What Is a Good Hair Care Routine [For Different Hair Types]

The best way to keep your hair healthy and beautiful is through a hair care routine. Whether you’re so busy with work that you barely have time to blow-dry, or you’re completely clueless about what is best for your hair (conditioner, who?), this guide will help you create a daily hair care routine so you can give your hair the love and attention it deserves.

Getting Started

Before you jump in the shower, there are a few basics you’ll need to understand to create a routine that will really work for you. Most important are your hair type and your hair needs. Knowing this allows you to customize your hair regimen and make it as unique as you are.

Hair Type

Your hair type is made up of two main components: texture and diameter (thickness).

Your hair will fall within the range of one of the main textures:

Straight
Wavy
Curly
Coily

Hair diameter is not how thick your hair appears on your head because of how many hairs you have (that’s hair density), but rather how thick just one strand of hair is. It can be thin, medium, or thick.

To figure out your hair’s density, take a single strand in your hand. You shouldn’t be able to feel thin hair at all, whereas thick hair will have heft even as a single strand.

Hair Needs

What concerns you the most about your hair? What are you constantly fighting? Common concerns include:

Dryness
A flaky scalp
Frizzy hair that won’t stay down
Thinning hair

These issues inform what your hair needs, and they really do matter. A one-size-fits-all hair regimen can hardly be called the best hair care routine for you.

You might have multiple hair concerns, but try to narrow it down to the biggest issue or two. As those hair needs get resolved, you can update your hair routine to tackle the next concerns.

Create Your Hair Care Routine

Now that you’ve identified your hair type and greatest needs, you can start creating a plan to take care of your hair.

Hair Washing

Washing your hair is the foundation of any good hair care routine. Washing your hair with shampoo and conditioner will keep your scalp and follicles healthy and your shafts strong and soft. How you wash, what you wash with, and how often you wash will be determined by your hair’s type and needs.

Choosing the Right Shampoo and Conditioner

As a rule, try to steer clear of products that contain parabens and sulfates. They can be harmful and are sometimes linked to carcinogens. After that, your goal is to choose products that address your hair needs.

If you have:

Oily or greasy hair

Avoid shampoos that moisturize.
Choose shampoos that clarify and will strip away all of that excess oil.
Apply conditioners to your ends, but not the scalp.

Dry or frizzy hair

Avoid products that strip away oil.
Choose shampoos that clarify and will strip away all of that excess oil.
Get a moisturizing conditioner.
Consider using a hair mask for additional moisture.

How Often Should I Wash?

Hair washing frequency can be a delicate balance. Wash too often, and you can dry out your scalp. Wash too little, and your pores can get clogged, which can inhibit hair growth

You can try out this guide to figure out how often to wash, but remember that your personal hair needs might require additional adjustments.

If your hair is:

Thick or very greasy

Wash with shampoo & conditioner every day.

Straight, thin, or tends to get greasy

Wash every other day with shampoo & conditioner.

Not prone to greasiness (straight, wavy, or curly)

Wash every 3-4 days with shampoo & conditioner.
On off days, you can use a moisturizing cream on the ends to prevent dryness.

Curly or textured

Wash 1-2 times per week with shampoo & conditioner.
If your hair is fragile or prone to dryness, you can use shampoo less frequently.
On off days, use moisturizing oils or leave-in conditioners on the ends to keep hair soft and hydrated.

Choosing the Right Tools

Your daily hair care routine doesn’t just end with washing. Brushing, combing, and styling your hair are important parts too.

When choosing a brush or comb, take into consideration your hair type, as well as how strong or fragile your hair is. Curly hair types often do well with wide-tooth combs, whereas women whose hair is prone to breakage might opt for bristle brushes since they are softer on the hair. See this article for a full breakdown of all of the different types of brushes and combs.

When using heated tools to style your hair (such as straighteners and curling irons), use a heat protectant to prevent burning or damage. Also, for certain tools, consider wearing gloves so you don’t burn your hands.

Additional Tips for Perfect Hair

There’s a lot to be said about hair care. It’s a broad topic. In addition to all the advice throughout this post, we’ve put together our 14 favorite tips to help you put together the best possible hair care routine.

Encouraging Hair Growth

Vitamin E is excellent for your hair. In one study, participants with hair loss saw a 34.5% increase in hair growth after taking vitamin E for eight months.
Taking vitamin A helps your hair grow and stay healthy.
There are many ways to improve hair growth: taking vitamins, improving your nutrition, and using specially formulated shampoos to unclog the pores and revitalize your scalp.
Caring for your scalp will result in healthier hair. Wash your scalp thoroughly with shampoo to unclog pores and remove dead cells.
Get frequent trims to remove split ends and keep the shafts strong.

Combatting Hair Loss

If you struggle with hair shedding, there could be multiple causes: lack of sleep, vitamin or nutrition deficiency, too much stress, genetics, or even just a hairstyle that pulls too tight. Examine your situation and make changes accordingly to stop hair shedding.
Don’t wear your hair too tight, as this can lead to hair loss.
Smoking is dangerous for all parts of your body, even your hair. It can lead to premature grays and hair loss.

Protecting Your Hair

When out in the sun, protect your scalp from prolonged direct exposure by wearing a hat or sunscreen.
Using a leave-in conditioner can help keep your hair from drying out on days you don’t wash.
When you wash your hair, use cool or warm water, but not hot water. Hot water can dry out your scalp and, if it’s really hot, cause damage.
If you have curly hair and you blow-dry your hair, use a diffuser to keep from messing up your curls (or causing tangles).
Using too much shampoo can dry out your scalp. Start with a quarter-sized amount, then add more if needed.
If you have sensitive skin, avoid shampoos and conditioners with artificial fragrances as these can cause irritation.

Protect Your Scalp with Eluxe

Adding Eluxe products to your hair care routine can help a lot. Eluxe works by nurturing your scalp and encouraging natural, healthy hair growth. It’s organic and never tested on animals. Try it today!