With an abundance of hair products on the shelves and being promoted online, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when trying to figure out what to get for your hair. The truth is, there’s not one product that will work for everyone’s hair. Your hair type, texture, porosity, and specific concerns (such as dryness or damage) will all affect what products will work best in your hair to give you results. This guide gives you the basic starting point for building a hair care routine. There are many variations within the four main hair types discussed below, so keep that in mind when reading. Learning your hair type is the first step to creating a good and healthy hair routine. 

Straight Hair (Type 1)
Common concerns: oiliness, flatness, buildup.

What works best:  Lightweight shampoos and conditioners are great as these won’t weigh down your hair. Occasionally, using a clarifying shampoo is also good to remove product buildup and refresh your scalp. Using a volumizing spray or mouse can be helpful when styling, as they can help add lift without making your hair stiff. 

Products:

• Living Proof Full Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner

• OUAI Fine Hair Shampoo

• Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Root Boost Volumizing Spray, Targeted Lift, Adds Fullness

• Kristin Ess Hair Instant Lift Thickening Spray for Volume + Fullness on Fine Hair, Shine Renewing, Style Support, Sulfate and Paraben Free

Wavy Hair (Type 2)
Common concerns: Frizz, dryness, uneven texture

What works best: Lightweight and hydrating products that will define the hair without making it crunchy. Products such as curling creams, light gels, mousses, or leave-in conditioners help hydrate and also style hair while controlling the frizz. 

Products:

• Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Cream

• Pattern curl mousse

• Pattern curl gel

• Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Moisture Mist

Curly Hair (Type 3)
Common concerns: dryness, tangling, loss of definition

What works best: Using sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are good as they are gentle. Make sure to use one that’s very hydrating as curly hair needs to be moisturized to maintain healthy curls. A good leave-in conditioner and curl activating cream are two more crucial products as they help hydrate and define the curls, helping them clump and form. Some people also like to use mousse and gel to hold their curls without a crunch, but just be mindful as to how much gel you are putting on, as it might weigh down your curls. 

Products:

• Amika Hydro Rush Intense Shampoo and Conditioner

• L’Oréal Paris EverPure Curl Shampoo Conditioner

• Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Leave-In Conditioner

• Innersense Organic Beauty I Create Hold Styling Gel

Coily Hair (Type 4)
Common concerns: dryness, breakage, frizz

What works best: Because of the tight curl pattern type 4 hair is more delicate and prone to dryness, which is why choosing the right products is important. Products that offer deep hydration, such as rich leave-ins, conditioners, and creams as well as natural oils are good at providing and locking in moisture. Detangling creams are also good to use to provide slip and help reduce the breakage that happens when detangling. There’s also a variety of different butters, creams, gels, and other products that can be beneficial but it’s most important to look at the ingredients. Make sure to avoid products that have harsh sulfates, drying alcohol, and heavy silicones because these can strip away your hair’s natural oils and cause buildup which would weigh down coils. 

Products:

• As I Am Curling Jelly

• Curls Blueberry Bliss Blueberry & Coconut Hair Milk Leave In Conditioner

• TGIN Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer with Shea Butter + Vitamin E

• Camille Rose Sweet Ginger Cleansing Rinse and Moroccan Pear Conditioning Custard

The best hair routine for you isn’t about getting what is popular, it’s about understanding your hair needs. Finding products that are made for your hair type and needs can not only reduce damage but also make daily styling easier and maybe even something you look forward to. With the right products, routine, and patience, healthy hair is achievable for all hair textures.