How to Start Having a Hair Care Routine

We have a secret for you: You don’t have to be born with luxurious locks to have your hair rival that of a Pantene commercial. Healthy, strong hair all depends on how well you care for it. Luckily, the folks here at GR8NESS are here to help you start your own goof-proof hair care routine. Let’s get started.

1. Determine Your Hair Type

Everyone is born with a different hair type, and how we’ve treated our hair over the past few years can also influence its integrity. To discover your hair type, go a few days with natural hair, not using any products, and observe your hair’s tendencies. Hair can be:

• Oily
• Dry
• Thick
• Fine
• Coarse
• Damaged

Once you’ve figured out your hair type, search for a shampoo and conditioner that directly address your needs.

2. Only Wash Hair When Necessary

It’s a common misconception that we need to wash our hair every day to keep it clean. In reality, washing daily strips our hair of the natural oils we need to keep it shiny, sleek, and healthy. Depending on your hair type, you should be washing your hair when it’s dirty, not just out of habit.

3. Read Every Ingredient List

While silicones in conditioners can be great to beat frizz, in shampoos, silicone ingredients may actually stick to the scalp and potentially clog hair follicles, slowing growth. In fact, plenty of the ingredients in heavily-marketed shampoos and conditioners can do more harm than good to hair, including:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS)
• Fragrance (Synthetic perfumes)
• Polysorbates
• Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
• Phenoxyethanol
• Dimethicone
• Behentrimonium Chloride

Make sure you’re reading the ingredients list on your products before applying.

4. Avoid the Heat

Did you know piping hot showers can strip hair of protective oils that serve as a natural conditioner? As a general rule of thumb: stay away from heat. Shower with lukewarm water instead, and opt for air-drying your hair instead of using hot tools.

5. Receive Regular Trims

Avoiding a trim is counterproductive to growing out hair. Your ends are simply drying and splitting, not adding length. Regular trims every six to eight weeks ensure minimal split ends and breakage.

6. Deep Condition Once a Week

A healthy hair habit you should incorporate into your hair care routine is deep conditioning once a week for extra hydration. Those with super dry or coarse hair should look for an overnight mask, while those with oilier strands might prefer an in-shower deep conditioning treatment.

7. Multi-mask and Layer

Oily scalp with dry ends? Dry scalp with frizzy ends? Multi-mask! The same multi-step routines that keep skin radiant can make your hair healthier. Target problem areas simultaneously by applying multiple products – a rich deep conditioner to ends, and clarifying mask on your roots. Mix and match twice a month to find what fits your hair type.

8. Stick to It

Just like any routine, this is the most important step – don’t give up! For luxurious, healthy hair, your routine should be constant.