Find the Right Hair Care Routine for Your Hair Type

Young brunette girl female woman adult in grey shorts and white top drying her curly hair with blow dryer after shower in front of the mirror.

Fine Hair Care Routine

If you have fine hair, keeping it soft and silky is integral to your hair care routine. However, breakage and damage can occur if not cared for properly. Some steps you can take to make sure your fine hair care routine works for your hair type include:

  1. Choose the right shampoo

    Avoid sulfate shampoos and be sure to choose a volumizing shampoo to keep hair from looking flat, followed by a clarifying shampoo once a week to cleanse your scalp. This latter shampoo also helps prevent product build up which can leave hair flat and unmanageable.

  2. Shampoo sparingly

    There is such a thing as having too much of a good thing, and shampoo is no exception. It's recommended that people with fine hair only two to three times a week and use dry shampoo the other days.

  3. Don't overdo it on conditioner

    When you use conditioner, be sure to only apply it to the ends of your hair and not your scalp so that your hair's natural oils can do the work of keeping your hair healthy and shiny.

  4. Air dry hair before styling

    A good benchmark is to aim for your hair to be about 75% dry before you begin to style it to avoid breakage.

  5. Use few heat styling products and tools

    Using too many heat tools and products can cause hair to break, so be sure to limit them or use products that protect your hair in the event you need to use heat styling.

Natural Hair Care Routine

If you happen to have natural hair, your needs focus around the ideas of keeping moisture locked in and avoiding frizz. Here are some tips to keeping your natural hair looking great.

  1. Pick moisture-packed shampoo

    Used once or twice a week, a sulfate-free moisturizing shampoo can keep natural hair looking great without removing natural oils. Choose gentle cleansing formulas to detangle hair while also keeping your scalp clean.

  2. Don't forget the clarifying shampoo

    If you have hard water, are concerned about product build up, or enjoy activities like swimming, a product like a clarifying shampoo helps remove grease and oils a few times a month can be beneficial.

  3. Deep condition weekly

    If you're using your moisturizing shampoo on a regular basis, follow it up with a moisturizing conditioner that locks in the hydration your hair needs to stay healthy.

  4. Use treatments infused with protein

    People with natural hair may experience breakage and other issues if hair isn't taken care of, and products with protein in them help rebuild strands, keeping them stronger longer.

  5. Use protective styles

    Natural hair can be high maintenance at times, so using a protective style like braids or twist outs can be useful for growing out hair or enjoying your current length.

Wavy Hair Care Routine

Having wavy hair can mean you have the flexibility to change your style more frequently than other hair types. From straightening hair for a sleek look, to adding curling products for added definition, wavy hair can be fun. Use these tips for a wavy hair care routine that keeps your hair looking great, no matter your style of the day.

  1. Detangle wavy hair

    Before cleansing hair, make sure you detangle it using a brush or, if doing so when hair is already wet, a comb in the shower.

  2. Double wash with shampoo

    Some people with wavy hair may also have fine hair, so washing, rinsing, and repeating may be useful to fully remove direct and debris.

  3. Let conditioner sit while showering

    In order to get the most out of your conditioner, try using conditioner as you shave or use body wash, then rinse after that.

  4. Use gel while hair is wet

    Folks with wavy hair benefit from using gel before drying their hair so they can scrunch it as it dries

  5. Air dry or use a diffuser

    If using a blow dryer, a diffuser attachment is a great way to protect your hair while heat styling and distribute the air more evenly. Air drying works great, too!

Curly Hair Care Routine

If curly hair fits your hair type, issues like frizz and resistance to moisture can be common. Take a look at these tips to getting your curly hair care routine on track so that you always have shiny, defined curls no matter what life throws your way.

  1. Shampoo weekly

    Although it can be tempting to cleanse hair more frequently, retaining your natural oils is integral for hair health. Fewer shampoos will help your hair and scalp overall.

  2. Use conditioner generously

    Since curly hair isn't porous, it's important to keep it hydrated. Don't be afraid to use a generous amount of conditioner while showering, as well as leave-in conditioner on a regular basis.

  3. Add an after-shower cream to your routine

    Hydration doesn't stop just because you've rinsed out conditioner! Be sure to use a cream following your cleansing ritual to keep hair looking great and staying moisturized.

  4. Use a hair mask monthly

    For an extra hydration boost, use a hair mask to deep condition hair. They help cut down on frizz and boost hair strength.

  5. Apply a heat protectant when using heat tools

    Need to quickly blow dry hair or want to straighten it? Prevent damage with heat protectant products for curly hair so you avoid breakage and removing moisture from hair.

About HairCode, backed by decades of hair care research and industry-leading cosmetic scientists

We're obsessed with hair and the science behind what makes it look and feel amazing. Our dedicated team leverages years of extensive haircare research and product development led by pioneering cosmetic scientists, PhDs in Biology and Chemistry, along with esteemed professional hair stylists from around the globe. Our goal is to be the most accurate and easy-to-use platform for you to learn about your hair. Our HairCode Quiz is built to harness a wealth of haircare research to give you a straightforward and science-backed haircare regimen recommendation based on questions that matter. We know that hair can be complicated. That's why we break it down for you piece by piece with your unique HairCode. So, let's get to the root of it... Because we are here to support you on a journey of self-discovery and love for your hair.

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