Have you ever bought a hair care product based on a recommendation from your favourite YouTuber or Instagram influencer only to discover that it doesn’t work for your hair? Not all popular hair care products are good for your hair health. Just because the product works for your friends doesn’t mean it will give you the best results.

The best hair products for you depend mainly on your hair type, as well as your lifestyle and hair care routine. Your hair type determines a number of things, such as the oiliness of your scalp and the ability of your hair to retain moisture. Let’s take a look at a few key factors to consider when choosing the right hair care products for you.

Trial and Error

Even beauty and hair bloggers go through the trial and error process before recommending a hair care product. They spend hundreds of dollars on different brands until they find the product that gives their hair smoothness and shine. You can act on recommendations from bloggers, magazines or your friends, but ultimately you should try out different products and measure the results.

It could be that the product that gives your friend glossy and smooth hair is your worst nightmare. Equally, something that doesn’t work for others could deliver you the luscious locks you’re looking for. Remember that you hair care routine should include shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer and serums. To keep your hair looking gorgeous, you need the best hair product for each step.

Find the Right Shampoo

Always check the label of any shampoo before buying it. Hair care products containing sulfate can help eliminate dead skin cells, but they also strip the natural oils from your hair, making it fragile. Sulfates can also cause inflammation and dryness in the scalp, especially if you have sensitive skin.

If you have a sensitive scalp, it’s best to shampoo no more than two times a week. A clarifying shampoo can be used for improving the health of your hair follicles.

Condition Your Hair

Never skip conditioner. The right conditioner will smooth out your hair follicles, making it easier for you to detangle your hair. If you don’t, you could lose a lot of hair while combing and detangling. If you have curly hair or another hair type prone to tangling, then a rinse-out conditioner is a must.

Deep conditioning can help moisturize your hair. It is the perfect way to keep your hair hydrated and healthy. This varies depending on the product, but you should usually leave the conditioner in your hair for 15 to 30 minutes, allowing your hair to absorb and lock in the moisture. Leave-in conditioners are suitable for most hair types but are particular helpful for thick and curly hair. Just make sure you choose a product designed specifically for curly hair: look for special curly haircare products.

Protein Treatments for Healthy Hair

Haircare specialists recommend a protein-rich diet for people suffering from hair falls or thinning hair because protein is an important nutrient for our hair, skin and nails. Generally, protein treatment is only necessary if you are experiencing hair fall or scalp issues. Since our hair produces protein naturally, most people don’t need protein treatments regularly.

You can perform a hair strand test to see if you need a protein treatment. You can use protein supplements to promote healthy hair or use products rich in protein to wash your hair. You’ll find many protein-rich hair care products online, including shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers and hair masks.

Use the Best Serum

The main purpose of a serum is to keep your hair looking healthy and glossy. It also acts as the protective layer that protects your hair and scalp from UV rays, pollution, contaminants and dust. If you have frizzy hair, then you can apply hair serum directly after styling your hair. If you struggle with split ends, hair serums containing keratin will be the best option. Keratin prevents split ends and repairs the damaged follicles.

If you go out in the sun every day, consider a serum made with essential oils such as lavender to protect your hair from extreme temperatures and damaging UV rays. Serums containing jojoba and sweet almond oil are perfect for curly and coil hair types. The best serum for your hair depends on your hair type as well as the porosity level: that is, the ability of your hair to retain moisture. Serum should not be applied every day: use it only once or twice a week on your freshly washed scalp. Use only a couple of drops for the best result, as excess serum can make your hair oily.

Finding the right hair care products is all about trial and error. Some products can leave you with a flaky and dry scalp, while others improve the health of your hair follicles, giving it life and body. If your hair care routine fails to give you the hair you want, replace the products you are using and try other brands.