The beginner’s guide to building a hair care routine

Building a hair care routine goes way beyond how often you wash your hair.

While the basics of how to build a hair care routine lie in the foundations of wash, dry, and style, there are many other factors to consider for the healthiest, thickest, and shiniest hair. Although you don’t need a dozen products and tools to get the hair you want, there is more to hair care must-haves than shampoo and conditioner.

If you’re ready to get the most out of your hair, here’s a beginner’s guide on how to build a hair care routine

Step 1. Determine your hair type 

Step 2. Gather your hair products

HAIR CARE ROUTINE MUST-HAVES

While the type of needed products will depend on your hair needs, there are a few must-haves for any hair care routine:

• Shampoo and conditioner based on hair type (we can help you narrow it down here)
• Microfiber towel
• A good quality  hairdryer with adjustable heat
• A diffuser for our curly hair girls
• Heat protectant spray or cream
• Styling product (spray, gel, mousse, etc.)
• Paddle brush – these are great for generally all hair types. However, paddle brushes are made with different types of bristles and these can be chosen based on hair type. For instance, if you have thick hair, choose a brush with sturdier bristles like nylon and synthetic, which can run smoothly through textured hair.

  Step 3. Determine when to wash your hair

  Now that you’re more familiar with your hair type and must-haves, let’s get the basics of your hair care routine down and it starts with your wash routine. Ideally, you should wash your hair no more than three times a week. This will also change depending on your hair type and activity. For instance, if you love your hot yoga classes or find yourself using a lot more product for styling, your hair may get oily quicker because of sweat and build-up, so our advice is to be flexible with your hair wash routine depending on your schedule.

  Generally speaking, if you have dry hair, shampoo twice a week. If you have thick or curly hair washing twice a week also works, as natural oils from the scalp don’t get to the hair shaft as quick as those with fine hair.

  Ladies with oily hair can wash three times a week. 

  Step 4. Drying and styling your hair

   

  Now that washing is out of the way, how about drying? Soak up excess water with a microfiber towel and avoid rubbing your hair between non-microfiber towels. 

  If using a hair dryer or diffuser, apply hair protectant first and dry accordingly. A paddle brush or round brush can be used if trying to style the hair.

  If you have time or will be lounging around the house, apply a spritz of styling product and allow your hair to air dry. Limiting your hair’s exposure to heat as much as possible will help protect the health and integrity of it.

  If using a flat iron or a curling wand, depending on the style you want do so after the hairdryer. Heat  protectant should be applied and depending on the porosity of your hair apply styling product before and after to set the style. If you want waves or curls to stay overnight, loosely pin them around your head so you’re ready in the morning.