A simple guide for starting your hair care routine

Creating a hair care routine involves more than just determining how frequently you wash your hair.

While the essentials of a routine may center around washing, drying, and styling, there are several other factors to take into account if you want your hair to be its healthiest, fullest, and most vibrant. You don’t need an overwhelming number of products and tools to achieve your desired look, but a solid hair care regimen goes beyond just shampoo and conditioner.

If you’re looking to enhance your hair’s potential, here’s a simple guide to help you establish a personalized hair care routine.

Step 1: Identify your hair type
Hair type encompasses more than just texture; it also includes factors like how well your hair retains moisture or its tendency to break. Below are five key factors that help you determine if your hair is thick, fine, coarse, frizzy, or oily.

Diameter
Try a simple strand test. Take a single strand of hair between your fingertips. If you can’t feel it, you likely have fine hair. If you can feel the strand, but it’s not overly thick, your hair is medium in width. If the strand feels thick or textured, your hair is probably coarse.

Density
Hair density refers to the amount of hair on your scalp. To assess it, grab a handful of hair from the front of your head and pull it gently to the side. If you see a lot of your scalp between the strands, you have thin hair density. If your scalp is barely visible, your hair density is thick. If it’s somewhere in between, your density is medium.

Elasticity
Ever tried stretching or snapping a hair strand? Your hair’s response reveals its elasticity and strength. If the strand snaps immediately when you pull it, your hair has low elasticity. If it stretches without breaking, your hair’s elasticity is high. Hair with high elasticity can hold styles better, while low elasticity is often linked to thinner hair. High elasticity is usually found in thicker or normal hair.

Porosity
Porosity refers to how well your hair absorbs moisture and products. To test this, drop a strand of your hair into a bowl of water. If it sinks quickly, your hair has high porosity and absorbs moisture easily. If it floats just beneath the surface, it’s well-balanced with “normal” porosity. If it stays on top of the water, your hair has low porosity and struggles to absorb moisture. High porosity often indicates damaged, dry, or frizzy hair, while low porosity may lead to a heavy, oily feel since products may sit on the surface without being absorbed properly.

Texture
This one’s straightforward: is your hair straight, wavy, or curly?

Understanding your hair type is much simpler than figuring out your dating type! With this hair type guide (and quiz), you’ll know exactly which products suit your hair best and how to customize your hair care routine to meet your unique needs.

Keep in mind, hair can change with the seasons. For example, you might notice more frizz or curl in humid weather, or that your hair feels less porous in colder months. Small tweaks to your routine may be necessary, but they shouldn’t disrupt your overall approach.

Step 2: Gather your hair products
Essential hair care products
While the specific products you’ll need depend on your hair type and needs, there are a few essentials that every hair care routine should include:

• Shampoo and conditioner tailored to your hair type (we can help you narrow down the options)
• Microfiber towel for gentle drying
• A high-quality hairdryer with adjustable heat settings
• A diffuser for those with curly hair
• Heat protectant spray or cream to shield hair from styling tools
• Styling products like spray, gel, or mousse based on your desired look
• A paddle brush—suitable for most hair types, but choose bristles that match your hair’s needs. For example, if you have thick hair, opt for a brush with sturdier bristles, such as nylon or synthetic, to smoothly work through your hair’s texture.

Optional hair care products

• Dry shampoo for refreshing hair between washes
• Straightener/flat iron for sleek styles
• Curling wand for defined curls or waves
• Hair extensions for added length or volume
• Hair masks for deep conditioning treatments
• Scalp massager for stimulating scalp circulation

Now that you’re familiar with your hair type and the essential products, let’s move on to the foundation of your hair care routine: your washing schedule. Ideally, you should aim to wash your hair no more than three times a week. However, this can vary depending on your hair type and lifestyle. For example, if you’re an avid hot yoga enthusiast or use a lot of styling products, your hair might become oily faster due to sweat and product buildup, so it’s important to be flexible with your routine and adapt it to your schedule.

In general:

• Dry hair: Shampoo twice a week to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils.
• Thick or curly hair: Washing twice a week works well since the scalp’s natural oils take longer to reach the hair shaft compared to finer hair.
• Oily hair: You can wash your hair up to three times a week to manage excess oil.

Being mindful of your hair’s unique needs and adjusting your wash routine accordingly will help maintain its health and vibrancy.

Step 4: Drying and styling your hair
Now that you’ve got the washing routine down, let’s talk about drying. Start by soaking up excess water with a microfiber towel, avoiding the temptation to rub your hair between towels that aren’t microfiber. This helps prevent unnecessary frizz and damage.

If you’re using a hairdryer or diffuser, be sure to apply a heat protectant first to shield your hair from heat damage. A paddle brush or round brush can be used to style your hair as you dry, depending on your desired look.

For those with extra time or just staying in, spritz on a bit of styling product and allow your hair to air dry. Air drying reduces exposure to heat, helping to maintain the health and integrity of your hair.

If you’re using a flat iron or curling wand, style your hair after blow-drying. Apply heat protectant and, depending on your hair’s porosity, use styling products both before and after to lock in your style. For longer-lasting waves or curls, loosely pin them around your head overnight, so you’re ready to go in the morning.

Step 5: Additional hair care routine options
If you’re between washes or short on time, dry shampoo is a great addition to your routine. Apply it at the roots and massage it in with your fingers to absorb excess oil and refresh your hair.

For extra care, hair masks and conditioning treatments are fantastic, especially for chemically treated or dry hair. You can opt for professional treatments at a salon once a month or make your own DIY hair masks at home. Depending on your hair’s needs, a mask can be used once a week to keep your hair nourished and hydrated.

Adding hair extensions to your routine
If you’re seeking more length or volume, clip-in hair extensions can provide a natural, fuller look. If extensions are part of your daily routine, be sure to wash them at least once a month, or more frequently if you use a lot of products on them. To maintain their longevity, store your extensions properly in their designated packaging or a special hair extension carrier.

Summary
Building a hair care routine is all about understanding your hair’s unique needs and addressing them accordingly. It doesn’t have to be complicated—most routines follow simple steps: wash, dry, style, and treat. The key is to adjust the frequency of washing, protect your hair from heat, and add extra care options as needed. By following these easy steps, you’ll have a routine that promotes healthier, more beautiful hair.