Hair care routine is beyond how often you wash your hair. The basics of how to build a hair care routine lies in the foundations of wash, dry, and style. There are various hair care products in the market to choose from, but it is vital to know what type of ingredients to use, in order to enhance it’s natural look. Although, for a basic hair care routine, it is important to know that it goes beyond just hair wash and conditioning. Here is how you can build a basic hair care routine:

Step 1. Determining hair type

Hair type isn’t about the texture alone, there are various other factors that determine your hair type, like how well it absorbs moisture or whether it breaks easily. The 5 factors below will help one determine whether they have thick, fine, coarse, frizzy or oily hair:

Diameter:

A simple strand test. Take a strand of hair between your fingertips, if you don’t feel anything then, it is a sign of fine hair and if you do feel the single strand then the hair is of medium width, and if it feels thick or textured, then the hair is likely coarse.

Density:

Hair density is a reference to how much hair you actually have. To determine hair density, take a handful of hair from the front of the head and gently pull it to the side. If a lot of your scalp is seen between the bunch of hair that you pulled, then the density of the hair is thin, and if barely any scalp is shown then the hair density is thick. Anything in between is medium.

Elasticity:

When one tries to stretch or snap a hair strand, the  reaction of this is the simple way to determine the elasticity and strength of your hair. If the hair strand tends to snap immediately after trying to pull it between your fingers, the hair elasticity is considered as  low, whereas if the hair strand is able to be stretched, then the elasticity is very high. Hair elasticity determined how well your hair can hold any hair styling. Low elasticity is linked to thin hair, whereas high elasticity, thick to normal hair.

Porosity:

Porosity is the ability of the hair to absorb moisture and hair care products applied. To determine the hair’s porosity, a bowl filled with water is to be placed with a single strand of hair. If your strand sinks to the bottom it has high porosity which means it is capable of absorbing the moirsture. If your strand remains under the surface, but floats, your hair is well-balanced and is of “normal” porosity. If the strand floats above the surface of the water your hair has low porosity and does not absorb moisture easily. High porosity is usually a result of damaged, frizzy or dry hair. Low porosity can sometimes feel oily as it will take a lot of product in but may not distribute it accordingly.

Texture:

Texture is one of the easiest  as it determines if the hair is straight or curly. Knowing your hair type helps  determine which hair care products are needed the most and how to build your hair care routine. It’s important to keep in mind that hair changes with seasons. In that case, slight adjustments may be needed to your routine but shouldn’t throw you off your game.

Step 2. Gathering the hair care products

MUST-HAVES IN A HAIR CARE ROUTINE

They type of hair care products needed are dependant on the hair needs, though there are a few must-haves in  hair care routine regardless of the type of hair one may have: :

• Shampoo and conditioner (based on hair type)
• Microfiber towel
• A good quality hair dryer with adjustable heat and a diffuser for our curly hair girls
• Heat protectant spray or cream
• Styling product
• Paddle brush – these are great for generally all hair types. However, paddle brushes are made with different types of bristles and these can be chosen based on hair type.

HAIR CARE ROUTINE OPTIONALS

• Dry shampoo
• Straightener/flat iron
• Curling wand
• Hair Extensions
• Hair masks
• Scalp massager

Step 3. Hair Wash

After determining the hair type and must-haves, it is time to understand the basics of your hair care routine down which starts with your wash routine. Preferably, hair washes should not exceed more than three times a week. This will change depending on your hair type and activity. For dry hair, shampoo twice a week, for thick or curly hair washing twice a week also works, as natural oils from the scalp don’t get to the hair shaft as quickly as those with fine hair. For oily hair  it is recommended to wash the hair thrice a week. .

How To Properly Use Shampoo And Conditioner

Conditioner, at any case, should always be used in your hair wash routine. It helps to nourish and treat the hair after shampooing. It’s vital to apply conditioner to the mid shaft of the hair to the ends massaging the product into it and depending on the type of conditioner, leaving it in for a few minutes before rinsing. The most moisture is required at the mid-shaft and the end especially if the hair is chemically treated, dry or has damaged ends. Choosing your shampoo and conditioner is based on the needs of the hair. Various hair care products are available for different types of hair, in all cases, it is important to keep an eye out for nurturing ingredients and avoid sulphate.

Step 4. Drying and styling 

Post hair wash, soak up excess water using a microfiber towel. Avoid rubbing your hair between non-microfiber towels.

In case of using a hair dryer or diffuser, make sure to apply hair protectant first and dry accordingly. A paddle brush or round brush can be used if trying to style the hair.

If time permits, apply a spritz of styling product and allow your hair to air dry. By limiting the hair’s exposure to heat you will be protecting the health and integrity of it.

A flat iron or a curling wand, can be used depending on the style preferred after the hairdryer. At any cost, heat  protectants should be applied. Depending on the porosity of the hair, apply styling product before and after to set the style in place. If you want waves or curls to stay overnight, loosely pin them around your head so it sits in place by morning.

Step 6. Additional hair care routine options

If in between washes or find yourself short on time, dry shampoo is a great addition to any hair care routine. Dry shampoo should be applied at the roots and spread or massaged in with your fingers which absorbs extra oil.

Hair masks and conditioning treatments are great options, especially for those with chemically treated or dry hair. Professional conditioning treatments can be done at salons once a month, Depending on the needs, a hair mask can be done once a week.

ADDING HAIR EXTENSIONS TO YOUR HAIR CARE ROUTINE

For more length and thickness, hair extensions can be added to your hair routine that will not take away the natural look. If you are already using hair extensions in your hair care routine, then make sure to wash them once a month, and incase of using more products on them, it is recommended to wash them more frequently. In order to make hair extensions live up their potential, store them properly in their packaging or carriers.

Hair care routine is all about determining the treatment required for  the hair. It is not necessary for the hair care to be complicated as most hair care routines are followed with the steps mentioned above. Following a clean regime of hair care routine, will result in healthier hair. The Hairstyle Artistry Course at JD institute, educates about what a hair care routine should consist of along with the right hair care products to be used after a styling shoot where the hair is filled with products to match its requirements.

HAIR CARE ROUTINE: A BEGINNERS GUIDE