If your hair doesn’t appear to be reaping the rewards of your hair care, it may be time to reevaluate your routine. Because all hair is different, it is vital to understand your own specific needs and adopt a practice that will support and maintain your natural hair type and texture.
Whether you hope to make the most of your wavy locks with your favourite Dyson Airwrap or hope to fully embrace a kinky curl, building a solid hair care routine is the first step to improving your hair quality and health.
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Why Hair Care Routines Are Important
The proper hair care routine will ensure that your hair always looks and feels healthy. Like every part of our body, neglecting the care and upkeep can lead to unwanted damage and further worsen its condition.
Proper hair maintenance should include regular hair washing and using products and techniques specifically suited for your hair type. Gentle conditioning products, along with hair treatments like masks and serums, will further boost the health and growth of your hair, drastically reducing breakage.
Before you can begin your new hair routine, you need to understand what type of hair texture you have and which care routine will bring out its best features. Choosing the correct products can prevent your hair from becoming dull, flat, frizzy or dry.
Hair Types
There are four main umbrella types of hair – straight, curly, wavy and kinky. Each type has unique characteristics that, when properly maintained and styled, are beautiful and showstopping in their own way.
Straight hair is usually considered to be the strongest of the four and typically has a glossy appearance. Wavy hair has a slight curl towards the end of the hair strand, while the rest maintains a straight appearance. Curly hair is thick and luxurious but is prone to frizz and dryness. And finally, kinky hair has tight, small curls that are either fine or coarse in texture. This type is the most fragile of the four.
The Perfect Routine for You
Once you have established which class of hair type you fall under, you can better understand and select products that will work with your natural hair texture and type, highlighting all the best features while minimising any unwanted characteristics.
Straight
Straight hair is easy to manage, but that doesn’t mean you should slack on your routine. The natural oils from the scalp travel down the length of the strand in an even manner. This can lead to hair looking flat, lifeless and greasy.
A sulphate-free shampoo used every two to three days will minimise oil buildup without stripping your hair of the natural oils it needs. A conditioner made with coconut and argan oils provides much need hydration and nourishment but should not be applied to your scalp as it will speed up the greasy appearance.
Kinky
Coily or kinky hair has super tight curls with tons of texture. It is the most fragile hair type as the natural hair oil tends to dry out much quicker than other types. Your primary focus should be establishing and maintaining a healthy moisture level in the hair follicles.
A mild sulphate-free shampoo is a must for ladies blessed with this beautiful hair texture. Wash your hair just once a week, but you can wet it a few times weekly to add moisture and assist in styling.
You should deep condition your hair at least once every two weeks, while a simple mixture of leave-in conditioner, castor oil and water can be sprayed onto your hair daily to keep your bouncy locks hydrated.
Finally, a satin pillowcase or headwrap will prevent breakage and tangling while you sleep.
Curly
Curly hair is full of beautiful and envy-worthy character but can be challenging to care for. It tends to get more dry and frizzy compared to other types, causing you to lose curl definition. This is because the curls obstruct the natural oils trying to travel from your scalp to the ends of the strands.
A mild, sulphate-free shampoo will preserve the natural oils while ensuring your hair is clean and grease free. You should only wash your hair twice weekly to prevent damage and dryness.
Furthermore, you can include co-washing into your routine: washing your hair with conditioner instead of shampoo. This will cleanse your hair without removing moisture. Ensure you apply conditioner every single time you wash your hair, including the days you co-wash.
Finally, take care with untangling curly hair as it can break easily. Run a wide-toothed comb through conditioned hair in the shower to remove any knots or tangles, reduce breakage, and maintain your curls.
Wavy
Wavy hair can be easy or difficult to style, depending on how you take care of it. Because it is neither curly nor straight, it needs a unique hair care routine as it can be prone to greasy roots and dry ends.
Wavy hair should be washed every three to four days to keep it clean and healthy without drying it out. To prevent frizz, use a microfiber towel to towel dry it. Add conditioner to your waves after washing to create desirable definition.
Massage your hair with coconut oil roughly an hour before washing or overnight for the best results. It effectively penetrates the hair follicle and reduces protein loss. But be aware that harsh sunlight or wind can cause damage and potential split ends, so apply hydrating oils to the ends overnight to lock-in moisture.
