How to Create the Ideal Hair Routine - Tips from a Stylist

Having luscious, healthy hair that turns heads wherever you go is a dream for many of us. But achieving and maintaining your ideal hair requires more than just wishful thinking. It demands a well-crafted hair routine tailored to your unique hair type and texture. As a professional hairstylist, I'm here to guide you through the step-by-step process of creating your ideal hair routine. Whether you have straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair, these tips and tricks will help you overcome common hair issues and achieve your hair goals. Let's embark on this exciting journey together!

Step 1: Identify Your Hair Type and Texture:

Understanding your hair type is crucial when building your ideal hair routine. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Straight Hair: Straight hair tends to be smooth, shiny, and lacks natural volume. It can be prone to oiliness at the roots.

• Wavy Hair: Wavy hair falls somewhere between straight and curly. It has a natural bend or wave pattern and offers versatility in styling.

• Curly Hair: Curly hair is characterized by well-defined curls and can range from loose to tight coils. It often craves moisture and can be prone to frizz.

• Coily Hair: Coily hair has tightly coiled or kinky curls. It requires ample moisture and gentle handling to minimize breakage and maximize definition.

Step 2: Cleansing and Conditioning

Regardless of your hair type, a proper cleansing and conditioning routine is the foundation for healthy hair.

Choose the Right Shampoo: Opt for a shampoo that suits your hair type. If you have oily hair, go for a clarifying shampoo to remove excess oil. For dry hair, choose a moisturizing shampoo that nourishes without stripping natural oils. Check out my blog  What Is The Best Shampoo For My Hair Type?  for more insight! 

Condition with Care: Use a conditioner specifically formulated for your hair type. Apply it from mid-length to ends, avoiding the roots if you have oily hair. For curly and coily hair, consider a deep conditioning treatment once a week to enhance moisture levels.

Don't Forget the Scalp: Massage your scalp gently while shampooing to stimulate blood circulation. This promotes healthy hair growth and removes product buildup. Also aim for a scalp treatment and exfoliant for once a week for a healthy scalp that can is nourished and can promote healthy hair growth. Read more about the benefits of scalp massaging and scalp health in my blog: Benefits of a Scalp Massage & The Importance of Scalp Health & How to Achieve It 

Step 3: Moisturize and Protect:

Hydration is key to maintaining healthy, manageable hair. These steps will help lock in moisture and protect your hair from damage.

Apply a Leave-In Conditioner: After rinsing out your regular conditioner, apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair. This step adds an extra layer of hydration and helps detangle your hair. Here are my fav leave in conditioners to consider:

Milk Shake Leave In Conditioner

SuddzFX ColorFix Leave in Conditioner

Use Heat Protectant: Before heat styling, shield your hair from damage by applying a heat protectant spray or serum. This creates a barrier against high temperatures, preventing breakage and frizz. Here are some great options for a heat protectant: 

Once your hair is moisturized and protected, it's time to bring out your personal style. Here are some tips for achieving fabulous hairstyles:

Embrace Your Natural Texture: Enhance your natural hair texture by applying a curl cream, mousse, or gel. Scrunch your hair to create defined curls or waves. Allow your hair to air dry or use a diffuser for faster drying without sacrificing your natural pattern. Here are some products to help embrace your natrual texture whether it is wavy or curly, or straight.

Straight/Wavy Hair  

Straightening and Smoothing: If you desire straight hair, use a flat iron or straightening brush on low to medium heat. Divide your hair into sections and pass the tool through each section slowly. Finish with a lightweight smoothing serum to add shine and tame frizz..

Avoid Over-Styling: Limit the use of heat styling tools and tight hairstyles to prevent damage. Give your hair regular breaks and opt for protective styles like braids, buns, or twists.

Common Troubleshoots 

Sometimes we have trouble staying consistent or overcoming trouble shoots in our hair routine, here are some common troubleshoots when it comes to our hair routine and how to best overcome them:

Frizz: Dealing with frizzy hair can be a daily challenge, but fear not! Taming frizz starts with using an anti-frizz serum or oil. Apply a small amount to the ends of your hair, avoiding the roots. Additionally, using a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush when styling can help minimize frizz and prevent breakage.

Dryness: Dry hair can appear dull and lackluster. To combat dryness, incorporate a weekly deep conditioning treatment into your routine. Look for products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, light weight oils like argan or jojoba, small content of coconut oil is okay, and glycerin is another hydrating ingredient.to hydrate your strands. Here are some great hair masks to help eliminate excessive dryness that should be used weekly: 

Flatness: If your hair tends to fall flat, there's hope for added volume and body! Try using volumizing products like mousses or sprays specifically designed to boost lift. Apply these products to the roots while your hair is damp, then blow-dry using a round brush to add some oomph.

Split Ends: Split ends are a common issue that can make your hair look unhealthy and hinder growth. Regular trims every 8-12 weeks are essential to remove split ends and maintain overall hair health. Additionally, using a leave-in conditioner or hair serum can help prevent split ends by keeping your strands moisturized and nourished.

Oily Roots: If you struggle with oily roots, it's all about finding the right balance. Start by washing your hair every other day to prevent excessive oil production and slowly train your hair to be washed less often. You should aim to shampoo only twice a week at most. On off-days, a dry shampoo can be your best friend, absorbing excess oil and adding a touch of freshness. Remember to avoid applying conditioner to the roots, as this can weigh down your hair and make it appear greasier. Shop our dry shampoos here 

Summary 

Crafting your ideal hair routine is an exciting journey that allows you to embrace and enhance the unique beauty of your hair. By understanding your hair type, following a proper cleansing and conditioning routine, incorporating moisture and protection, and troubleshooting common issues, you'll be well on your way to achieving your hair goals.

Patience and consistency are key. It may take some time to find the perfect products and techniques that work for you, but the effort will be worth it. Embrace your hair's natural texture, experiment with different styles, and don't hesitate to seek advice. I'm always available for a chat on IG @themanebri. 

Cheers to your ideal hair routine and the confidence it brings! Remember, you deserve to feel amazing in your own skin, and your hair routine is an integral part of that journey. So, embrace your unique hair type, follow these expert tips and tricks, and let your hair shine with beauty and vitality. Here's to your journey towards your ideal hair routine! Follow me on TIkTok and IG @themanebri for more hair content and tips!