Every basic haircare routine contains some important steps: cleansing, conditioning, moisturising, detangling, styling, and treatment. The frequency of these steps will depend on your hair type, lifestyle, and preferences.
Step 1: Cleanse
The first step in any hair care routine is to cleanse. Just like you cleanse your skin every evening, your hair also benefits from a cleanse, depending on how dry your hair and scalp are and how many products you use which can cause build-up. Washing your hair will leave your hair and scalp feeling clean, removing any products, grease, dirt, and dead skin cells which might have built up.
Step 2: Condition & Nourish
The next essential step in your washing routine is to condition. Conditioning your hair helps to detangle, seal the cuticles and provide moisture. It replenishes the moisture that your shampoo may have removed, and it will help remove any knots or tangles that were caused by massaging your shampoo onto your hair and scalp.
Step 3: Detangle
Detangling your hair will help eliminate knots and minimize breakage. You can also opt for a hair oil or serum before detangling to smooth your locks and prepare them for detangling with a brush or wide-tooth comb. After applying conditioner, gently comb through the lengths of your hair with your fingertips to eliminate any big knots. Always start brushing or combing through the lower portion of your hair, working your way up to the roots.
Step 4: Protect & Style
Always make sure you prep your hair before using heated tools such as a blow dryer, curling tool, or straightener. This will not only protect your hair from breakage but also enhance styling results and ensure that your hairstyle lasts. The next essential step in your styling routine is using a heat protectant, which protects your hair from heat damage caused by blow-drying, styling tools, and the sun.
Step 5: Moisturise
After styling your hair or letting it air dry, you might want to add back in a little moisture on days when you’re not washing your hair, your strands may benefit from a moisture boost. This is where hair oil comes in, our favorite multitasker! Hair oils are also great for controlling frizz and preventing dryness. With regular usage, your hair will become softer, stronger, and healthier overall.
Step 6: Treatment
There are three types of treatments that you can add to your weekly routine to give your hair some extra TLC: a mask treatment, an oil treatment, or a scalp treatment. Regular hair treatments will help tackle specific hair concerns such as damage, dryness, and an oily, flaky, or dry scalp, and improve the overall appearance and health of your hair.
Next to your basic routine, here are some extra tips on things you can do to improve the health of your hair:
- Mind the water temperature: wash and rinse your hair with lukewarm or preferably cold water. Washing your hair with hot water can dehydrate the scalp and strip your hair of its natural oils, which can lead to dryness and breakage.
- Get regular trims: Get a haircut every 6 to 8 weeks to reduce breakage and split ends.
- Assess your diet: You can also improve your hair from the inside out by eating the right foods. A diet rich in essential nutrients, such as protein, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins A, B12, C, and E, and vitamin D, and zinc will support the health and growth of your scalp and hair.
- Massage your scalp: Give your scalp regular scalp massages to promote blood circulation and refresh your roots. Combine with a scalp treatment to give your scalp a nutrient boost. This will be especially beneficial if you suffer from a dry scalp.
- Limit the use of heat tools: We all know that heat tools can damage your hair, no matter how much heat protectant you use. If you do use heated styling tools, opt for a tool with a range of temperature settings, so you can style your hair at lower temperatures.
Everyone’s hair care routine is going to look different, but we’ve listed a few important steps which will help your hair look and feel its best. If you’re looking for specific advice or tips for your hair type, take our Hair Quiz to find out which products work best for your hair type.
