Whether you are suffering from dryness, frizz, or damage, the right formula can actually change the game.
Getting your hair to look and feel strong, shiny, smooth, and manageable all comes down to one thing: the right shampoo + conditioner. Very few people realize how absolutely critical these two products are when it comes to hair health, texture, and appearance.
In the beauty space, salon-quality brands like Amika have really begun to pop up and become go-to brands for the masses, with options for all hair types and concerns. But in addition to using the right products, you need to know how to choose and use them.
Knowing Your Hair Before Making a Purchase
Before you drop any serious dollars on hair care, it is important to figure out what hair type you have. Hair is generally classified as straight, wavy, curly, and coily; and each comes with its own concerns. And of course, scalp condition, thickness, and chemical treatment status are in play as well.
For example, those with fine hair will want to steer towards lighter formulas that will not weigh it down, while those with thick/curly hair will want something deeply hydrating. Damaged hair and colour-treated hair will need beneficial ingredients for repair and protection.
Using the wrong combo can leave hair looking overly greasy or dry, dehydrated, or even cause breakage. Determining your individual must-haves is, most certainly, in my opinion, the move.
Ingredients Wanted
Not all shampoos and conditioners are created equally, and the ingredients inside can really make or break the health and appearance of your strands.
If you have dry hair, consider formulas that are rich in argan oil, shea butter, and glycerin. If you are trying to repair damage, protein is a must in the form of keratin to bring strength back to the hair. For scalp issues, look to tea tree oil or salicylic acid to calm things down.
Try to avoid harsh sulfates and drying alcohols (especially those with a sensitive scalp or color-safe hair) and aim to use a cleaner formula. A number of brands have launched in this space (in addition to standard salon brands) that offer all-around amazing hair care formulas without the downsides of yesteryear.
Salon Professional Hair Care Brands
But why are salon professional hair care brands, like Amika, so dense right now? More likely than not, it’s the sand in the equation. Very simply put, professional salon hair care brands are some of the highest quality product lines on the shelf because of the science and quality of the ingredients being used. Not only is the actual blueprint behind it more effective because of professional training, but some concerns might sound like volume, colour protection, or frizz control.
You don’t need to use salon professional products all the time, but at bare minimum it can only help. Your hair is one of the most precious and fragile, and using something that at bare minimum is good for it is lowkey sus. Simply buy a decent duo at a hair salon before you end up having to spend thousands to recover from the long-term damage later.
Your Haircare Routine
Once you’ve decided, go in and switch out your conditioner; it will all come down to a haircare routine. I’m not saying this all to make you anxious, but you’re going to have to put in the work if you expect results. Experts recommend using conditioner in addition to a conditioning mask once a week, and a leave-in conditioner or heat protectant spray as well.
Wake up with cleaner, healthier hair. Your shampoo and conditioner can, after all, make a huge difference. Overall, you want to pick the right duo for you. Most of all, shiny, healthy, or manageable hair will show if it’s working or not. If yours still isn’t, give it a few more days. A good duo can mean less stress on your part, less on your wallet, and overall better hair, so why not?