3 Steps to Determine the Best Hair Care Routine For Your Hair Type
8 min read
How can you achieve the best hair care routine you'll ever have? Here are some of our biggest tips for a perfect hair care routine. Continue reading to learn more.
Achieving the perfect hair care routine can be a challenge, especially if you are trying to decipher the right steps among all the information that you have on the Internet. We get it, it can be difficult sorting out right from wrong!
To that challenge, add the fact that each hair is different and unique, and what works for others may not work for you - so it's not a surprise that keeping a great hair care routine can sound like a daunting task!
But don't worry; it doesn't have to be if you follow a few simple steps. In this article, we will give you a step-by-step guide on how to achieve a perfect hair care routine that works for you and only you!
So, why wait? Let's get right into it:
1. Determine your hair type
The best hair care routine will depend on your hair type - a routine on long, straight hair may look much different than the one for someone with coarse, thick, and curly hair.
For this reason, the first step in the process is to determine your type of hair, and here are the most common ones that exist according to hair stylist Andre Walker:
Type 1: Straight Hair
- 1A: Fine and Limp
- 1B: Medium Textured
- 1C: Coarse and Thick
Type 2: Wavy Hair
- 2A: Loose Waves
- 2B: Slight Waves with More Defined "S" Pattern
- 2C: Defined Waves with Frizz
Type 3: Curly Hair
- 3A: Loose Curls
- 3B: Bouncy Ringlets
- 3C: Tight Curls
Type 4: Coily/Kinky Hair
- 4A: S-shaped coils with defined curl pattern
- 4B: Z-shaped coils with a less defined curl pattern
- 4C: Tightest coils with minimal definition and high shrinkage
So, what does this mean exactly when it comes to your hair care routine? Let's take a look:
Straight hair (type 1)
Straight hair tends to be more oily at the scalp, which means that it may require more frequent washing - and make sure to do that with a lightweight shampoo and conditioner to avoid weighing down the hair.
Adding a volumizing product can also be a good idea since straight hair is more prone to becoming limp and flat.
Wavy hair (type 2)
Wavy hair tends to be more prone to frizz compared with straight hair, so providing sufficient moisture will be essential if you want to get rid of frizz. Using a shampoo and conditioner like the NuMe Vegan Tourmaline Hair Care set will help to replenish hair with moisture and prevent dryness.
You can also use a leave-in conditioner to enhance and define the natural wave pattern of your hair, and add extra moisture for a frizz-free mane.
To avoid disrupting the natural waves of the hair and cause it to dry out, always use an air dryer made with tourmaline which helps to seal in moisture and significantly reduce hair damage.
Curly hair (type 3)
Curly hair usually faces a similar challenge to the one of wavy hair, and that is - frizz; which means that it also requires a lot of moisture to prevent frizz and maintain beautiful, well-defined locks.
If you are blessed with stunning curly hair, make sure to add deep conditioning to your hair care routine with a vegan hair mask. Avoid using products with parabens and sulfates at all costs as they may dry your hair further.
Using a wide-tooth comb or fingers will be important when it comes to the detangling process of your hair care routine as this will minimize breakage and damage.
Coily / kinky hair (type 4)
Do you have coily or kinkly hair? This beautiful hair type tends to be the driest, so don't shy away from adding significant moisture and hydration to your hair care routine.
In that case, co-washing (using conditioner to cleanse) can be more beneficial than frequent shampooing to retain natural oils. You can also use dry shampoo to avoid drying your hair out by excessively frequent washing.
2. Determine your hair state and natural characteristics
If you thought knowing your hair type was enough to determine the best hair care routine for you, we have some news for you - your hair's state and natural characteristics play a role as well.
For example, if you have:
- Frizzy hair - consider using moisturizing shampoos and conditioners as a part of your hair care routine to prevent and combat dryness. Using products with anti-frizz properties, as well as tourmaline-based hair styling tools, will also help tremendously.
- Oily hair - add a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to your hair care routine - like the NuMe Vegan Hydrating Tourmaline Shampoo, to avoid stripping the scalp of its natural oils. Washing hair regularly to remove excess oil and maintain a clean scalp is important; however, if you have greasy hair, it is also important to avoid excessive washing as it will strip away its natural oils too. Avoid heavy, oil-based hair products that can weigh down the hair.
- Dry hair - if you are dealing with dry hair, make sure to use a hydrating and nourishing shampoo and conditioner to add some moisture back to the hair. In addition, incorporate a weekly deep conditioning treatment for extra moisture and repair. Consider using hair oils or serums to seal in moisture and add shine.
- Damaged hair - if you have heat-damaged hair or just hair that's been damaged from improper hair care over the years, make sure to trim it regularly and use protein-rich hair treatments to strengthen the hair shaft. Avoid products with harsh chemical treatments in your hair care routine.
- Dull hair - for dull hair, it is recommended to use a clarifying shampoo occasionally to remove product buildup and restore shine. Incorporate a weekly or bi-weekly hair mask to add shine and nourishment, and always make sure to protect your hair from sun exposure by wearing a hat and using a thermal heat protectant before going out.
3. Set the goals for your hair care routine
When determining the best hair care routine for your beautiful mane, another thing to keep in mind are the goals that you are looking to achieve with it. Do you want to get more voluminous hair? Or ensure that it is always properly hydrated and frizz-free?
Maybe you are looking for smoothness and shine, or for some strength and repair? Having a clear perspective on your goals will help you determine the right products for your hair care routine.
- For smooth and shine - you can use the NuMe Sleeky in a Bottle serum
- For reducing greasiness - use the NuMe Dirty and Flirty dry shampoo
- For repair and strength - use the NuMe Argan Oil Serum
- For deep hydration and moisturizing - use the NuMe Vegan Tourmaline Smoothing System
- For UV and heat protection - use the NuMe Watch me Werk Thermal Heat Protectant
And of course, always make sure that you are using thermal hair styling tools with tourmaline plates, such as the award-winning NuMe Megastar - a one-of-a-kind flat iron with proprietary negative ion conditioning technology that allows you style your hair without damage.
Hopefully by now, you have a better understanding on how to determine the best hair care routine for your hair type and goals. But of course, there are some steps in a healthy hair care routine that should never lack regardless of your type, state, or genetic characteristics:
Healthy hair care routine steps and tips
Find the best frequency for hair washing
It's important to keep in mind that the best frequency for hair washing may vary between individuals, so it's always recommended to find the one that fits you best. Ideally, you should aim for hair washing every 2-3 days, since excessive washing may strip down the natural oils of your hair.
To determine the right frequency, start by washing your hair every 2-3 days, and adjust accordingly if needed.
Use lukewarm water
Avoid washing your hair with hot water, as it can strip away natural oils and lead to dryness. Use lukewarm water for a gentler cleanse. For more information, read our article on hot vs cold water for hair.
Condition your hair regularly
After shampooing, apply a good quality conditioner to your hair, focusing on the ends. This helps to moisturize and detangle your hair, preventing breakage and split ends.
Treat your hair to a deep conditioning treatment once a week to provide extra nourishment and moisture.
Massage your scalp
Regularly massage your scalp to improve blood circulation, which can promote healthier hair growth.
FAQ
How do I make my hair routine?
Create a good hair care routine by choosing suitable sulfate-free shampoo & conditioner, washing every 2-3 days, avoiding excess heat, regular trims, gentle brushing, deep conditioning weekly, protecting from the sun, using silk/satin pillowcases, and maintaining a balanced diet for overall hair health.
What not to do after washing hair?
After washing your hair, avoid these: Don't vigorously rub with a towel; pat dry gently. Avoid heat-styling on wet hair; air-dry instead. Say no to tight hairstyles; they stress wet hair. Don't use harsh chemicals or overuse products. Never sleep with wet hair; it causes breakage. Let it dry completely before bedtime.
