Experts at professional haircare specialists, Neäl & Wølf, reveal their guide for the ultimate ‘everything haircare routine’ including the ideal products for every hair type. The guide is inspired by the hashtag #everythingshowers circulating on TikTok with 179.9K views.
Laura Elliott, head stylist and educator at Neäl & Wølf, comments: “The first step in creating the perfect haircare routine for your client is figuring out their hair type, whether this is coarse, curly hair or fine, straight hair. Knowing their hair type is key to achieving happy and healthy hair and ensuring that you and your client are using the right products.”
For Coarse Hair
Laura explains: “The tell-tale sign of having coarse hair is if it feels dry or rough to touch. A lot of clients with this hair type struggle to nail down a good haircare routine that can tame their hair, but it all comes down to the right moisturising products that replenish dry strands.”
- To control coarse, frizzy and dry hair, clients need moisture and hydration.
- As the hair is thicker, clients should opt for denser shampoos and conditioners (but be sure to avoid sulphates).
- Coarse hair is prone to product build up, so Laura recommends switching shampoos every few months to ensure the hair doesn’t get used to the same product.
For Medium Hair
Laura says: “Medium porosity is the more common hair type and sits between coarse and fine. Medium hair will hold hairstyles better than thin hair and it's more resistant to breakage. However, it still requires frequent moisturising and strengthening treatments to maintain the hair's health.”
- Laura highlights the importance of cleansing, prioritising the scalp.
- Medium hair clients should look for a sulphate free shampoo and conditioner that help to freshen hair, leaving it full of shine and ready for styling.
- Clients should avoid leaving their hair unwashed for too long because this can weigh the hair down and clog hair follicles.
- Using hydrating hair masks once a week will help medium hair to retain and restore moisture.
For Fine Hair
Laura describes: “There are a lot of misconceptions with fine and thin hair- they are not the same hair type. Fine hair refers to the hair strands themselves and thin hair refers to the density. The good thing is that the ideal haircare routine for both hair types stays the same. The main goal when caring for thin or fine hair is to nourish strands, limit damage and add volume.”
- A volumising shampoo, which is formulated with hair strengthening ingredients, will give extra body and shine to fine-haired clients.
- Then, they should follow with a lightweight conditioner. Fine hair is prone to tangling easily so adding in a moisturising conditioner will help hydrate and make brushing easier. If your clients still struggle with knotty hair, try a blow drying mist to help reduce frizz and static when drying.
Despite its simplicity, the hair typing system could be viewed as outdated and too general. Find out more here.