13 Expert-Sourced Tips For Creating a Healthy Hair Care Routine

A healthy hair care routine is the secret to achieving shiny, strong hair. How you treat your hair on a day-to-day basis (e.g., how often you wash it, which products you use, and your styling techniques) can make or break your hair health. 

But if you’ve never really had a proper hair care routine, you might not know where to start. How often should you shampoo your hair? Which hair care steps are necessary, and which can you skip?

Don’t worry — we’re here to help!

In this article, we’ll share all our best expert hair care tips to help you get the locks of your dreams.

Before starting a hair care routine, it’s essential to know your hair’s unique traits. Identifying your hair type can help guide your product choices and decide how often to cleanse, condition, and style.

“Everyone’s hair is unique and it’s important to find the regimen that works best for your hair type, such as how frequently you need to wash your hair, do you get dandruff, do you need to use a leave in product,” says Knox Beasley, MD, a board-certified dermatologist.

Each hair type has different characteristics that affect how often you should wash, condition, and style your hair.

For example:

• Straight hair tends to become greasy or oily more quickly because natural scalp oils travel easily down the hair shaft. If you have this type of hair: You may need to avoid heavy products and shampoo more often. 

• Wavy hair can have a mix of oily roots and dry ends. If you have this type of hair: The best products will hydrate without weighing down strands. 

• Curly hair often struggles with dryness because its structure makes it harder for natural oils to travel down the hair shaft. If you have this type of hair: You’ll likely benefit from extra moisture and less frequent washing.

• Kinky hair (also known as coily) is the driest and most fragile hair type. If you have this type of hair: You need intense moisture and protective styling. You should also avoid touching your hair too often to minimize breakage.

Hair porosity, length, and texture can also impact your hair care routine decisions. 

• Porosity refers to how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture. Low-porosity hair resists moisture, so lighter products that can penetrate more easily are ideal, while high-porosity hair, which both absorbs and loses moisture quickly, benefits from heavier, moisture-locking products.

• Length affects hair care needs as well. Long hair tends to be dryer, because the natural oils from your scalp have to cover a longer strand, thus spreading thinner. On the other hand, short hair tends to be oilier and often needs more frequent washing.

• Texture refers to whether your hair is coarse or fine. Each type reacts differently to products. Fine hair gets weighed down by heavy creams and styling products, so lighter products work best.  Thick hair usually benefits from richer formulas to maintain smoothness and manageability..

“Typically, your hair stylist will be able to help the type of hair you have, whether it’s straight, curly, wavy, or coily,” says Dr. Beasley. “Once you know your hair type you can start to look for products designed for that type of hair.”

Shampooing is key to keeping your scalp free of dirt, oil, and product buildup. But picking the right shampoo for your hair type can make all the difference.

For straight or oily hair, opt for lightweight shampoos that cleanse effectively without weighing down your hair or completely stripping it of moisture. Avoid heavy, creamy formulas as they can make your hair feel greasy and look limp.

Curly or dry hair? Go for sulfate-free shampoos. They’re gentle on the scalp and help preserve natural oils, which can minimize dryness and frizz. 

And don’t forget to match your shampoo to your specific hair concerns. Dandruff?

Use a dandruff shampoo. Fine hair? Try a volumizing shampoo. Thinning hair? Consider hair loss shampoo.

Choosing the right shampoo is important, but how you use it matters too. 

Focus on massaging shampoo into your scalp, where oli and dirt build up, rather than your ends, which need less cleansing. A scalp massager can make this step even more effective — and relaxing!

Be mindful of how often you wash your hair. Straight or oily hair might need washing every 2 to 3 days, while curly or dry hair types should limit shampooing to once or twice a week to prevent dryness. If your hair gets greasy between washes, dry shampoo can be a great fix.

Conditioning is the next vital step in your hair routine. It restores hydration, smoothes the hair cuticle, and makes detangling a breeze.

If you have straight hair, go for a lightweight conditioner to hydrate without weighing your hair down and to avoid buildup. Those with wavy, curly, or kinky hair will benefit from richer, hydrating conditioners that provide extra moisture needed to combat dryness  and make detangling easier.

Apply conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, where it’s usually driest. Avoid the roots, especially if you have straight or oily hair, to prevent greasiness. 

Learn more about choosing the best conditioner for curly hair.

Deep conditioning treatments or hair masks can greatly benefit your hair, especially if it’s damaged, dry, or frizzy hair. These treatments penetrate deeper than regular conditioners, which is great if your hair needs extra TLC. 

Look for hair treatments that contain proteins to repair damage and hydrating ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, and glycerin to replenish moisture. 

After shampooing, squeeze out excess moisture and apply a generous amount of deep conditioner or a conditioning mask to your hair. For best results, leave it on for 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the product's instructions. Wrapping your hair in a warm towel can help the conditioner penetrate more deeply.

If you have curly or dry hair, deep conditioning can be a part of your weekly hair care routine. For straight or oily hair, limit it to every two to four weeks to prevent excess product buildup, which can weigh hair down and make it appear greasy.

Detangling helps prevent hair breakage and keeps your hair manageable, but it should be done with care.

Use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush to gently work through tangles, starting from the ends and moving upward.

Detangling is easier when your hair is damp or wet. Dry hair tends to snap or break more easily. Using a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray can help make the process smoother. 

We know dealing with knots and tangles can be frustrating. But take your time! Rushing can lead to unnecessary breakage, especially for curly or kinky hair. 

Got dry, curly, or chemically treated hair? Leave-in conditioners and oils are lifesavers for locking in moisture and taming frizz.

If you have straight hair, opt for lightweight leave-ins to add moisture without weighing down hair and making it greasy looking. For curly and kinky hair, products with heavier creams and oils, like coconut oil or shea butter, work well for moisture retention and protection.

These products help maintain hydration throughout the day, keeping your hair soft, manageable, and reducing frizz.

Using too much heat on your hair — like blow-drying on the highest setting — can lead to hair damage and breakage. 

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends air-drying your hair when possible to minimize heat exposure and reduce the risk of damage.

If you frequently use heat styling tools like hair dryers, curling irons, or straighteners, it’s crucial to protect your hair. A heat protectant spray can shield your hair from high temperatures and add moisture. Look for products that protect up to 450°F.

Water temperature can also impact your hair health. Showering or bathing in water that’s too hot can dry out your skin, scalp, and hair. 

Harsh chemical treatments like bleaching or chemical straightening and relaxing, can weaken hair, damage hair shafts, and lead to breakage over time. Same goes for hair dye.

Opt for gentle, infrequent chemical treatments and consider natural alternatives whenever possible. 

If your hair is damaged from chemical treatments already, try deep conditioners, protein treatments, and moisturizing products to repair and strengthen it.

Learn more about repairing chemically damaged hair.

The right hair care products can enhance your natural texture and help you maintain healthy looking hair.

Lightweight serums or volumizing sprays can add body and shine to straight hair without weighing it down.

If your hair is curly or kinky, try curl creams, gels, or mousses that provide hold and definition while keeping your curls soft and bouncy.

Did you know that restrictive hairstyles like extra tight ponytails, braids, and ballerina buns can lead to hair loss?

Traction alopecia is a form of hair loss caused by repeated tension or pulling on the hair. Tight hairstyles can create ongoing stress on the hair follicles, eventually leading to damage and hair loss.

Tight hairstyles that create excessive tension on the hair can also lead to breakage.

To prevent this type of hair damage and  loss, opt for looser hairstyles whenever possible. 

Regular trims are key to getting rid of split ends and maintaining healthy, strong hair. Split ends can travel up the hair shaft, leading to more damage if left unmanaged.

If your hair is dry or damaged, trimming it every 6 to 8 weeks is recommended  to keep ends healthy. Healthier hair may only need a trim every 8-12 weeks to maintain its condition.  

Healthy hair starts from within. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and other nutrients supports hair growth and overall scalp health.

Think about it: Your body needs nutrients to carry out all cellular processes, including growing hair. That’s why certain nutritional deficiencies can lead to hair loss.

Here are some key nutrients your hair needs to grow:

• Protein

• Zinc

• Iron

• Vitamins A, B, C, D, and E

• Biotin, a form of vitamin B

The best way to get all these nutrients? A healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of vegetables, lean protein sources like eggs, fish, and nuts, and healthy fats from foods like avocado and olive oil. And, of course, you should drink plenty of water to keep your scalp healthy!

Read our blog post about the best foods to eat for healthy hair.

While a healthy diet typically provides all the necessary nutrients, some people may benefit from additional support.  Our biotin multivitamin gummies are a convenient way to fill in any gaps and support healthy hair growth. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before adding a new supplement to your routine, especially if you’re taking prescription medications or have a health condition.

While a healthy hair care routine can keep your hair looking its best, certain hair and scalp issues may require professional help. 

Excessive hair shedding or hair loss can have many underlying causes, including hormonal imbalances, thyroid issues, genetics, and extreme stress.

If you’re experiencing hair loss, a healthcare professional can help determine the root cause and guide you toward appropriate hair loss treatments, such as minoxidil, to promote regrowth.

Scalp conditions, like dandruff, that don’t improve with over-the-counter treatments, may also warrant professional care. “If you do get dandruff that’s not improving with over the counter products, or you are starting to see some hair loss, then seeing a dermatologist is a great way to make sure your scalp is getting the treatment it needs,” says Beasley. 

Consulting a pro can help determine the right diagnosis and care for both hair and scalp health.

Looking to boost moisture, protect against damage, or just keep your hair healthy? Caring for your locks is a smart investment in yourself. Follow these hair care routine steps, and you’ll be on your way to building the best hair care routine to keep your hair looking and feeling its best. 

Keep this in mind:

• All hair is different. A healthy hair care routine isn’t one-size-fits-all — it’s about customizing your routine based on your hair type and goals.

• Gentle is best. Use gentle hair styling techniques, avoid excessive heat styling, and keep your hair nourished. This helps it stay healthy and shiny. 

• Great hair starts on the plate. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet supports healthy hair growth. If you can’t get enough nutrients through your diet alone, consider a hair growth supplement

You’re not on this hair journey alone. Hair experts exist for a reason! Need more hair care routine guidance? Consider getting tips from a trusted hairstylist. 

If you think you’re experiencing an underlying scalp or hair loss  problem, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional. 

We can connect you with  a healthcare professional ASAP. Start your consultation today!