Your ultimate guide to building the perfect hair care routine 

Building the perfect hair care routine might feel overwhelming, but don't get your hair in a tangle just yet. With the right approach, you can build a simple, effective routine for hair that suits your texture, goals, and lifestyle. Ahead, we spill the beans on how to have healthy hair, how to choose the right shampoo (yes, there is a right and wrong), and how to tailor everything to your curl type. Consider this your one-stop shop to bagging your best barnet yet.

Identifying your hair type: straight, wavy, or curly? 

Your strands have a type (and it's not tall, dark and handsome). It all starts with your natural pattern – once you know what your hair fancies, creating the right routine becomes way less knotty. Figure out your type by observing your hair when it’s air-dried and product-free. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you find your match:

Type 1: straight (sleek and smooth)
If your hair dries poker-straight with little to no bend, you’re in Type 1 territory. It tends to be naturally shiny and glossy, but can get oily faster. (You can't have it all!) A hair routine for straight hair should focus on lightweight products that won’t weigh strands down or leave you feeling a little… flat.

Type 2: wavy (the in-betweeners)
Not quite straight, not quite curly, wavy hair forms soft “S” shapes and can range from loose bends to more defined kinks. It’s versatile but is prone to frizz if not properly cared for. The key to a great wavy hair routine is balancing moisture with definition, so your waves don’t lose their shape (or their cool).

Type 3: Curly (bounce and definition)
Curly hair forms distinct loops or spirals and needs a little extra TLC to stay hydrated and defined. If your strands spring into shape when wet or styled, you’re likely a Type 3. A solid curly hair routine focuses on moisture, gentle handling, and products that enhance – not fight – your natural pattern. 

Understanding your hair's porosity and texture 

A great hair day boils down to understanding two simple things: your hair’s porosity and texture. These characteristics determine how your hair reacts to moisture, products, and treatments alike.

Porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture, making it an important part of caring for dry hair. Porosity levels depend on how open or closed your hair cuticles are. There are three main types of porosity: low porosity, where cuticles are tightly closed, making it harder for moisture to enter; medium porosity, giving an ideal balance of absorption and retention; and high porosity, where cuticles are open or damaged, allowing moisture to enter quickly but escape just as fast. Often, people with very bleached strands have high porosity levels, which is why their hair might feel fluffy or benefit from deep conditioners, protein masks, and oils.

To determine your porosity levels, try a quick "float test". Take a clean strand of hair and pop it into a glass of water, then watch what happens. If it floats after a few minutes, then you have low porosity hair. If it slowly sinks, you have medium porosity hair. If it sinks quickly, (yep – you guessed it), you've got high porosity strands.

Texture, on the other hand, refers to the actual thickness or diameter of each individual strand. Not to be confused with curl pattern, it generally falls into three categories: fine hair (thin strands, often more fragile); medium hair (average thickness, more resilient); and coarse hair (thick strands, strong but dry). 

If you want to know how to have healthy hair, then knowing your texture is key. Heavy formulas weigh down fine locks, while coarse hair needs richer nourishment (...don't we all).

Cleanse: choosing the right shampoo 

Healthy hair starts at the scalp. Cleansing isn’t just about washing – it’s about removing oils, build-up and residue at the root while calming inflammation. 

Not all shampoos do the same job. Clarifying shampoos deeply cleanse and cut through gunk that gathers over time. They’re ideal for oily scalps, but best used occasionally to avoid over-stripping. 

Even if you are dealing with an oily scalp, the goal isn’t to dry it out completely – over-cleansing can actually trigger more oil production. Instead, stick to lightweight, balancing shampoos and use a clarifying wash only when needed. Instead, think about how to moisturise your scalp – even hair care for oily hair needs a hydrating helping hand sometimes. 

Hydrating shampoos support the scalp without disrupting its natural balance. And if you're a big fan of hair dye, try a colour-safe formula, which will lightly cleanse each strand while protecting your colour, so you don't have to watch it wash down the drain. (Anyone with dyed red hair will know that a post-shower tub can look like a very convincing murder scene...)

Condition: the secret to smoothness and shine 

While shampoo cleans the scalp, conditioner is what brings everything back into balance. It works by smoothing and sealing the hair cuticle, which helps lock in moisture, reduce frizz, and make hair far easier to brush.

This step is essential across the board, whether you’re focusing on dyed hair care or caring for wavy hair, which is prone to more dryness and tangling. A good conditioner helps restore softness and adds that natural, swishy shine.

Application matters just as much as the formula. Apply conditioner to your mid-lengths and ends, where hair is older and more prone to dryness. Applying it directly to the roots can weigh things down, especially if your scalp is already on the oilier side.

Treat: supercharge your routine with masks and serums 

Targeted treatments work even harder than conditioner to do all the heavy lifting. A good dry hair treatment works to restore moisture, smooth the cuticle, and strengthen strands that feel brittle or overworked. They're especially helpful if your hair is coloured, heat-styled, or just generally lacking a soft and healthy feel. They take more time to really deeply penetrate each strand, but the added five minutes is so worth it. (Just shave your legs or something while you wait.)

Hair oils and serums add another layer of support. Oils seal in moisture and add shine, while lightweight serums smooth frizz and protect against everyday damage. Used consistently, they make a noticeable difference in how your hair looks and feels.

Scalp treatments are just as important, particularly if you’re dealing with dryness, itchiness or flakes. If you want to know how to moisturise your scalp without making it look greasy, a moisturising scalp formula will do the trick.

Consider this step to be the icing on the cake...

Style and protect: the finishing touches 

...And this step is the cherry on that cake.

This is the step that pulls everything together. Styling isn’t just about how your hair looks, it’s also about protecting it and locking in the work you’ve already done – making your routine for haircare work a little harder for you.

Leave-in conditioner is where it starts. It adds that extra layer of moisture to keep hair soft, manageable, and less prone to frizz throughout the day. It’s a small step, but an important one, especially if you’re building out consistent curly hair routine steps or working with texture.
If you’re using heat tools, a heat protectant isn’t optional. It helps shield the hair from damage, reducing breakage and dryness over time. It keeps your hair in better condition long-term, rather than undoing all the effort you’ve just put in.
From there, it’s about styling. Mousses help with volume and definition, gels give structure and hold, and creams smooth and soften. It simply comes down to what your hair needs—and how you want it to finish.

The definitive curly hair routine: a detailed guide for curly hair

When it comes to building a reliable curly hair routine, hydration and gentle handling are everything. Curls thrive when they’re properly moisturised and left undisturbed, which is what helps define the pattern and keep frizz at bay.

Washing is where it all begins, but traditional shampoos might be too harsh, which is why many people lean towards co-washing (short for "conditioner-only washing") or sulphate-free formulas. These cleanse the scalp without stripping away essential moisture, making them a better fit for coarse hair types to keep curls feeling soft.

Styling is where your technique really matters. The trick is to work with soaking wet hair – this helps products distribute evenly and encourages clumping. One of the most effective curly hair routine steps is called “squish to condish”, where you gently press conditioner or styling products into sopping hair to boost hydration and definition at the same time. For curl shaping, some prefer using a brush for more uniform curls, while others stick to fingers for a softer, more natural finish.

Once styled, “plopping” with a cotton T-shirt or microfibre towel helps absorb excess water without disrupting the curl pattern or causing friction. It’s a simple step, but one that makes a noticeable difference in reducing frizz and keeping curls intact.

The effortless wavy hair routine 

A good wavy hair routine is all about balance. Waves need moisture to stay defined, but too much weight can quickly leave them looking flat. 

Keep things light when washing. Sulphate-free shampoos work well when caring for wavy hair, as they cleanse without stripping natural oils. Over-washing can make waves lose their shape, so it’s worth finding a rhythm that keeps your scalp fresh without drying out your lengths.

Styling is where waves really come to life. Lightweight mousses are a go-to in any wavy hair routine, adding definition and a bit of hold without stiffness. Sea salt sprays can also work well for that soft, undone texture – but best used sparingly to avoid dryness.

When it comes to drying, a diffuser on low heat is your bestie. It helps set the wave pattern while minimising frizz, especially when compared to rough towel-drying. Keep movement gentle and let your natural texture do the work.

The sleek and voluminous straight hair routine 

A good hair routine for straight hair focuses on two main things: adding volume and managing oils. Straight strands tend to sit closer to the scalp, which makes oil more noticeable and can leave hair looking flat more quickly.

As always, washing plays a big role here. If you’re dealing with excess oils, try a lightweight, balancing shampoo. The aim is to keep the scalp clean without overdoing it, as overwashing can actually trigger more oil production.

Styling is where you build volume back in. Volumising sprays applied at the root can help lift the hair without weighing it down, giving that fuller look without much effort. Dry shampoo is another essential – it absorbs excess oil and adds texture, helping extend time between washes while keeping hair looking fresh.

Product choice matters just as much. Heavy, silicone-based formulas can coat the hair and make it fall flatter, faster. Keeping things lightweight is what allows a hair routine for straight hair to really shine (if you'll pardon the pun).

Simple adjustments make all the difference: clean roots, light layers, and just enough hold to keep things lifted.

For dry and brittle hair: your hydration action plan 

For effective dry hair care, keep it simple: add moisture first, then lock it in. Apply a lightweight leave‑in on damp hair (this is the actual hydration), follow with a cream to soften and hold that moisture, then add a small amount of oil just on the ends to seal it. The careful layering is just as important as any dry hair treatment – done right, your hair should feel soft without looking greasy.

At night, protect your hard work. Cotton will dry your hair out, so switch to a satin (or silk, if you're feelin' fancy) scarf or pillowcase. These reduce friction and moisture loss so that your soft-looking locks stay fresher for longer.

For thinning hair: how to get thicker-looking hair 

If you're at your wits' end with thinning, focus on boosting the roots, supporting the scalp, and not weighing your hair down.

A simple habit that makes a real difference is scalp massage. A few minutes of massage a day – using your fingertips or a light oil – increases circulation to the hair follicles. It won’t transform things overnight, but over time it supports healthier growth, which is key if you’re working on how to thicken hair naturally.

Styling is where you'll see the quickest change. Use a volumising mousse, root spray or powder on damp roots for some serious va-va-voom. Blow-drying with your head slightly flipped or lifting sections upwards will help set that volume in place. Heavy creams and oils near the scalp flatten everything, so keep richer products just on the ends.

Your baseline health also makes a difference to how to get thick hair. Strands needs protein, iron, and healthy fats to grow well. If your diet is low in those, hair tends to grow finer and weaker. Staying consistent with balanced meals, hydration, and sleep quietly supports everything you’re doing topically. 

For colour-treated hair: lock in your shade 

If you’ve invested in colour, (a decent dye is expensive these days), then you'll want to fight the fade with good dyed hair care.

Regular shampoos can strip colour quickly, so care for dyed hair by switching to a colour-protecting shampoo and conditioner. They’re formulated to be gentler, helping your colour to stay vibrant. No more dull, dishy mops...

Temperature also matters more than people think. Very hot water opens up the hair cuticle and lets colour escape faster. Washing with lukewarm water, finishing with a cool rinse, and avoiding heat styling helps keep the cuticle sealed so your colour lasts longer.

Then there’s sun exposure. UV rays can fade hair just like they fade fabric. Using a leave-in or styling product with UV protection adds a layer of defence, especially in warmer months or if you’re outside a lot.