Hair Care

Shampoo

Forget everything you've heard about how grease is good for your hair. The fact is, clean hair looks better, feels better, and is far easier to style and look after.

How often you need to wash your hair depends on the type of hair you have. If your hair is very greasy it may need to be shampooed daily, while if your hair is dry you may be able to get away with a shampoo every second day, or even just a few times a week. What you do to your hair will have an impact on how often you'll wash it, too. If you're a keen swimmer, for example, you'll want to wash after each swim, as a headful of chlorine is neither healthy nor attractive.

When choosing your shampoo, think carefully about the type of hair you have. Too harsh a shampoo will strip the hair of its natural oils, while a mild shampoo may not get the job done. Different types of shampoos are available for colored or treated hair as well, along with medicated and sensitive shampoos for special circumstances.

Conditioner

While shampoo is used primarily to remove dirt, oil, and traces of products from your hair, conditioner is there to put back some moisture and leave your hair shiny, sleek and soft. Not everyone uses conditioner, however. If your hair is regularly exposed to the elements (both sun and snow will take their toll), or if you frequently blow-dry it or use other styling products such as straighteners, curling irons, or tongs, conditioner can be a good investment.

While shampoo is rubbed into the scalp, conditioner is applied solely to the hair, and may be rinsed off immediately or left for a few minutes to sink in. Other types of conditioner are meant to be left in hair and not rinsed away at all. Again, there are different types of conditioner for different types of hair, so make sure you pick the type most appropriate for you.

Deep Conditioners and Hair Masks

Shampoo and conditioner can be used daily if necessary, but if you feel that your hair needs an extra boost, you may also want to consider adding a hot oil treatment or hair mask to your hair care routine.

These treatments work a little like face masks do on your skin: you apply the product, leave it on for the recommended amount of time – usually around ten minutes or so – and then rinse. Your hair should be left super-soft and shiny.

A Good Hairdresser

You can buy all of the lotions and potions you like for your hair, but unless you have it trimmed regularly, they won't do one bit of good. Even when you're growing your hair, it will still need to be trimmed every six weeks or so to get rid of the split ends and neaten up your style. Don't be tempted to miss your regular salon appointment in a bid to let your hair grow longer: hair actually grows faster the more often it's trimmed.

Your hairdresser will also be able to provide expert advice and tips on hair care for your particular style and type of hair.

Hair Care for Problem Hair

Of course, not everyone is blessed with hair which responds well to a simple shampoo, condition and trim. Here are some common problems and how to deal with them:

Dandruff

Dandruff is caused by dryness in the scalp which causes it to flake. If you suffer from dandruff, your hair care regime will need to take this into account – look for special "dandruff control" products rather than relying on normal shampoos and conditioners. Extreme dandruff may require the attention of a dermatologist to prescribe stronger medicated products.

Dyed Hair

While hair which has been colored isn't strictly a "problem," it can require more care than hair which has been left natural. Colored hair tends to be dryer than usual, as the coloring process strips some of the natural oils from the hair. Again, look for products that have been specially developed for colored hair: not only will these help repair any dryness, they will also help your color last longer.

Fine hair

Hair which is very fine can be difficult to style and keep under control. If this sounds like your hair, you may want to try using a product such as hair serum to keep your hair manageable. Thickening shampoos and conditioners will also help.