Considering I started using heat on my hair in 6th grade, I have struggled with damage, breakage, frizz, and dryness. After a few years of research, I have found it is best to keep up a daily “routine”, and have assembled the best hair care to include. Each step and product will go a long way in benefitting the strength, moisture, and overall health of your hair. 

When I say “routine”, it isn’t the same as a skincare routine. There are steps that are used differently, sometimes daily, weekly, or even in certain cases when styling. Here are some steps for your hair care routine that will greatly impact the overall health of your hair. 

Heat Protectants

Heat Protectants go a long way. I believe it is the most important part of my routine. Think about it like this: You wet your hair before you shampoo; You prime your face before you put on makeup; You put on your socks before you put on your shoes; And the same goes for using heat on your hair. 

For someone that regularly, or ever, uses heat styling tools on their hair, it is very important to protect your hair before applying the heat. 

Heat protectants create a barrier between your hair and the styling tool that will prevent your hair from being exposed to extreme heat. By not using a heat protectant before using a heat styling tool, you are allowing your hair to be damaged by very high levels of heat which will cause breakage, split ends, and damage. Using a heat protector is very effective. 

Here are some I would recommend: 

Leave in Conditioners 

Leave-in conditioners are products used after you shower, no-rinse, and before you style. These conditioners add extra moisture, help detangle, sometimes even fight against heat. It is the best reinforcement for your hair when it feels dry, brittle, and unhealthy. All hair types will benefit from leave-in conditioners. 

I see the most help from leave-in conditioners on my second day after washing my hair. These products help the softness of my hair, the shine that is added, and the overall moisture of my hair even days after showering. 

You may think that leaving in a “conditioner” would make your hair oily, but it doesn’t. If used correctly, you will be left with silky, shiny, smooth hair. Make sure to read the directions on these products carefully before using. 

Here are some leave-in conditioners I would recommend: 

Hair Masks 

I live for hair masks. Struggling with dry, damaged, and frizzy hair, hair masks have saved my hair. Hair masks help moisturize and nourish your hair. This is my favorite step in my routine because it makes my hair feel soft and healthy. Hair masks aren’t supposed to be used everyday, but once a week should meet your haircare needs. 

There are a variety of masks out there, some are to be left in for 10 minutes, some are overnight. Depending on the ingredients in the hair masks, some may shine and soften your hair or even boost the overall health of your hair. Depending on what issues you have in particular, you can tailor your needs towards a certain mask.

When using masks, make sure to follow the directions given on the product and use promptly. 

Here are some hair masks I would recommend: 

Hair Oils 

Hair Oil? Won’t that make my hair oily? If you use them correctly, no it won’t. Hair oils can be the most beneficial part of your hair care routine. 

With oils, there are so many that you can use to meet your primary hair care needs. Each oil does something different, either softening, increasing shine, faster hair growth, or rebuilding your hair. The oils that have been proven to be the most effective and beneficial are argan oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil. 

To use, add a small amount of the oil to the ends of your hair and work your way up, without adding to your scalp.

Here are some hair oils I would recommend: 

Not all products will work for everyone, based on different hair types, so try out different recommended products to see what works best for you! 

All pictures are linked to respective products.