Building a Simple Daily Hair Care Routine

Healthy hair does not require an elaborate regime. A handful of small habits, done most days, protects hair better than an occasional intensive treatment. This guide sets out a simple daily routine you can adapt to your hair type and schedule.

Morning: two minutes

Detangle gently

Start at the ends and work upward in short strokes. A flexible brush such as the Detangling Hair Brush or a wide-tooth comb reduces pulling. Curly and coiled hair is usually best detangled with fingers or a comb while damp.

Style without strain

Choose loose styles for everyday wear. If you tie your hair back, vary the position and use soft ties that do not grip tightly.

Go easy on heat

Skip heat tools on ordinary days, or use the lowest effective setting.

Wash day: ten minutes

How often you wash depends on your scalp. Oily scalps may need a daily wash; dry, curly or coiled hair is often washed weekly or less.

1. Wet hair with lukewarm water.
2. Massage a mild shampoo, such as Gentle Daily Shampoo, into the scalp.
3. Rinse thoroughly.
4. Apply conditioner to the lengths and ends, wait a minute or two, and rinse.
5. Blot with a towel rather than rubbing.

During the day

• Keep your hands out of your hair; constant touching transfers oil and causes friction.
• Wear a hat in strong sun.
• Rinse and condition after swimming.

Bedtime: one minute

• Do not sleep in tight styles.
• Loosely braid or wrap long or fragile hair to reduce tangling.
• A smooth pillowcase creates less friction than a rough one.

Weekly extras, if your hair needs them

• A conditioning mask for dry or treated hair.
• A clarifying wash if you use a lot of styling products.
• A quick check of your ends for splits.

Adapting the routine

• Fine, oily hair: wash more often, use light conditioner on the ends only.
• Curly or coiled hair: wash less often, condition generously, add a leave-in.
• Colored hair: use gentle products and limit heat.
• Active lifestyle: rinsing sweat out with water between shampoos can be enough on some days.

Know when it is more than routine

Daily care cannot fix a medical issue. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you notice sudden shedding, bald patches or a scalp that is sore, very itchy or scaly.

The bottom line

Detangle gently, wash to suit your scalp, condition every time and keep heat and tension low. That is a complete daily routine. Find the essentials in our hair care department.

Sources

1. American Academy of Dermatology. Tips for healthy hair.
2. American Academy of Dermatology. Black hair: Tips for everyday care.
3. MedlinePlus. Hair problems.