If you have an oily scalp, look for a clarifying shampoo to clean your scalp and get rid of oil. Stay away from products that offer moisturizing or hydrating products. If you have a dry scalp, look for moisturizing or hydrating shampoos. Choose products that offer balancing or volume increasing effects, such as those featuring fewer to no sulfates. [1] X Research source Those with normal scalps should change up the type of products they use as the condition of their scalp changes throughout the year.
Thin hair benefits from products that add volume. Look for products with protein, silk protein, panthenol, and witch hazel. If your hair is actively thinning, try using a hair system kit like Nioxin. Medium or wavy hair benefits from most types of shampoo, depending on how you want your hair to look. Strong, general choices for medium hair includes products that smooth and detangle hair. Thick, curly, kinky or coarse hair benefits from hydrating and moisturizing products. You may even consider washing your hair with conditioner only, rather than using a drying shampoo. If you are not sure whether you hair needs moisture, protein or anything else, talk with your hair stylist. They can best assess the needs of your hair.
Shampoo for color-treated hair tends to feature ingredients that make it very moisturizing. Keep this in mind if you have an oily scalp, and pair it up with a conditioner that counter balances the moisture.
Lather the shampoo with a little water before applying to your scalp to avoid applying the pure shampoo to the scalp itself.
Leaving too much water in your hair prior to conditioning prevents your hair from properly soaking up the conditioner’s ingredients. [2] X Research source
If your hair is too short to effectively apply conditioner with your fingers, use a wide tooth comb to help apply the conditioner. Take those few minutes to take care of something else in the shower, like scrubbing your body or shaving. [3] X Research source
You may have to spend a few more minutes rinsing the conditioner from your hair if you have thicker or wavy hair. Leave-in conditioner is an option for thicker or curly hair that does not have to be rinsed out following a shower. [4] X Research source
Fine hair typically only needs to be shampooed 3 times a week. Shampooing too much or too little can restrict the hair’s natural “bounce. ” Thick hair shouldn’t be washed more than every other day to help maintain its volume. Coarse, curly hair doesn’t get as oily as quickly as other hair types, and can go longer without needing a wash. Shampooing twice a week will help you keep those curls. [5] X Research source Most people don’t need to wash their hair every day. Daily washing essentially gives a signal to your scalp to produce more oil. On the days you’re not washing, you may use a dry shampoo.
Squeeze the excess moisture out of your hair with your hands prior to toweling. Fold the towel as it becomes moist so that you can apply dry portions to your hair. [6] X Research source
Follow the same rules for choosing a styling spray as you do for choosing a shampoo and conditioner. The spray should be based on the type of hair you have, and the dryness level of your scalp.
Allow straight and wavy hair to air-dry for several minutes after toweling before turning on the blow drier. Curly hair can begin just after air drying. Separate your hair into sections with clips to make drying faster and more effective. This can give your hair a more polished look as well. Dry 3- to 4-inch sections of hair at a time to help shape your hair. Use a mixed-bristle brush to help dry the roots as well. Keep the blow dryer pointed toward the floor to help prevent hair frizz.
Choose a hairspray strength according to your hair type. Straight hair typically only needs a spray that is low-hold. Hair this is thicker or made into an “up-do” will require medium to strong-hold. If your hair starts to lose its hold during the day, reset the hold by spraying a little water into your hair. [7] X Research source Feel free to use your hands to tease your hair for a natural look, or use a comb if you want a sleeker look. [8] X Research source
