Hair care is as big as self-care — luckily, we’ve got our healthy hair routine down to a T

Looking through the vast landscape of hair care can feel like embarking on a quest for hidden treasure—especially in today's digital age flooded with endless #HairTok tutorials and a constant stream of new products hitting the shelves. Just like skincare, hair care routines are constantly evolving, with trends and innovations emerging faster than you can say "good hair day." But amidst the ever-changing landscape, sometimes the best approach is to go back to basics.

In essence, it’s all about embracing the simplicity of self-care and investing not just money, but time into nurturing your hair. After all, healthy hair is more than just a trend—it's a reflection of your commitment to prioritizing your well-being (self-care girlies unite!). 

Just imagine—you're scrolling through Instagram, bombarded by a barrage of jaw-dropping hair transformations and mesmerizing styling hacks—but how are they doing it? Each video holds the promise of unlocking a new level of hair mastery, but where do you even begin? That's where we come in, ready to break down the world of hair care and equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to achieve healthy, gorgeous hair and a routine to go with it.

Forget the confusion and uncertainty—we've compiled an overview of six simple yet effective hair care routine steps designed to transform your locks from lackluster to sumptuous. From selecting the right products to perfecting the essential techniques, we've got everything you need to start on your journey to hair perfection.

So, sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the secrets to radiant, head-turning hair—your dreams are about to become your reality.

 

First things first, you need to understand your hair 

Before talking all things hair care routine, we need to identify our specific hair concerns and all the hopes and desires we want for our hair (we wish). As with any journey, having a clear end goal ensures you stay on the right path and reach your dreams. Grab a mirror, take a close look at your hair, and let's get going! 

 

How to keep your hair healthy—what are your hair care concerns?

Every journey is unique (just like you), and your hair care routine should be based on your individual needs and concerns. Here are some of the common hair concerns we see here at The Lauren Ashtyn Collection.

 

1) Dryness and damage

2) Frizz and flyaways

3) Oiliness or greasiness

4) Split ends

5) Hair loss

6) Damage from chemicals and coloring

7) Scalp issues.

8) Lack of volume

 

Set yourself some hair care routine goals 

Now that you've identified the culprit that is your hair, it's about time we set clear goals for your hair care routine. Think about what you want to achieve with your hair, whether it's smoothness and shine, volume and texture, or overall health and vitality. Here are some common hair care goals we’re all lusting over…

Smoothness and shine

Strive for silky-smooth locks that radiate with healthy shine and vitality.

Volume, texture, and body

Enhance volume and texture to create hair that is full-bodied and effortlessly glamorous.

Strength, repair, and hydration

Strengthen and fortify your strands while providing essential hydration for improved resilience.

Color longevity

Fresh, salon-worthy color? Get ready to see it last all summer long. Preserve the vibrancy of your hair color and extend the life of your salon-fresh hue.

Wave and curl definition

Define and enhance your natural texture for beautifully sculpted waves or curls.

Healthy hair

The holy grail of hair—and you can get it! Nurture your hair from root to tip, promoting overall health, and vitality for long-term radiance.

 

By setting clear goals and addressing your specific concerns, you can tailor your hair care routine to meet your individual needs and achieve the healthy, gorgeous hair you deserve. So, grab a pen and paper, jot down your goals, and let's curate your weekly hair care routine together.

 

Build a solid foundation in your routine

Ready to lay the groundwork for your hair's success? It all starts with the basics. Find a shampoo and conditioner combo that's as tailored to your hair as your favorite pair of jeans. Look for ingredients like argan oil, keratin, or biotin to give your locks the love they deserve. And don't overdo it—wash your hair a few times a week to keep it clean without stripping away its natural oils.

Nourish from within

Your hair's not the only thing that needs feeding—your body does too! Stock up on vitamins like E, biotin, and omega-3s to keep your locks looking fine as can be. Consider adding supplements to your routine for an extra boost of goodness. After all, healthy hair starts from the inside out.

Customize your haircare routine

No two heads of hair are the same, so why should your routine be‌? Take the time to tailor your hair care regimen to your specific needs. Got some damage? Treat it with a deep conditioning mask. Dealing with a dry scalp? Reach for a soothing leave-in treatment. And don't forget to shield your strands from the elements with protective styling products.

Practice gentle styling

You wouldn't hit snooze on your morning alarm (before work anyway), so why hit your hair with unnecessary heat? Embrace the au naturel look whenever you can, and when you do style, keep the heat to a minimum. Invest in a quality heat protectant spray to keep your locks safe from harm—it's like sunscreen for your hair!

Prioritize scalp health

Healthy hair starts at the roots, so don't neglect your scalp. Treat yourself to a relaxing scalp massage to get the blood flowing and encourage hair growth. Look for products infused with scalp-friendly ingredients like tea tree oil or peppermint to keep irritation and dandruff at bay. Remember, a happy scalp means happy hair—and that’s exactly what we want in our routine.

 

The six healthy hair routine steps 

Now, we’re at the part that everyone has been waiting for—the routine! Every basic hair care routine contains some important steps—cleansing, conditioning, moisturizing, detangling, styling, and treatment. The frequency of these steps will depend on your hair type, lifestyle, and preferences. Let’s cover the basics of any routine.

Step 1: Cleanse

The first step in any hair care routine is to cleanse. Just like you cleanse your skin every evening, your hair also benefits from a cleanse—perhaps not daily, depending on how dry your hair and scalp are and how many products you use, which can cause build-up.

Washing your hair will leave your hair and scalp feeling clean, removing any products, grease, dirt, and dead skin cells that might have built up.

Cleansing tips:

– Opt for a gentle, sulfate-free moisturizing shampoo, which is better for your hair and scalp health in the long run. 

– Use your fingertips on your scalp to create a lather, rather than using your fingernails.

– Don’t wash your hair too often, as this may strip the hair of its natural oils and disturb your scalp microbiome. Washing your hair every 3 to 4 days using a moisturizing shampoo is recommended.

– Wash and rinse with lukewarm or cold water, as hot water can damage your hair.

 

Step 2: Condition, condition, condition 

The next *important* step in your washing routine is to condition. Conditioning your hair helps to detangle, seal the cuticles, and provide moisture. It replenishes the moisture that your shampoo may have removed, and it will help remove any knots or tangles that were caused by massaging your shampoo onto your hair and scalp.

Conditioning tips:

– Apply conditioner on wet hair. Squeeze out excess water, apply to the lengths of your hair, and leave on for 1-2 minutes before rinsing with cool water.

– Use a wide-toothed comb to gently comb through your hair after applying conditioner to evenly distribute the product.

– Opt for a lightweight, silicone-free conditioner like the Gisou Honey Infused Conditioner, which won’t weigh your hair down.

 

Step 3: Detangle

Detangling your hair will help eliminate knots (obviously) and minimize breakage. One product that can smoothen the detangling process is a leave-in conditioner, like the holy grail—Moroccan Oil All In One Leave-In-Conditioner. This will help smooth your locks, preparing them for detangling with a brush or wide-tooth comb. You can also grab a hair oil or serum before detangling for those stubborn ends.

Detangling tips:

– Detangling starts in the shower! After applying conditioner, gently comb through the lengths of your hair with your fingertips to eliminate any big knots.

– Always start brushing or combing through the lower portion of your hair, working your way up to the roots.

 

Step 4: Protect, prime, and style

Always make sure you prep your hair before using heated tools such as a blow dryer, curling tool, or straightener. This will not only protect your hair from breakage but also enhance styling results and ensure that your hairstyle lasts as long as you do!

Use a lightweight styling primer, like the Moroccan oil Protect & Prevent Spray, to prepare your hair for your styling routine. Not only will it help prevent frizz, but it also reduces drying time, enhances hair texture, and ensures optimal workable hold while using heated styling tools.

Protecting, priming, and styling tips:

– Never use heated styling tools like a curling iron or straightener on wet or damp hair. After applying a heat protectant, let your hair air dry for a couple of minutes before applying heat.

– When using a primer, apply a pea-sized amount—a little goes a long way!

– If you want to further enhance your hair texture after styling, consider using a texture spray as a last step in your styling routine.

 

Step 5: Moisturize

After styling your hair or letting it air dry, you might want to add a little moisture. Also, on days when you’re not washing your hair, your strands may benefit from a moisture boost, too. This is where hair oil comes in, our favorite multitasker! Hair oils are also great for controlling frizz and preventing dryness.

Moisture tips:

– When it comes to hair oil, a little goes a long way. We recommend 1-2 drops for fine hair, 2-3 for medium hair, and 3-4 for thick hair.

– Before applying the hair oil to your hair, warm up the product between your palms and fingers. Then, apply the product using your fingers in combing motions to distribute the product evenly.

– You can also use a leave-in conditioner in between washes to give your hair that much-needed moisture boost.

 

Step 6: Treatment

There are three types of treatments you can add to your weekly routine to give your hair some extra TLC: a mask treatment, oil treatment, or a scalp treatment. Regular hair treatments will help tackle specific hair concerns such as damage, dryness, and an oily, flaky, or dry scalp, and improve the overall appearance and health of your hair.

Mask treatment:

Apply a generous amount of the hair mask to damp or dry hair from mid-lengths to ends. Leave on for 5-7 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.

Scalp treatment:

Apply small drops of scalp treatment directly onto the scalp in 1” (3cm) sections from the hairline to the crown. Gently massage in with fingertips for 5 minutes to distribute and allow the active ingredients to absorb. Leave on overnight. Do not rinse! This is currently doing the rounds on TikTok, and it really does work!

Oil treatment:

Section your hair into two sections, then take one large drop of the hair oil for each section and fully coat the hair. Braid hair and let it absorb for a few hours or overnight. If the product isn’t fully absorbed, then give your hair a light rinse or a full cleanse.

 

How to keep your hair healthy? Follow these pointers…

Next to your basic routine, here are some extra tips on things you can do to improve the health of your hair. Talk about high maintenance? But trust us, it works! 

1) Mind the water temperature: wash and rinse your hair with lukewarm or preferably cold water. Washing your hair with hot water can dehydrate the scalp and strip your hair of its natural oils, which can lead to dryness and breakage.

2) Get regular trims: Get a haircut every 6 to 8 weeks to reduce breakage and split ends.

3) Assess your diet: You can also improve your hair from the inside out by eating the right foods. A diet rich in essential nutrients, such as protein, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins A, B12, C. E, D, and zinc will support the health and growth of your scalp and hair.

4) Massage your scalp: Give your scalp regular scalp massages to promote blood circulation and refresh your roots. Combine with a scalp treatment to give your scalp a nutrient boost. This will be especially beneficial if you suffer from a dry scalp.

5) Limit the use of heat tools: We all know that heat tools can damage your hair, no matter how much heat protectant you use. If you do use heated styling tools, opt for a tool with a range temperature setting, so you can style your hair at lower temperatures.

 

The best hair care routine starts at home

And there you have it, girlie—the ultimate guide to crafting a hair care routine that's as unique as you are. From selecting the perfect products to nourishing your locks from within, every step of this journey is an opportunity to show your hair some serious love.

So, whether you're embracing your natural curls or rocking sleek, straight locks, remember that healthy hair is about more than just appearance—it's a reflection of your commitment to self-care and confidence.

With these tips and tricks in your beauty cabinet, you're ready to get going with your newfound weekly routine. So go ahead, let your hair down, and show the world the glossy, head-turning mane you were born to flaunt. Here's to healthy, happy hair, today and every day.