Every individual has a unique hair type, and each hair type has different needs. Understanding your hair type and creating a hair care routine that suits it can help you achieve healthy, lustrous hair. Below we discuss some of the different hair types and how to create a hair care routine for each type.
Straight Hair
Straight hair is naturally smooth and sleek, and it tends to be shiny. It is the most resilient hair type and does not tangle easily.
Subcategories:
Fine straight hair
Medium straight hair
Thick straight hair
Routine
If you have straight hair, your hair care routine should focus on maintaining the natural oils of your scalp and protecting your hair from damage.
Shampoo your hair twice a week to remove any dirt and excess oil from your scalp. Normcore Signature Shampoo from Amika is a great option.
Use a lightweight conditioner to moisturize your hair without weighing it down. If you have fine straight hair we recommend Normcore Signature Conditioner by Amika. For medium or thick straight hair we suggest trying Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Conditioner, also by Amika.
Avoid using heavy styling products as they can make your hair look greasy and flat.
Protect your hair from heat damage by using a heat protectant before using any hot styling tools, like Heated Defense by Kevin Murphy.
Get your hair trimmed regularly to keep it looking healthy and to prevent split ends.
Wavy Hair
Wavy hair has a slight curl pattern and is characterized by its volume and body. It tends to be frizzy and is prone to tangles.
Subcategories:
Fine wavy hair
Medium wavy hair
Thick wavy hair
Routine
If you have wavy hair, your hair care routine should focus on enhancing your natural waves and managing frizz.
Shampoo your hair once or twice a week to avoid drying it out. We suggest Gloss Me Hydrating Shampoo from Deisgn Me.
Use a hydrating conditioner to nourish your hair and define your waves. You can stick with Design Me and use Gloss Me Hydrating Conditioner.
Avoid brushing your hair when it's dry as it can cause frizz. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair when it's wet.
Apply a curl-enhancing product to your hair when it's damp to enhance your natural waves, like the Killer Waves by Kevin Murphy, or if you have medium to thick wavy hair we'd suggest Curl Corps Defining Cream from Amika.
If blowdrying, use a diffuser attachment to dry your hair gently without disrupting the curls and waves. Buy one here!
Get your hair trimmed regularly to keep it looking healthy and to prevent split ends.
Curly Hair
Curly hair is defined by its distinct curl pattern and is characterized by its texture and volume. It tends to be dry and frizzy and requires extra moisture to maintain its shape.
Subcategories:
Loose curls
Medium curls
Tight curls
Routine
If you have curly hair, your hair care routine should focus on moisture retention and preventing frizz.
Shampoo your hair once a week to avoid drying it out. We suggest you double shampoo, once with a clarifying shampoo like Maxi Wash from Kevin Murphy, and then follow up with something hydrating like Hydrate Me Wash, also from Kevin Murphy.
Use a moisturizing conditioner to nourish your hair and enhance your curls. Hydrate Me Rinse from Kevin Murphy is our go-to.
Apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair to help retain moisture. Kevin Murphy's Untangled and Olaplex No.6 are both great options.
Use a curl-enhancing product to define your curls and prevent frizz, like Killer Curls from Kevin Murphy.
Avoid brushing your hair as it can cause frizz. Instead, use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair when it's wet.
If blowdrying, use a diffuser attachment to dry your hair gently without disrupting the curls. Buy one here!
Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to prevent frizz and breakage.
Get your hair trimmed regularly to keep it looking healthy and prevent split ends.
General Hair Care Tips
Regardless of your hair type, there are a few general hair care tips that you should follow to maintain the health and appearance of your hair:
Avoid using hot water to wash your hair as it can strip your hair of its natural oils.
Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair to prevent breakage. Buy it here!
Protect your hair from the sun by wearing a hat or using a hair product that contains SPF. Learn about it here!
Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to nourish your hair and prevent breakage. We swear by Amika's Soulfood Nourishing Mask.
Avoid using tight hair ties or hairstyles that can pull on your hair and cause breakage.
Creating a hair care routine for your specific hair type is crucial to maintaining healthy and beautiful hair. Understanding your hair type and its unique needs can help you choose the right products and techniques to care for your hair. Follow the tips and guidelines mentioned in this blog, and you'll be on your way to achieving the hair of your dreams!