Healthy, stylish hair starts with the right care — here is how to achieve this ideal. Understanding key products and their function can be a game changer, so here is the rundown.
Shampoo, arguably the most important product, is essential for keeping the scalp clean and removing excess oils that may clog pores in the skin. Popular brands include Pantene and Moroccan Oil, but there is a shampoo for everyone. Volumizing shampoos are great for those with fine hair, while a color-safe formula is best for dyed hair. It is just about finding the right one.
FHS senior Ashley Murcia provides insight and recommendations around her curly hair routine.
“Usually in the shower, I’ll shampoo, condition, leave it in there for a while and detangle in there,” Murcia said. “There are a couple reasons why [curly hair is] a little harder to manage, the biggest one is frizz, especially when it’s hot.”
Murcia’s favorite hairstyles are a half-updo and a slick back bun. Her holy grail product is Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls cream.
Conditioner is applied after shampooing, from the midsection to ends, leaving the hair soft and smooth. They have oils and vitamins that help detangle the hair and bring back moisture to dryer areas. Leave-in conditioner, which is not rinsed out, is sprayed on after showering. It provides additional hydration and detangling to the hair, and is especially helpful when brushing wet hair. Depending on the type, hair oils are either applied on the scalp or ends. They promote hair growth, reduce frizz and can prevent dryness and dandruff on the scalp. Dry shampoo, which is sprayed on the roots, can be a quick alternative to washing hair. It is a quick, easy way to reduce grease and add volume, and is a great hack when you simply don’t have the time to wash your hair. Lastly, curl cream helps enhance curly hair while taming frizz and adding shine.
FHS senior Dhruti Halambi, whose favorite hairstyle is a twisted half up half down with a claw clip and favorite product is the Eva NYC magic mist hair primer, offers further hair-care information and why she believes hair can be such an important part of people’s identities.
“Whenever I wash my hair, I make sure to oil it with some kind of hair oil, at least two hours before,” Halambi said. “My hair gets really dry and so I feel like putting oil gives it that extra boost of hydration. I think it really boils down to the fact that everyone has different hair. And so in the end, hair is just a way to express ourselves, just like how we express ourselves with our personality or clothing.”
