An effective haircare regimen begins with selecting products tailored specifically to your hair texture, according to Duenas. She advises finding shampoo that will match up well with it and one with clarifying properties to prevent build-up and dandruff formation.
Dry shampoo helps absorb oil between washes; while volumizers keep limp locks looking thicker while still feeling light. For those using heat to style their locks, invest in a heat protectant to reduce color-fade and thermal damage.
Shampoo
Shampoo is a cleansing product used to rid hair of oil, sweat, dirt, styling products and environmental pollutants that build-up over time. Furthermore, shampoo can keep it hydrated so it remains soft and manageable.
The best shampoos are kind to both scalps and environments alike, without sulfates, parabens, phthalates or any other synthetic ingredients that may irritate. Furthermore, an ideal shampoo would also be free from allergens or irritants to ensure it does not cause scalp irritation, itching or leave behind residue that attracts dirt or pollutants.
A good shampoo must contain a balance of surfactants to effectively cleanse hair without stripping too much sebum away or irritating the scalp. An INCI list typically identifies its main cleaning agent and any balancing agents needed to offset its effects; natural shampoos often include shea butter, vegetable oils and citrus essential oils as emollients to condition hair; solid shampoo is another popular trend as it makes travel, camping or vacationing much simpler!
Conditioner
Conditioner can provide vital hydration to the hair, helping it repair damage caused by everyday wear-and-tear, hot tools and styling products, and color fade. Conditioning should be part of any regular haircare routine; use conditioner at least once every week (or as directed).
Most traditional conditioners contain cationic surfactants to gently smooth your strands while adding emollients, oils, and silicones to lock in humidity and reduce frizz. Many also feature low pH to protonate keratin proteins to strengthen them further.
To maximize the effects of conditioner, begin applying it at the ends and gradually work it towards your roots. A quarter-sized dollop should provide ample nourishment for all parts of your head. Finally, be sure to rinse your hair completely, especially if you have oily or sensitive scalp skin; leaving any residue behind could clog pores and cause further irritation.
Styling Creams
Styling creams are versatile products that can help create many different looks – from casual to sleek and sophisticated. A styling cream helps you achieve your ideal style.
Women with curly hair will also benefit from using it, as it helps tame frizz and define curls. Simply apply a dime-sized amount to mid and end lengths of hair before styling as usual.
The ideal hair styling creams provide light to medium hold with conditioning botanicals like shea butter and meadowfoam seed oil for an unfussy, healthy look.
Simply apply to damp hair, blow dry it for an edgier or sleeker style and air-dry to create naturally wavy or tousled locks – this lightweight styling cream will leave them easy to comb while remaining soft to touch for easy combing! Additionally, this can also help avoid those annoying crunchy stiff-feeling products on your scalp!
Curl Creams
Curl creams are tailored specifically for your curl type. Infused with conditioning emollients and humectants as well as mild hold agents, curl creams provide optimal styling results and require only minimal upkeep to keep them in place.
Moisturizing, fighting frizz and smoothing flyaways while adding shine are all hallmarks of excellent haircare products, like curl creams. Unlike gels, however, curl creams are non-greasy and alcohol free – ideal ingredients include shea butter, jojoba seed oil and argan oil to nourish your locks and add shine!
Curl creams can be worn alone or as layering products, and work great when mixed with other stylers. There is often a formula tailored specifically to every hair type. Simply spray some water over your palms before scooping a moderate amount of cream into them before rubbing hands together until product has been evenly distributed on your strands and allowed to air dry or diffuse. When it’s time for second day curls, mist with hair reactivators; your curls should revitalize themselves into sleek, put-together locks! And don’t forget moisturize again!
