A general rule of thumb when picking out hair products is that what is perfect for you may not be so perfect for someone else. If you have fine hair, you definitely don't want to slather on a tonic meant for someone with curly, frizzy hair who needs to tone things down a bit.
The key to any hair care regimen is a shampoo that cleans your hair without stripping it of natural oils and shine. As for conditioners, beware of products high in wax that may provide a satisfactory sheen on the surface while actually leaving deposits that weigh down the hair.)
Finally, you'll want a product that protects your hair from heat styling, the sun and the environment. So if you're not going to be making your bi-monthly trip to the salon anytime soon or consult with your stylist, here are some tips to picking the perfect hair products.
Curly Hair
Curly hair is unique from other hair types because the key to making it great is not how you style it but how you care for it. As many curly-haired cuties know, you should never brush through your curls. Sleep on your curls when they're soaking wet without braiding or putting up your hair and you're done for. And while frequent washing is beneficial for many hair types, you may want to save the shampoo for every other day. While curly hair is notorious for its unwieldy lack of control, reach for the flat iron no more, for you can control those curls.
What You Need: Whether you have tight corkscrews prone to dryness or frizz-traumatized waves, two of the most important things to remember when choosing your products are to get a shampoo or conditioner made specifically for curly hair, and to pick styling products that are intense in moisture and devoid of alcohol. As a general rule, go with lightweight styling products and let your curl confidence soar!
What You Want to Try: Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious Shampoo
This shampoo is made with a moisture complex of glycerin and water that moisturizes hair while providing a protective barrier for curls. It also has transglutaminase - don't worry, we don't know what it means either. All you really need to know is that it helps your curls form the moment you step out of the shower. $21
Fine, Thin Hair
While you want to hydrate your hair, those of you with fine hair know the last thing you want is to weigh your hair down. While fine-haired femmes may be frizz free, volume they have not.
What You Need: The key in shampoo and styling products is to coat the hair with hydration (not too much) and pump up the volume. Any product you buy should work to counteract limp-looking hair and prevent a peek-a-boo scalp. For styling, consider mousse. You need to look for products that will fortify the hair strands, such as wheat protein, which serves as a surefire way to plump up hair strand by strand.
What You Want to Try: Aveda Pure Abundance Hair Potion
This product is like a potion - it's the perfect concoction of plant extracts such as acacia gum and kaolin clay that combine to give your locks the lift they so desperately need. Don't be thrown off guard when you first use this product. It starts off as a powder. While you can put it into damp hair, it works its magic when you apply it directly to dry hair. Work it through the roots at the crown of the head if hair is going up, or if you're blow drying, sprinkle it through your hair add the heat, and VoilĂ - instant volume. Best part is this product is long-lasting. $23
Dry or Damaged Hair
In many cases, hair can dry out and become damaged from blow drying, coloring and curling -also sun and heat can have a negative effect. For some girls, dry hair just occurs naturally. While dry, coarse hair may style well and hold curl, it can be prone to damage and breakage. In addition, that lustrous shine can give way to dull muted tones. Dry-haired girls need to be extra careful when washing - don't pull shampoo and conditioner over the entire strand of hair; gently massage into the scalp. Wash hair only every other day or every couple of days, as excess shampooing can strip your hair of its already limited moisture. And whenever possible, let those locks air dry!
What You Need: To regain that shine, be careful of styling products with chemical ingredients. Organic, plant based products may be best. When shampoo shopping, look for a product that is low in acidity, and avoid using hairspray, gels and creams in excess. Mousse should be avoided altogether. Supplement your hair care regimen with a hot oil treatment every now and then, and keep up your trips to the salon to chop off those damaged tips. (Every 6 to 8 weeks is best.)
What You Want to Try: Origins Rich Rewards Intensive Moisture Treatment for Scalp and Hair
After you shampoo, massage just a handful of cream onto your scalp and run it down to the ends of hair. Leave in for 5 minutes then rinse. If your hair needs more intense hydration, apply to dry or wet hair and leave in for 30 minutes. Make this a weekly ritual not just for your hair but also your senses. While wheat proteins help increase your hair's vitality, and Vitamins E and A absorb into the hair, the pleasant aroma of Williams Pear will set in. In no time your dull dry hair may bounce off your shoulders as you walk, and emit a satisfactory sheen. $18.50
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The first key to picking the perfect hair products is understanding just what your specific type of hair craves - from wheat proteins to Vitamin A and E, give your locks a look you love with these tips.