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Healthy, luscious locks are a common goal for many of us, but with so many products and techniques out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. A personalized hair care routine can help you achieve your hair goals and keep your locks looking their best. In this post, we’ll cover some general steps you can take to create the perfect hair care routine for your hair type and concerns. Let’s dive in.
Let’s start with knowing the basics first … creating the perfect hair care routine involves understanding your hair type, identifying your specific needs and concerns, and selecting products and techniques that work best for you. Here are some general steps that can help you create a personalized hair care routine:
Create The Perfect Hair Care Routine #1: Determine Your Hair Type
Hair type isn’t just about texture. There are also factors in determining your hair type that as how well your hair can absorb moisture or how easily your hair breaks will help determine whether you have fine, frizzy, thick, coarse, or oily hair. Start by understanding your hair type (e.g., straight, wavy, curly, coily) and its characteristics (e.g., dry, oily, fine, thick). This will help you choose the right products and techniques for your hair. Use the below steps to test from home and learn what your hair type is.
1. Hair Density Test:
Hair density is when we refer to how much hair you actually have on your head. Determine your hair density by taking a handful of hair from the front of your head and then gently pulling it to the side of your head.
- If you see a lot of your scalp, this means you have a thin-density hair type.
- If you can barely see your scalp at all, your hair’s density is thick.
- Anything in between those two will be considered medium density.
Read Now: 3 Ways To Figure Out Your Hair Density
2. Hair Diameter Test
A simple strand test will be able to tell you your diameter. Take on a hair strand and put it between your fingertips, if you can’t feel the hair between your fingers this is a sign of fine hair. If you DO feel the single strand in your fingertips this is considered medium width or if that hair strand feels thick/textured your hair will be considered coarse.
Read Now: How To Determine Your Hair Type?
Create The Perfect Hair Care Routine #2: Identify Your Specific Needs And Concerns.
Assess your hair for any specific needs and concerns you may have, such as dandruff, frizz, hair loss, or damage. This will help you select the appropriate products and treatments.
Create The Perfect Hair Care Routine #3: Gather The Hair Products.
Hair Care Routine Must-Haves
While the type of needed products will depend on your hair needs, there are a few must-haves for any hair care routine:
- Shampoo and Conditioner (based on hair type)
- Microfiber towel
- Hairdryer
- A diffuser for the curly girl
- Heat protectant products
- Styling product (spray, gel, mousse, etc.)
- Paddle brushes
Hair Care Routine Options
- Dry shampoo
- Straightener
- Curling wand
- Hair Extensions
- Hair Masks
- Hair oils
- Scalp Massage
Create The Perfect Hair Care Routine #4: Determine The Time To Wash Your Hair
The foundation of the perfect hair care routine is knowing the right amount of time to wash your hair throughout the week. Ideally, you should wash your hair no more than three times a week. However, this will also change depending on your hair type and activity so our advice is to be flexible with your hair wash routine depending on your schedule.
Generally speaking, if you have dry hair, shampoo twice a week. If you have thick or curly hair washing twice a week also works, as natural oils from the scalp don’t get to the hair shaft as quickly as those with fine hair. Ladies with oily hair can wash it three times a week.
Read Now: How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?
*Properly Use Shampoo & Conditioner*
In any case, conditioner should always be used in your hair wash routine. Conditioner helps to nourish and treat your hair after shampooing. It’s important to apply conditioner to the mid-shaft of the hair to the ends massaging the product into the hair and depending on the type of conditioner, leaving it in for a few minutes before rinsing. The mid-shaft and ends usually need the most moisture, especially if you have chemically treated hair, dry hair, or damaged ends. In all cases look for nurturing ingredients and avoid sulfates.
Create The Perfect Hair Care Routine #5: Incorporate A Hair Mask or Treatment:
Use a hair mask or treatment once a week to nourish and strengthen your hair. Look for products that contain ingredients such as argan oil, keratin, or protein.
Create The Perfect Hair Care Routine #6: Drying & Styling Your Hair
Soak up excess water with a microfiber towel and avoid rubbing your hair between non-microfiber towels. If using a hair dryer or diffuser, apply the hair protectant first and dry accordingly. A paddle brush or round brush can be used if trying to style the hair. If you have time, apply a spritz of styling product and allow your hair to air dry. Limiting your hair’s exposure to heat as much as possible will help protect its health and integrity of it.
If using a flat iron or a curling wand, depending on the style you want do so after the hairdryer. Heat protectants should be applied and remember to adjust the heat to the lowest.
Create The Perfect Hair Care Routine #7: Adding Hair Extensions To Your Routine
If you’re looking for length or more thickness, hair extensions can give your fuller, longer hair with a natural look. If hair extensions are already part of your daily routine, keep in mind to wash them at least once a month, if you use more product on them, wash more frequently. To ensure the integrity and longevity of your hair extensions, store them properly in their designated packaging or hair extensions carrier.
Conclusion
Creating a hair care routine entails determining what your hair requires and treating it accordingly. It doesn’t have to be complicated, and most hair care routines will include the steps of wash, dry, style, and treatment. The frequency of your hair washing, proper hair drying and heat protection, and the addition of any extras as needed all contribute to an easy-to-follow hair care routine for healthier hair.
