Have you ever wondered what exactly dry shampoo is and how it works? How about what the difference is between pomade and hair oil? The best way to use your shampoo and conditioner to keep your 'do fresh?
Your hair products are the first and most important step to achieving a desired look or hairstyle. Without the correct hair care products, you can kiss that beachy boho look or sleek chignon goodbye!
In this blog post, we're going back to basics to give you the rundown on 10 everyday hair products every girl should have and know how to use to its fullest potential, to ensure lovely locks and healthy hair.
1. Shampoo - are you using the right one?
We all know what shampoo is - simply put, it cleanses the hair. But here's where it gets tricky: there are tons of different types of shampoos out there. From clarifying shampoo to volumizing shampoo, straightening and smoothing, sulfate-free, and shampoos for color treated hair, it's important to choose the type of shampoo that is best suited for your hair.
CLARIFYING SHAMPOO
Clarifying shampoo roughens up the hair cuticle and gets the roots extra squeaky clean. This can be used when you feel that there is too much product buildup in your hair or before getting a chemical treatment done like coloring or perming.
VOLUMIZING SHAMPOO
This kind of shampoo is designed to open up the hair cuticle and make it thicker, however, in order to get your hair nice and fluffy, try to pick a shampoo with a lightweight conditioning ingredient that rinses off well and doesn't weigh the hair down.
SMOOTHING SHAMPOO
Shampoos that straighten and smooth the hair usually have silicone or oil in them to coat the hair strands. When the hair is styled with a straightener, the result is magical!
SHAMPOO FOR COLORED HAIR
If your hair is colored, we recommend to go for a shampoo specifically designed for color treated hair. Check the product's pH level and ensure that it is between 4.5-5.5 to prevent color from fading. Great hair products for dyed hair will also include ingredients like oils, sea kelp or algae, in order to lock in color.
ALCOHOL AND SULFATE-FREE SHAMPOO
Alcohol and sulfate-free shampoos are our favorite! Sulfates are detergents with long names that we can't even pronounce. While sulfate-based shampoos are great for cleaning oil and dirt from your hair, they can seriously dry out your hair and cause damage like split ends. We prefer things au natural. Organic and sulfate-free hair products can lock in moisture and natural (good) oils, retain hair dye, and reduce scalp irritation.
Whichever shampoo you choose, be sure that it's right for the texture of your hair. If you choose a shampoo that's too clarifying, you could strip the hair of its natural oils, and lead to additional oil being produced. If you choose a shampoo that's too moisturizing, you could end up with product buildup at the scalp. If you're not sure what type of hair you have, you can always consult your hair stylist for a recommendation.
Also, be sure to choose two "go-to" shampoos that both have different ingredients and benefits to rotate between, to maintain balance in your hair. Switch your shampoo every 4 to 5 washes to remove product buildup and restore cleanliness to your hair shafts.
2. Conditioner
Hair conditioner is designed to smoothen, restore moisture, and help you say goodbye to frizzy hair. There are three main types of conditioners you can use to reach Rapunzel level #hairgoals.
RINSE-OUT CONDITIONER
Rinse-out conditioners are the most common type of conditioner, worked through the ends of your hair, left in for a few minutes, and rinsed out. Avoid applying conditioner to the roots of your hair, as this could result in extra buildup and weigh the hair down.
LEAVE IN CONDITIONER
Leave in conditioners are great for smoothening and de-tangling. These conditioners are light-weight, and can be used as a styling product to get your tresses silky and glossy.
HAIR MASK AND DEEP CONDITIONER
Hair masks or deep conditioners are perfect for repairing dry and damaged hair. Hair masks contain ingredients like waxes, oils and emulsifiers to get down to the root and repair the hair from its source. Most masks should be applied from root to tip and left in for at least 30 minutes before rinsing out thoroughly. Here are some DIY hair mask ideas.
Be sure to avoid the common mistake of only rinsing out half of the conditioner! We all love that glorious, silky, smooth feeling conditioners leave, however, this means you haven't rinsed out all the product from your hair and you're actually weighing your hair down!
3. Hair oils and serums
From argan oil to avocado oil to coconut oil, hair oil is a must for those with 'problematic' hair. They tame frizz, add shine, promote growth, and give your hair a luxe, polished look. If you're stumped on which oil is best for your hair type, check out our five favorites! For best results, use hair oil on dry or almost dry hair...and here's a fun tip: if you have excessively dry ends, rub some hair oil from the mid-shaft to the ends BEFORE washing your hair. This will ensure that you don't dry out your ends even more when shampooing!
4. Dry Shampoo
This product is a must-have for any girl on the go! Dry shampoo comes in either a powder or spray form, and is designed to absorb excess oil at the roots of the hair. Don't have time to wash your hair? No problem! Simply rub some dry shampoo into oily spots and watch your hair transform. Washing your hair too often is not good for your hair anyway (check out tip #2 here to find out why). You can also use baby powder (hack #3 here) if you don't have any dry shampoo available to achieve similar results. Not only does dry shampoo get rid of excess oil, it also provides lift at the roots for extra oomph. Beware though, this is not a replacement for washing your hair so try to only use dry shampoo for a maximum of two days before giving your hair a good wash.
Another option is to embrace the oil and use it to your advantage to create slick looks as shown in this video hair tutorial for oily hair: