Despite the fact that I’ve been a beauty editor for three years, I have to admit—I didn’t really have a hair-care routine until recently. And I know I’m not alone. When we think of self-care, our minds tend to go right to 12-step skin-care routines, face masks and massages, with hair care falling by the wayside. While many of us have used shampoo and conditioner our whole lives, it’s easy to leave our hair-care routine there, but our strands need a lot more love.
If you haven’t been in your hair-care era but want to start, it’s never too late. With a new year in full swing, there’s no better time to commit to getting your hair right. Ahead, expert tips and editor-approved product recommendations for the ultimate beginner hair-care routine.
Hair Care for Beginners: The Essential Products
When it comes to honing in on your hair journey, creative director, master stylist and colorist with Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Paul Labrecque explains there are “four fundamental products to creating beautiful hair—shampoo to cleanse, conditioner to hydrate, styling products to either take out or put in desired volume and finishing products to add in shine or hold.” In terms of incorporating these core four into your routine, Labrecque recommends researching products that fit your hair’s specific needs and committing to using each daily. Below are some recommendations for products to include in your beginner hair-care routine, based on your hair needs.
Core Four Hair Care for Curly Hair
If you’re trying to define, hydrate and maintain your natural curls, look for a curl-specific shampoo and conditioner to get you started. Celebrity hairstylist Brendnetta Ashley recommends Oribe’s Cleansing Crème ($49) and the Sienna Naturals Hydrating H.A.P.I. Shampoo ($28). Briogeo’s Curl Charisma Defining Conditioner ($55) and Curlsmith’s Essential Moisture Conditioner ($26) are great conditioner options. When it comes to styling products, Aveda’s Be Curly Advanced Line has everything you could need, depending on your curl type and styling goals. Try Cécred’s Hydrating Hair Oil ($44) for taming frizz and adding shine after styling.
Core Four Hair Care for Dry/Damaged Hair
Whether you’re dealing with the effects of years of dying and heat styling or your strands tend to skew drier, there are tons of great options for creating a beginner hair-care routine for dry or damaged hair. For a bang-for-your-buck shampoo, conditioner and finishing product for parched, damaged hair, try Oribe’s Gold Lust Bundle ($55). For styling products, opt for hydrating, nourishing products like Moroccanoil’s Hydrating Styling Cream ($16) or JVN’s Air Dry Cream ($28).
Core Four Hair Care for Oily Hair
Finding the right products for oily hair can be tough, but there are plenty of oil-reducing options that will help minimize oil while maintaining nourished, healthy strands. For shampoo and conditioner, try Redken’s Hair Cleansing Cream ($38) and Aveda’s Rosemary Mint Weightless Conditioner ($23). For styling and finishing products, keep it light with products like amika’s UnDone Texture Spray ($29).
Core Four Hair Care for Colored Hair
If you have color-treated hair, you’ll want to make sure that your fundamental four hair products are safe for use on colored hair and won’t cause fading. In the way of shampoo and conditioners, try ColorWow’s Color Security Duo ($38). For styling and finishing products, go for damage-reversing options like Kérastase’s Resistance Heat Protectant Leave-In Styling Cream ($48) and Olaplex’s No. 7 Bonding Hair Oil ($30).
