The Perfect Hair Care Routine For All Hair Types

Don’t you just love the way your hair looks right after you’ve just stepped out of the salon? We’re talking about shiny, smooth and swishy, 90s shampoo-commercial kinds of hair. ICYMI glossy hair that’s as reflective as glass (minus the IG filters) is the new IT thing and we’re all here for it. But, how do you achieve that diamond shine and glassy finish that we see on celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Deepika Padukone when you are on a budget? From nourishing hair oils to shine-inducing hair mists and serums, you can achieve lustrous locks easily at home if you choose the right products according to your hair type and texture.

The perfect hair care routine is essential for maintaining healthy, shiny, and strong hair. Whether you have straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair, adopting the right practices tailored to your hair type can prevent damage, promote growth, and enhance its natural beauty. Hair care involves more than just washing; it’s about nourishing and protecting your strands and scalp. By following simple yet effective steps, you can achieve healthier, more manageable tresses so you can have only good hair days. To make it easier for you, we’ve curated a simple, five step routine for you to get the glossiest hair of your life. Keep reading to know how easy it is.

The Ultimate 5-step Hair Care Routine

If you love waking up to manageable hair that looks shiny and feels smooth, it is time you begin incorporating a hair care routine 2–3 times a week. This is super important to keep your hair nourished, maintain its hydration levels, and ensure the regulation of oil production. So, here’s our simple yet effective hair care routine that will give you the mane of you dreams that is healthy and strong.

Step 1: Hydrate And Detangle With Oil

The good ol’ champi works to condition the scalp and strengthen your hair roots. Getting an oil massage on the regular will make your hair look and feel its healthiest self. Some of your favourite celebrities also swear by the good old champi to give their tresses the nourishment they need. We recommend using the Kama Ayurveda Organic Sweet Almond Oil that is rich in vitamin A and E to revatilise your hair’s natural shine. Combine a few drops of this with the Max Care Virgin Coconut Oil oil that is cold-pressed to ensure all the nutrients and natural goodness of the coconut is retained.

Slightly warm up a few drops of the almond oil with 2–3 teaspoons of the coconut oil and apply it to the scalp. It helps to create sections of your hair to ensure the oil is being applied on the scalp. Massage the oil mixture in circular motions for 5–10 minutes to ensure that the oil reaches your hair follicles and nourishes them. Once you’ve applied the oil to your scalp, run your fingers through the lengths of your hair and apply the oil to the tips if you have split ends.

This step also includes detangling your hair and get out any knots. The oil makes it easier to detangle the hair and prevents unnecessary breakage. Wooden combs are most gentle on you tresses. Once you’ve detangled your hair, it is time to sit back and relax. Tie your hair up or in braids and let the hair oils soak in for atleast 30 minutes or overnight if possible.

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Step 2: Cleanse Thoroughly

After your hair has been moisturised with oils, it’s time to cleanse your scalp. Spare your hair from the side effects of harsh shampoos that can leave your hair feeling rough and frizzy, making it lose its natural moisture. Switch to sulphate-free mild shampoos that are easy on your locks as they help in moisture retention, and will make hair look and feel naturally softer and shinier. We recommend the L'Oreal Professionnel Xtenso Care Sulfate-Free Shampoo that has pro-keratin and asta care to repair damage and strengthen the hair by reconstructing the protein bonds. If you have been noticing excessive hair loss, try the Dove Hair Therapy Breakage Repair Shampoo that repais your hair at a cellular level and leaves behind healthy, managable strands.

Using sulphate-free shampoos also ensures that your scalp is no stripped off its natural oils. Apply a coin sized amount to your scalp and massage with your fingertips. You can also use a scalp massager during this step to thoroughly scrub your scalp. Massage for 1–2 minutes and then rinse the shampoo off your scalp. While one round of shampoo is usually more than enough, you can go in once again if you feel oil residue on your strands. Make sure all product is removed from the scalp after rinsing.

This step also includes detangling your hair and get out any knots. The oil makes it easier to detangle the hair and prevents unnecessary breakage. Wooden combs are most gentle on you tresses. Once you’ve detangled your hair, it is time to sit back and relax. Tie your hair up or in braids and let the hair oils soak in for atleast 30 minutes or overnight if possible.

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Step 3: Use Nourishing Conditioners

An unskippable part of your hair care routine, conditioners help combat frizz and dryness, making hair appear smoother and silkier. It also helps detangle hair preventing breakage. Make sure to opt for a sulphate-free one to get the best results. If you have dull, dry hair, you should definitely add the TRESemme Pro Pure Damage Recovery Conditioner to your hair care wish list. It contains fermented rice water, sunflower seed oil, and other fortifying ingredients that repair damage and lend lusture to your locks. For those struggling with excessive hair fall, try the Mamaearth Onion Conditioner that detangles and softens the hair and makes the hair soft and smooth. Both options are free of sulphates, parabens, and other harsh cehmicals that can damage your hair.

It is important to note that conditioners must only be applied to the lengths of the hair and damaged hair tips to prevent split ends. Applying conditioners to the scalp may lead to product build-up and irregular oil production. Leave the conditioner on for 2–3 minutes and then rise off with water.

Pro tip: Always use room temperature or cold water while washing and conditioning your hair as hot water can dehydrate the hair cuticles, leading to a rough texture.

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Step 4: Repair Damage With Hair Mask

Once or twice a week, pamper your hair with a nourishing, repairing hair mask. Add this extra step to your regime to help retain moisture, softness and even brightness to your tresses, in a matter of minutes. Try the ultra-hydrating BBlunt Intense Moisture Hair Mask that is enriched with jojoba oil and Vitamin E to give you incredibly smooth and shiny hair. It has been formulated for Indian hair types and delivers a salon-like shine to your hair. If you have been fighting frizz, try the Nykaa Naturals Anti-Frizz Sulphate-Free Hair Mask that contains the goodness of fermented rice water and bamboo to repair and restore dry hair.

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Step 5: Treat With Serums

Leave-in serums work as the perfect protective layer for your hair. It helps protect your hair from environmental aggressors, and everyday wear and tear. Serums also help control frizz and lend a natural-looking sheen. You can pick from a variety of serums depending on the needs of your hair, texture, and type. For improving your overall hair health, try the The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Hair Serum that has combination of peptide technologies and plant-based extracts to strengthen your hair. For anti-frizz properties and protection from UV damage, use the L'Oreal Paris Extraordinary Oil Hair Serum that coats the hair to nourish from within and lends a stunning shine to the hair.

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Hair Care Routine Tips For Healthy Hair

Here are the top tips to create a scalp care routine for healthy hair:

1. Understand Your Hair Type: Knowing your hair type (straight, wavy, curly, or coily) and porosity helps you choose suitable products and treatments. Hair porosity affects how your hair absorbs and retains moisture.
2. Cleanse Gently: Use a sulfate-free shampoos to cleanse your scalp and hair without stripping natural oils. Wash 2–3 times a week for most hair types, but adjust based on your scalp’s needs.
3. Condition Thoroughly: Follow shampooing with a hydrating conditioner to detangle and replenish moisture. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends to avoid weighing down the roots.
4. Incorporate Deep Conditioning: Treat your hair to a deep conditioning or hair mask once a week to repair damage and provide extra nourishment.
5. Protect from Heat: Minimise the use of heating tools. If heated tools are necessary, always use a heat protectant when styling. Air-dry when possible to prevent heat damage.
6. Trim Regularly: Trim split ends every 6–8 weeks prevent further breakage. Get hair cuts every 6–12 weeks to maintain healthy growth.
7. Moisturise: Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to lock in moisture and reduce frizz. Use hair masks at least once a week to nourish the hair.
8. Maintain A Balanced Diet: As much as products help nourish your hair from outside, it is important to consume essential nutrients and vitamins. You can achieve this by including foods rich in vitamins, proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids to promote hair health from within.
9. Protect Your Hair At Night: Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction with your hair and prevent breakage. Braiding or wrapping your hair can also help maintain its shape.

Parting Thoughts

Healthy hair is a reflection of consistent care and nourishment. By understanding your hair’s needs and investing in a proper routine, you can enhance its natural beauty. Remember, patience is key – great results come with time and effort. Your hair deserves care, just like the rest of your body.

FAQs

1. How often should I wash my hair?

   Frequency of hair wash completely depends on your hair type and lifestyle. Oily hair may require daily washing, while dry or curly hair may need washing 1–2 times a week. Similarly, if you have an active lifestyle, you may need to wash every 2 days to wash off sweat.

2. Are natural oils good for hair?

   Yes! Oils like coconut, argan, and jojoba can hydrate and protect your hair and are especially beneficial for dry or damaged strands.

3. Can I repair split ends without trimming?

   No, split ends cannot be repaired. Trimming is the best way to maintain healthy hair.

4. What causes hair breakage?

   Hair breakage can be caused by over-styling, heat, chemical treatments, or lack of moisture.

5. How can I make my hair grow faster?

   To make your hair grow faster

   • Maintain a healthy diet
   • Massage your scalp with oils to stimulate blood flow
   • Use sulphate and paraben free shampoos and conditioners
   • Avoid heat damage