How do you choose your haircare products? Do you go according to things like the price and what the bottle looks like? Or perhaps you saw a beauty influencer raving about it recently on social media. With so many different brands and types of haircare products on the market, searching for the right one compatible with your own hair can be an expensive and laborious trial-and-error process – not to mention overwhelming! Here are a few things to consider when choosing haircare products…
Hair Changes
Often, when we find a product that our hair likes, we tend to stick to it for years and years. But just like skin, your hair’s condition can change as a result of biological reasons like pregnancy or menopause, the seasons, diet, stress, lifestyle factors and even the environment you live in. So if you notice that your hair has changed, it’s a good idea to change up your hair products too.
Understanding Your Hair Type
First things first, understanding your hair type and what it needs is the most important step when it comes to choosing hair products. In fact, many hair dilemmas stem from simply using the incorrect products. Hair is not just hair, and it’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all. Products that work on your best friend won’t necessarily work on you. By knowing your hair type, you can correctly choose the proper balance that your hair needs.
Texture: Press a strand of hair in between your fingers. If you don’t really feel it, you have fine hair, which is more prone to damage and greasiness. If you can somewhat feel the strand, you have medium or normal texture hair. If you can feel the strand distinctly, you have coarse hair, which is more prone to unruliness and frizz.
Shape: What form does your hair take in its natural state? Is it straight, wavy, curly or coiled? Curly and wavy hair types are more prone to dryness and frizz, while straight hair is more prone to limpness and dullness.
Porosity: This refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. Place a strand of hair in a bowl of water. If it sinks almost immediately, it has high porosity and is damaged due to tears in the cuticle. If it stays afloat, you have low porosity, as the cuticle lays flat, so moisture and products are harder to absorb. If the strand lingers in the middle, you have medium porosity, the ideal condition for hair to retain moisture.
Scalp type: Wash your hair and allow it to air dry with no products applied to it. 2 hours later, dab a tissue on the crown of your hair. If it appears the same, you likely have a dry scalp. If it shows oily residue, you have an oily scalp. If you see a few traces of oil, you have a normal scalp and most haircare products should work for you.
Always Go Pro
Now that you know what your hair type is, you can easily and confidently shop for products suited for your hair type and concern. Remember though, drugstore products are not your friend! While we love a good bargain just as much as you, there are so many reasons why you should use professional hair products, which go a long way in nourishing your tresses long-term, help save you money, are better for the environment, and give you that salon feeling every day at home.
Shampoos And Conditioners
Choosing a shampoo and conditioner targeted for your hair type is a must. Often, we buy a shampoo and conditioner from the same brand within the same product line, which is not always necessary. Don’t be afraid to use different brands, as you may find your hair likes shampoo from one brand, and a conditioner from another.
Protein Treatments
Protein is essential for maintaining healthy, strong hair, nails, and skin. However, too much of a good thing can actually do more harm than good. Protein treatments should only be used on an as-needed basis. These come in the form of hair masks, deep conditioners, leave-in conditioners, or a shampoo and conditioner combo. If your hair is on the healthy side, you can use a protein treatment every few months.
Serums
Hair serums and oils are multi-tasking hair products that add a glossy shine to your locks, while adding a protective coat against heat, breakage, pollutants and dirt. Whether you’d like to combat dry hair, frizzy hair, frazzled hair, or dull hair, all hair types can benefit from using a hair serum or oil, it all just boils down to choosing the right one for your hair type.
UV protection – If you live in a warm climate, your hair could benefit from extra protection from the sun, which you can find in serums with lavender oil.
Curly hair – Keep curls bouncy and glossy with serums loaded with hydrating oils like jojoba, argan, sweet almond and marula.
Coily hair – Lock in moisture and shine by choosing serums infused with argan and Moroccan oils.
Split ends & breakage – If your hair is prone to split ends, choose a serum with keratin, known to repair breakage and prevent strands from splitting.
Fine Hair
Fine hair needs a bit of va-va-voom in the volume department, but without the weight.
- Use a thickening shampoo and condition, but only use the latter only on the ends of your locks.Remember to rinse, rinse, rinse!
- Use a heat-protecting spray from midlength of damp hair.
- Add a bit of mousse to add body and control.
- A dry shampoo can also come in handy to create a fresh lift when you need it.
- Avoid using too much serum or oil on your hair, as this can weigh it down.
Shop professional products for fine hair
Coiled Hair
- Use a deep conditioner but don’t over-rinse it, as some residue helps keep curls smooth. A leave-in conditioner has the same effect.
- Use a good styling oil or silicone serum to add a glossy touch to coils.
- Opt for creamy products over sprays.
- Avoid dry shampoos, strong-hold gels and any styling products containing alcohol.
Shop professional products for coiled and ethnic hair
Wavy Hair
- Go for frizz-fighting shampoo and conditioner
- Choose styling products that contain natural oils instead of silicone, to avoid smothering your waves.
- Salt sprays are fantastic, and a better choice than gels or curl creams.
- Run a little styling oil through the ends if need be.
- Avoid pomades, gels and straightening creams.
Shop professional products for wavy hair
Curly Hair
- Opt for a sulfate-free shampoo where possible, and a rich conditioner to seal in moisture.
- Use a curl-refreshing mist (water spiked with light conditioners) throughout the day instead of crunchy gels.
- Avoid hair spray and terry-cloth towels, which can increase frizz.
Shop professional products for curly hair
Have A Good Hair Day Every Day
Our locks need as much TLC and attention as the rest of our body to keep it protected and maintain its good condition. We hope you found this guide useful in determining your hair type, and the best products suited for it. If you need advice, contact us for a quick consultation on: +27114670479 or email us at: info@hairnetwork.co.za
