What Products Should I Use For My Hair Type?

18.10.2024

Understanding your hair type is crucial for creating a great haircare routine and choosing the right products for you. However, with so many different products and different formulations on the market, it can feel confusing trying to determine what will work for your hair. In this simple guide, we’ve broken down some of the science behind different hair complaints, and what you can do to help get your best hair, every day. 

 

We'll also be introducing you to our Collinge & Co haircare range, loved and trusted by our stylists and our favourite way of getting salon-style results at home. What you may not know is that these products aren't just for use at home - they're staples in our salon services. So, if you've ever left the salon wishing you could take home the same shampoo your stylist used on your hair, you're in luck. 

 

 

Ready to find out what works best for your hair type? Let's get started!

 

My hair is: Curly or textured

Curly hair often needs extra moisture as it is more difficult for sebum, the scalp’s natural oil, to travel down to the tip. Drier hair is more prone to frizz and breakage, which is a common concern for those with curly hair. Moisturising shampoos and conditioners are a great addition to curly hair routines, as these work by providing the hydration that your hair can't get naturally. Ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil are emollients, which means they form a protective film around the hair shaft, reducing water loss and making the hair softer and more manageable. 

 

We recommend...

Moisturising Shampoos and Conditioners: Look for sulfate-free products rich in hydrating ingredients that will help keep your curls soft and defined.

Leave-In Conditioner: Leave-in conditioner is curly hair's best friend. It helps to lock in moisture and reduce frizz.

Gels or Curl Creams: To define your curls, use a curl cream or gel. Products with light to medium hold are great for keeping curls bouncy without making them crunchy.

 

My hair feels: Oily

Oily hair is primarily caused by an overproduction of sebum, the natural oil produced by the scalp. While sebum is essential for keeping hair healthy and protected, too much can make the hair look greasy and feel heavy. Opt for clarifying or deep-cleansing shampoos to remove build-ups of oil, dirt, and styling products that can accumulate on the scalp. Ingredients like salicylic acid gently exfoliate the scalp and prevent clogged pores, which can contribute to oiliness. 

 

We also recommend using light conditioners for hair prone to oiliness, as they provide necessary hydration without adding extra weight. These conditioners typically contain water-based ingredients that hydrate the hair without leaving a greasy-feeling residue. 

 

Dry shampoos are another saviour of greasy hair, which work by absorbing excess oil at the roots, instantly refreshing the hair and adding volume.

 

We recommend...

Clarifying Shampoos: Clarifying shampoos are brilliant for removing build-ups of oil and products. Look for ones with ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil which help to regulate oil production.

Lightweight Conditioners: Avoid heavy conditioners, which can weigh your hair down and make it feel greasier. Opt for a lightweight conditioner and apply it only to the ends of your hair.

Dry Shampoo: Dry shampoo is a lifesaver for oily hair as it absorbs excess oil and adds volume. Choose one with an ‘invisible’ finish to prevent that white residue-look dry shampoo can create. 

My hair feels: Damaged

Hair can sustain damage from sources like heat, overbrushing and chemicals, and can result in breakage, dryness and dullness. The cuticle is the outer layer of the hair which, when healthy, protects the inner layers of the hair and locks in moisture. Damage can cause the cuticle to weaken and lift, which can lead to loss of moisture and texture changes, resulting in dryness, tangling and breakage. Heat protectants are crucial because they create a protective layer around the hair shaft, reducing the damage caused by high temperatures and preventing further weakening of the cuticle. 

 

We recommend...

Deep Conditioning Masks: To really make your hair silky, shiny and looking luxurious, we recommend using a deep conditioning mask at least once a week. Oils like argan oil, jojoba and sunflower seed oils can help to rebuild strength and restore moisture, so look for a mask containing these. 

 

Heat Protectants: If you use heat tools, never skip a heat protectant. Products with silicone or polymers can create a barrier that protects your hair from further damage.

My hair feels: Dry

Dry hair occurs when the scalp doesn’t produce enough natural oils or when the hair is unable to retain moisture. The cuticle layers, which are supposed to lie flat and protect the hair, may be raised or damaged, leading to moisture loss. Hydrating shampoos and conditioners are specifically formulated with humectants, which are substances that draw moisture from the air into the hair. Leave-in treatments add a protective layer to the hair, offering continued hydration and protection from environmental factors like wind and sun, which can further dry out the hair.

 

We recommend...

Hydrating Shampoos and Conditioners: Choose products that are sulfate-free and rich in humectants like glycerin and panthenol. These ingredients attract moisture from the environment and help retain it in your hair.

Leave-In Treatments: Leave-in conditioners or sprays can provide an extra layer of hydration throughout the day.

{Product: Hair Treat, Moisturising shampoo/conditioner}

 

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