Mastering the Art of Hair Care for Beginners
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Ready to figure out what your hair REALLY needs?
Hair care is a confusing business when you're first starting out. From rows upon rows of bottles with claims so outrageous they're almost unbelievable, to realizing that shampoo and conditioner just won't cut it anymore, the learning curve is steep. But here's the kicker…
Figuring out a solid hair care routine isn't as hard as it's made out to be. 27% of hair care shoppers are most concerned about hair damage when making purchase decisions. They want to use products that protect their hair and improve its condition. And you're right there with them.
This is different because:
Healthy hair care comes down to understanding what works and what doesn't for YOUR hair. Once you have the basics down, everything else starts to click into place.
Inside you'll learn:
- Hair types and needs explained
- The essential hair care routine that actually works
- Hair care blunders and how to steer clear of them
- How to build your personal hair care arsenal
Hair Types And Needs Explained
You can't know what to do for your hair before you know what type you have.
Hair type is everything from how frequently you should wash it to which products will give you the best results. It's also a reason that the "one size fits all" mentality that the beauty industry would have you believe doesn't exist.
Here's what you need to know:
Figure out your hair type by looking at your hair when it's clean and air-dried. Analyze the texture, thickness, and natural pattern. Straight, wavy, curly or coily? Fine, medium, or thick? Oily, dry or in between?
Use this information to be your guide in finding the right hair styling products and treatments that will give you the best results possible.
But your texture isn't the only thing that matters. Scalp health, chemical processes you've had, and your lifestyle also have a huge impact. Daily exerciser? Live in a humid climate? Make use of heat tools?
It's a combination of all these factors that help to decide what your hair needs to stay healthy and looking its absolute best.
The Essential Hair Care Routine That Actually Works
Hair care for beginners is so intimidating for most people because they immediately think it's going to be complex. The truth is that your foundation only requires a few steps. And most of these only need to be done once.
Here's the bare bones routine all beginners should know:
Think of cleansing as your foundation. Shampoo every 2-3 days to start with and then adjust as needed. Surprised? Well, 44% of people only shampoo 2-3 times per week on average.
Washing more than that strips your hair of natural oils which then leads to dryness and damage. Check how your hair feels at 2-3 washes a week and then adjust if needed.
Apply a conditioner every time you shampoo. Make sure you apply it from mid-length to the ends and avoid the roots as your scalp naturally produces oils there. Leave it on for 2-3 minutes before thoroughly rinsing.
Make time for a deep treatment one time per week. Whether you have a deep hydration mask for dry hair or a protein treatment for damaged hair, this step is for when your daily routine can't handle your hair's specific concern alone.
Common Hair Care Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
Confused as to why you're not getting the results you want?
Most newbies make the same old mistakes over and over, completely sabotaging any chance they have of success. But there's no reason to continue making these if you know what to look for.
Using too much product is likely the biggest culprit here. You don't need to drown your hair in product for it to work. Start with less and then add more if needed. Your hair should feel clean and soft, not weighed down or greasy.
Neglecting your scalp is another of the most common rookie errors. Hair health starts at the scalp and a lot of people completely forget that. Itchy? Flaking? Oily beyond belief? Then that's where you need to focus. No fancy conditioner will be able to repair hair that's growing from an unhealthy scalp.
Heat damage is a slow burn. Most people don't realize it's happening until it's too late. If you're using heat styling tools like blow dryers, straighteners or curling irons, then you need to always use a heat protectant first. Air drying is always best.
Product build-up happens when you use heavy styling products and don't properly cleanse them out. The result is hair that can look dull and feel sticky. A clarifying shampoo is a good way to reset your hair once a month.
Wrong product selection is choosing products based on marketing and not what your hair ACTUALLY needs. Dry hair doesn't need volumizing products. Fine hair gets weighed down by thick oils. Choose products that match your specific needs.
Building Your Perfect Hair Care Arsenal
The fun part about learning to care for your hair comes once you get to figure out which products actually work for you.
Start with the basics and then incorporate specialty products as you find out your specific needs. A method like this will save you money and prevent product overwhelm.
Your core products should include:
A gentle, sulfate-free shampoo that is appropriate for your hair type. Oily hair benefits from clarifying formulas. Dry hair responds well to moisturizing shampoos with natural oils and hydrating ingredients.
A conditioner to match your shampoo. Conditioners are specifically formulated to work with the shampoo you pair it with, so mixing and matching at random isn't a great idea when you're first starting.
A deep treatment once a week. This will be a hydrating mask, protein treatment or scalp treatment depending on your primary hair care need.
A leave-in product for day-to-day use. This could be a lightweight oil, cream or spray to help with detangling and to provide a protective barrier.
Heat protectant is a must if you use styling tools. You simply can't have healthy hair and style it without this.
Add-on products for specific needs can include:
Scalp treatments for problems like dandruff or excess oiliness. Dry shampoo for extending the time between washes. Hair oils for additional moisture and shine. Specialty styling products for hold and texture.
Just remember, you don't need to buy all of these at once. Take the time to build your routine and pay attention to how your hair responds to each new product you add in.
An Investment That Pays Off
Hair care is so much more than vanity. It's about developing lifelong habits that will ensure your hair stays healthy for as long as possible.
The hair care market is constantly growing as people become more and more aware of the importance of hair health. There is no need to try to follow every trend or purchase every new product that comes on the market.
Instead, focus on:
Consistency is key. A simple routine done on a regular basis will always outperform an elaborate routine that you can only follow sporadically.
Ingredient quality is more important than brand name. Learn to read labels and to understand what your hair truly needs.
Patience is important. Hair grows slowly and damage takes time to repair. Give new products 4-6 weeks to work before deciding if they're right for you.
Nailing It
Hair care for beginners doesn't need to be 100% right from the start. The important thing is to understand and build your foundation from there. Once you have a handle on your hair type, an established routine, and what to avoid, you'll be well on your way to healthier hair.
One of the best things to keep in mind is that everyone's hair is different. What works wonders for your friend is not going to have the same effect on you and vice versa. It's not unusual, it's just normal. What's important is to pay attention to how your hair responds to a product or routine and then to adjust as necessary.
Stick with the basics, be patient and allow yourself the freedom to experiment a little further once you've got the basics nailed. Your hair will be thanking you for the consistency and attention paid.