Are you tired of trying countless shampoos and conditioners only to find out that they aren’t suitable for you?
Choosing the right cleanser and care products for your hair can seem like a daunting task – from plethora of products available to choose from!
To simplify the process, we have created a guide to help you find the right products for your hair type.
Step ONE: Know your hair type
Before you start browsing through the shelves and the list of products, it’s important to know whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or kinky? Straight hair tends to get oily quickly and can become greasy if not washed frequently. Wavy hair is prone to frizzi-ness and requires a little more attention to avoid dryness. Curly and kinky hair is often dry, so it’s crucial to use products that hydrate and moisturize and you might need more products beyond just cleansing and conditioning
Step TWO: Determine your scalp type
Is your scalp oily, dry, or a combination of both? If your scalp is oily, opt for a clarifying shampoo that cleanses your scalp thoroughly. A dry scalp requires moisturizing shampoo that hydrates and nourishes your scalp. If you have a combination of both, it’s best to use a balancing shampoo that caters to both needs. If you have dandruff or flaky scalp, it’s no brainer to select an anti-dandruff shampoo
Step THREE: Identify Hair problems
Identify the hair problem you currently facing, dandruff, hair fall / breakage, damage, split ends, greying, thinning, oiliness, hair density, frizz, etc.
Step FOURTH: Hair Goal to achieve
Hair Needs & goals varies, so identify what you wish to achieve, a specific benefit or combinations of hair needs and goals e.g. anti-dandruff & color protection, Volume & UV protection, Anti-frizz & damage repair, Shine & volume, and the cleaner options with no colour/no fragrance/no paraben/no sulphates etc.
Step FIVE: Lifestyle and Routine
Lifestyle and hair care routine also play a significant role in selecting right regime. A good hair care routine includes a shampoo and conditioner that is specifically tailored to your hair and scalp type and your needs and goals. Whether you step out frequently and hair is exposed to dust and pollution and whether you wear your hair open or tie it up in your favourite hair style. Stepping our frequently and leaving hair open requires frequent cleansing and conditioning. You can also incorporate a hair oil or serum into your routine, a frequent nourishment regimen using nourishing oils, deep moisturizing hair mask and leave-on oils and serums. Hair oils like coconut oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil are great for hydrating and nourishing hair, while serums help tame frizz and add shine.
Step SIX: Consider your Age
As we age, our hair loses moisture and becomes brittle. It’s vital to use hair care products that is formulated for mature hair. These products contain ingredients like proteins, keratin, collagen and biotin that strengthen and nourish hair, making it healthier and more youthful-looking.
Additional tips: It goes without saying that a healthy diet full of nuts and proteins is important to maintain or improve health of hair. Once you have followed these steps to identify the most suitable shampoo and conditioner for yourself, try to use it for a period of at least 2 weeks to get a good experience and decide on its suitability. When washing your hair, make sure to use water which is not hot, high temperature can damage hair protein and can strip it of its natural oil. Gently massage the shampoo onto your scalp and hair, and rinse thoroughly. Regularly apply conditioner since hair is most vulnerable to tangling and breakage when wet, so, use conditioner for wet detangling, use more on the ends of the hair where it needs maximum conditioning and leave it for few minutes for deeper conditioning. If possible, avoid to comb hair when wet. Don’t forget to use a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair gently.
To conclude, choosing the right shampoo and conditioner (and masks, oil and serums) for your hair type and scalp is essential for maintaining healthy and beautiful hair. By following these tips and incorporating a hair care regime into your routine, you’ll be on your way to achieving the hair of your dreams. Remember to be patient and experiment with different products until you find the perfect fit!
