Know Your Hair
Haircare Academy: Know Your Hair
You don't need to be a hair expert to choose the right products. Our first piece of advice is: Talk to your hairdresser!
You just need to know four things:
- Is your hair straight, wavy, or curly?
- Is the individual hair strand fine or thick?
- Do you have a little or a lot of hair?
- Is your scalp dry, normal, or oily?
Once you know the answers, it becomes much easier to choose shampoo, conditioner, and other care products.
1. Is your hair straight, wavy, or curly?
Start by washing your hair and letting it dry without wax, serum, or other styling products. Then look at the hair's natural shape.
Straight hair The hair falls straight down without clear waves or curls. Straight hair can often get oily faster and can easily become heavy from too much oil or heavy care products. Typically choose:
- A light shampoo
- Conditioner in the lengths and ends
- A light serum
- Small amounts of product
Wavy hair The hair forms soft waves or a slight S-shape. Wavy hair can lack definition but can also become heavy if you use too much product. Typically choose:
- A mild shampoo
- Conditioner in the lengths
- A light leave-in conditioner
- A light product that gathers the waves
Curly hair The hair forms distinct curls, spirals, or very tight curls. Curly hair often needs more moisture and care than straight hair. It should typically be combed gently while wet with conditioner in it. Typically choose:
- A mild and nourishing shampoo
- Conditioner throughout the length of the hair
- Leave-in conditioner
- Hair oil or serum in the ends
- A diffuser when blow-drying
2. Is your hair fine or thick?
This is about the thickness of the individual hair strand – not about how much hair you have. Take a single hair strand between your fingers.
Fine hair If you can hardly feel the hair strand, you probably have fine hair. It gets weighed down more easily and needs less product.
Medium hair If you can clearly feel the hair strand, but it doesn't feel stiff. Can normally use most products.
Thick or coarse hair If the hair strand feels distinct, thick, or almost stiff. Can handle more conditioner and oil.
3. Do you have fine hair or thin hair?
Fine hair means the individual hair strand is thin. Thin hair means you have fewer hairs overall. If your hair is gradually getting thinner, medical treatment may be more relevant than cosmetic products.
4. Is your scalp dry or oily?
Your shampoo is chosen based on the scalp. Your conditioner based on the hair itself.
Oily scalp The hair looks oily quickly and falls flat. Wash as needed, possibly daily, use shampoo on the scalp and conditioner in the lengths.
Dry scalp The scalp feels tight, itchy, and may have flakes. Choose a mild shampoo, avoid very hot water.
Oily scalp and dry ends Use shampoo on the scalp, conditioner in the lengths, and oil/serum in the ends.
Hairplant's recommendation Talk to your hairdresser! Then choose light products for fine hair and more nourishing products for thick/curly hair. Always start with small amounts.