considered kinky hair.
Determine Your Hair Concerns or Needs
Once you figured out your hair type, it’s time to distinguish at least one aspect of your hair that you would like to address. Here are some common hair problems:
· Oily scalp: over-reactive sebaceous glands on the scalp. To find out if have an oily scalp, take note if your hair looks and feels greasy and flat a day after washing.
· Split Ends: the ends of your hair become dry and brittle.
· Frizz: moisture entering the cuticle of the hair, making it swell.
· Hair loss: losing hair from your head, resulting in thinning, patchiness, or baldness.
The Basic Components of a Hair Care Routine
Different hair textures and hair goals need a tailored routine but there are a few elements that everyone can benefit from.
· Cleanse with a shampoo to remove the excess oils, dirt, and previously used products from the scalp.
· Use conditioner to hydrate your hair and make it softer.
· Detangle to prevent a build-up of mats, knots, and breakage.
· Style your hair in a way that reflects who you are. If you’re an avid fan of heat styling tools, you must protect the strands to prevent exposure to extreme heat.
· Spot-treat to target specific hair concerns or needs.
Always keep in mind that the order of your routine matters, and consistency is key to achieve the results that you want.
