Not all hair products are created equal. Just think about how many times you bought some products with big expectations but in the end, you were disappointed. Τhe more products appear on the shelves, the more difficult it is to make the right choice.

This is a guide on how to choose the appropriate products for your hair and how to use them.

How to choose the proper hair care products?

Evaluate first your hair’s needs. These are some common concerns you may have:

Your hair is dehydrated. Lacks moisture, is rough and dull

It is damaged, prone to breakage.

You have hair loss

You need more shine

Your hair is thin and lacks volume

You need color or keratin treatment maintenance

Type of hair, oily, normal or dry

Set your priorities. If you are facing more than one problem, choose products for the one you consider the most important. Most cosmetic brands have different lines of products for particular needs. Sometimes you think that more than one shampoos is needed for different issues that you have to deal with, but the cost may be prohibitive. Besides, you can’t use more than two shampoos at a time.

Determine your hair texture. For thick or coarse hair, you should go for moisturizing products. For fine hair, you need lightweight products to avoid make it heavy.

Always read the ingredients list of the products you want to purchase. This practice will help to identify possible irritant substances or allergens. Moreover, you will be able to identify if the product is suitable for your hair type and needs.

Avoid harsh hair products that can strip your scalp of its natural oils and your hair of its moisture.

Consult with a dermatologist if you are experiencing hair loss. Dermatologists can identify the cause and give you the treatment you need.  Hair loss is normal to happen daily but if it is severe, a visit to a dermatologist is the only solution.

Should hair care products be expensive or for professional use?

Well, could be but don’t be sure that you always get what you expect. You can always find a lower price shampoo that has good ingredients and does the job. Don’t forget that you often pay the famous name of the brand. It may have happened to you to choose expensive products and not to be satisfied with them. It happened to me as well.

What to buy?

If your hair is rough and damaged from chemical treatments or the use of styling tools, choose a repairing shampoo. Although shampoo alone is not enough. You need a mask and a conditioner too. However, in case of damaged hair, don’t expect from the hair care products solve the problem. A trim is necessary. You will get rid of the split ends, the dry strands and you will set up a new beginning for your hair. In addition to this, you should avoid using styling tools as much as you can. Only the hair dryer with a heat protectant.

If your  hair is not damaged but you feel it is dry and unruly, you may choose a hydrating, nourishing haircare routine. I would also recommend to go for a sulfate-free shampoo so as to avoid the harsh surfactants such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES).

If your hair is dyed blond, you need purple shampoos to neutralize yellow tones. However, such shampoos tend to dehydrate hair.

For curly hair, exist especially formulated products. Honestly speaking, I was never satisfied with the result, even though I used luxury products several times. I prefer to use moisturizing products and sometimes apply a cream for curls as a last step. I also opt for sulfate-free shampoos because my hair is smoother, more manageable and my curls are more defined.

In case of keratin treatment, the shampoo has to be sulfate-free. Nevertheless, keratin treatments tend to make hair more prone to breakage even though it is more radiant and smoother.

Other important things to consider:

Wet your hair properly.

Delicately massage your scalp with shampoo twice. Don’t give a strong massage to your scalp. You may scratch it (especially if you have long nails) and at the same time damage your hair follicles. You apply gentle pressure with your fingertips and the palms of your hands.

Do not use a big quantity of shampoo (like I do sometimes). If during the first wash the shampoo doesn’t lather this means that your hair was not enough wet or it was very dirty or you had previously applied many styling products. Don’t add more shampoo. It will be hard to rinse . Do a second wash.

Rinse thoroughly , this is the most important step. Do not leave your hair with residues of shampoo like you wouldn’t do with the face cleanser on your face. You do not want to irritate your scalp. An irritated scalp is an itchy scalp.

Apply the conditioner and leave to act according to the written instructions of use and rinse again thoroughly.

If you want to apply a mask , do it before the conditioner. Hairdressers are generally against applying conditioner after the mask. I usually do in order to be able to detangle my hair.

Do not overdo with the masks unless you are guided by the brand to do so, a repairing mask for instance.

Read the ingredients list. There might be an ingredient that you already know you are allergic to or that irritates your skin.

Last but not least, in case of irritated, itchy scalp discontinue the product. The culprit might be in the composition of the product.

The bottom line: Choosing hair products can be overwhelming. The most important thing is to understand your hair’s needs and choose the right products accordingly.

Don’t be tempted to buy new products before you learn how they work. They may not suit your hair type or even more be made for your hair’s needs.

Special thanks to pexels.com for the free photos download as well as to the creator of this specific photo.