Hair care is a vital aspect of personal grooming that should not be overlooked. A personalised hair care routine, along with a careful selection of products with natural ingredients for hair care, is essential for maintaining the health and appearance of your hair.
Just as everyone has unique skin types and needs, hair types also vary greatly. This diversity requires tailored approaches to hair care, as what works for one person might not be suitable for another.
Understanding your hair type is fundamental in selecting the right products and routines that cater specifically to your needs. Below is a comprehensive cheat sheet outlining the best hair routine and products for each hair type.
Type 1 Hair
Type 1 hair is distinguished by its straight texture and typically fine density. A routine that emphasises volume and shine is best suited for this hair type.

Hair Routine and Care Tips
· Washing Frequency: Establishing a consistent washing schedule is vital for Type 1 hair. It is advisable to wash hair every 2 to 3 days to manage oil production and maintain scalp cleanliness while preserving natural moisture.
· Conditioning: Focus on applying conditioner primarily to the ends of the hair while avoiding the roots to prevent oil buildup.
· Detangling: Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush with rounded prongs to gently remove knots without damaging hair cuticles. Detangling should begin from the ends of the hair and progress upward to minimise breakage.
· Blow-drying Technique: Blow-dry hair upside down or apply volumising mousses or foams at the roots to enhance volume. This technique lifts hair away from the scalp, creating a fuller appearance.
Hair Care Products
Shampoos
· Volumising Shampoos typically contain ingredients that enhance the body and fullness of the hair without weighing it down.
· Clarifying Shampoos remove product buildup and excess oil, which is particularly beneficial for Type 1 hair that can become oily quickly. Use clarifying shampoos occasionally to maintain a clean and fresh scalp.
Conditioners
· Lightweight Conditioners are ideal for Type 1 hair as they help detangle and moisturise without making the hair feel greasy or weighed down.
· Light Leave-In Conditioners can offer additional moisture and help with detangling throughout the day.
Styling Products
· Volumising Mousse or Foam is excellent for adding body and texture to straight hair. These styling products help create volume at the roots and can enhance the overall appearance of fullness.
· Texturising Sprays can add dimension and a touch of grit to fine hair. This is especially useful for those who want to achieve a more tousled or casual hairstyle.
Type 2 Hair
Type 2 hair is characterised by its wavy texture, offering more body than straight hair. To maintain its natural beauty, this hair type requires a careful balance of moisture and control.

Hair Routine and Care Tips
· Cleansing: For Type 2 hair, washing the hair every 2 to 3 days is usually sufficient to keep it clean and healthy, but adjustments may be necessary based on individual scalp oiliness.
· Conditioning: Focus on applying conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends where moisture is most needed.
· Detangling: Individuals should detangle their hair gently using a wide-tooth comb or their fingers to minimise breakage. It is best to detangle when hair is damp and conditioned, as this reduces friction and makes the process easier.
· Moisturising: Regular moisturising is essential for keeping Type 2 waves defined and healthy. In addition to using conditioners, individuals might consider applying hair serum or oil to the ends of their hair after washing. This helps seal in moisture and adds a touch of shine.
· Hair Drying: Embracing air-drying as much as possible will help maintain the hair’s natural wave pattern.
Hair Care Products
Shampoos
- Sulfate-Free Shampoos gently cleanse hair without stripping away natural oils. They help maintain moisture balance, which is crucial for wavy textures.
- Clarifying Shampoos remove buildup from styling products and excess oils. These can be used occasionally to keep waves looking fresh and prevent them from becoming weighed down.
Conditioners
- Hydrating Conditioners deliver moisture without being overly heavy, allowing waves to remain bouncy and well-defined.
- Leave-in Conditioners are excellent for providing extra hydration and managing frizz between washes. These products help define waves while keeping the hair soft and manageable.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
- Hair Masks offer intense hydration and repair, making them perfect for maintaining the health of wavy locks.
Styling Products
- Lightweight Mousse or Gel helps define waves without weighing them down. These products provide hold while allowing flexibility, which is essential for preserving the natural texture of Type 2 hair.
- Dry Shampoo is a lifesaver for refreshing hair between washes. It absorbs excess oil at the roots, adding volume and texture without the need for water.
Type 3 Hair
Type 3 hair is characterised by its curly texture, which often requires significant moisture and care to maintain curl definition and overall health.

Hair Routine and Care Tips
· Washing Frequency: Overwashing can strip Type 3 hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz. It is advisable for individuals to shampoo once or twice a week, depending on their lifestyle and scalp needs. On non-wash days, refreshing curls with water or a curl revitalising spray can help maintain their bounce.
· Conditioning: Hair conditioners should be applied on the mid-lengths and ends where dryness is most common. Individuals with Type 3 hair should also consider incorporating a deep conditioning treatment once a week—this provides extra nourishment and aids in repairing damage.
· Detangling: Use a wide-tooth comb or fingers to gently work through knots, starting at the ends and moving upward to minimise breakage. Detangling should always be done while the hair is wet and saturated with conditioner.
· Product Layering: Layering products effectively is key to maintaining moisture and curl definition. A common method is to apply a leave-in conditioner followed by a curl cream or gel while the hair is still wet. This technique helps lock in moisture and define curls.
· Drying Techniques: Drying Type 3 hair requires gentle methods to avoid frizz. Instead of using a regular towel, opt for microfibre towels or soft cotton t-shirts to gently squeeze out excess water. While air-drying is ideal for preserving curls, using a diffuser attachment on a hairdryer at a low heat setting can speed up the drying process if needed.
· Low Manipulation Styles: Choosing low manipulation styles – twist-outs, braids, or buns – can substantially reduce the risk of breakage and promote healthy hair growth. These styles require less daily handling, which benefits the overall health of the curls.
Hair Care Products
Shampoos
· Sulfate-Free Shampoos, particularly those enriched with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, or shea butter, cleanse hair without stripping it of its natural oils. These shampoos are gentle and help maintain moisture levels, which is crucial for Type 3 hair.
Conditioners
· Moisturising Conditioners, particularly ones that contain emollients and humectants (e.g., honey, glycerin, or avocado oil), help hydrate and soften curls and make them easier to manage.
· Moisturising Co-Wash can be an excellent option for mid-week cleansing. These products function as conditioners that also cleanse the scalp and hair without the harsh effects of traditional shampoos. They effectively retain moisture while keeping curls well-defined.
· Deep Conditioners are formulated to penetrate the hair shaft and restore moisture and elasticity. These can be used once a week to improve the health of Type 3 hair.
· Lightweight Leave-In Conditioners provide ongoing hydration and help with curl definition throughout the day.
Styling Products
· Curl Creams and Gels with ingredients like flaxseed extract or natural oils are essential styling products for defining curls and controlling frizz without leaving a heavy residue.
· Lightweight Oils like argan or jojoba can seal in moisture without weighing down curls, making them ideal for finishing touches.
Type 4 Hair
Type 4 hair is characterised by its coily or kinky texture, often requiring intensive moisture and protective care due to its unique structure.

Hair Routine and Care Tips
· Washing Frequency: It is recommended to wash once a week to allow natural oils to nourish the hair while preventing excessive dryness. Some individuals may find they can extend this period to every two weeks, particularly when wearing protective styles.
· Pre-Shampoo Treatment: Incorporating a pre-shampoo (pre-poo) treatment is essential for protecting the hair from the drying effects of shampoo. This also aids in the detangling process, making the washing procedure smoother and less damaging.
· Conditioning: Individuals with type 4 hair should focus on applying conditioner to the ends of the hair, where dryness is often more pronounced. In addition, weekly deep conditioning treatments are crucial for restoring moisture and improving elasticity.
· Moisture Retention: Due to its structure, Type 4 hair tends to be naturally dry. This makes it challenging for scalp oils to travel down the hair shaft. To combat this, individuals should adopt moisture-retaining methods such as the LOC (Leave-In, Oil, Cream) or LCO (Leave-In, Cream, Oil) techniques.
· Detangling: Similar to Type 3 hair, detangling should be done when the hair is wet and coated with conditioner to minimise breakage. Avoid using harsh brushes or combs; instead, opt for wide-tooth combs or fingers for gentle handling.
· Night Care: Using satin or silk pillowcases or bonnets can help reduce friction while sleeping, preventing tangles and breakage. Putting the hair in loose braids or twists before bed can be done for added protection.
· Protective Styles: Embracing protective styles such as braids, twists, or updos can help shield ends from damage while promoting growth. These styles can be worn for extended periods but should not be too tight to avoid tension on the scalp.
Hair Care Products
Shampoos
· Sulfate-Free Shampoos help maintain moisture levels while effectively cleaning the scalp.
· Clarifying Shampoos remove buildup from styling products and impurities. They can be used once a month to keep the scalp healthy and prepare it for better absorption of conditioning treatments.
Conditioners
· Moisturising Conditioners that contain shea butter or aloe vera are effective at hydrating curls.
· Deep Conditioning Treatments penetrate deeply into the hair shaft, restoring moisture and strengthening strands.
· Oils or Thick Conditioners can be used as pre-poo treatments before washing the hair. This helps protect against moisture loss during cleansing and makes detangling easier.
· Lightweight Leave-In Conditioners provide hydration without weighing down curls. These products help maintain moisture levels throughout the day.
Styling Products
· Curl Creams or Gels are designed to enhance curl formation while maintaining a natural look.
· Hair Oils add shine and effectively seal in moisture, providing a finishing touch that enhances the overall appearance of hair.
Conclusion
A tailored hair care routine that addresses your individual needs is crucial for achieving healthy, beautiful hair. Each hair type has its own unique requirements, which must be met through specific routines and products.

In addition to these practices, prioritising overall scalp and hair health is essential. It lays the foundation for vibrant hair growth. Along with investing in products suited to your specific hair type—as detailed above—you may also want to consider incorporating hair growth serum into your routine if you aim to improve scalp health and promote thicker hair. Generally, hair growth serums, such as Follicle Labs’ Que+ Hair Growth Serum™, can be beneficial for anyone, regardless of their hair type.
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Browse our website to learn more about our hair growth serum products or explore valuable hair care information in our blog.