Hair Care Products

Basic Hair Care Products

There are two basic types of products that everyone needs at some point: shampoo and conditioner. Shampoo is necessary for washing hair, while conditioner helps restore hair’s health after harsh climates, chemical treatments, or physical abuse. When choosing either shampoo or conditioner, however, be aware that there are many different types, including:

• Regular daily formulas
• Color care formulas for dyed and highlighted hair
• Intense blends and special treatments for very dirty or heavily damaged hair
• Formulas for different types of hair, including curly, fine, and ethnic locks
• Children’s formulas with fun scents and mild treatments
• Combination blends that include both shampoo and conditioner

Which types of shampoo and conditioner you choose will be based on your specific hair care needs. If you are unsure about which formulas would work best, visit a local salon for a professional consultation and recommendations.

Styling Hair Care Products

The second type of products many people purchase are for styling. Even easy styles may require certain products to help them keep their shape and beauty. Styling products include:

• Sprays for hold, volume, and control
• Mousse for tighter hold, anti-frizzing, and shaping
• Spritz for more focused application and styling help
• Gels for the thickest hold and shaping of all

Each of these hair care products coats hair in some way, either as an aerosol, mist, foam, or cream to help hold hair in place so that any style can look its best no matter what. Simple hair styles may not require heavy products, while harder-to-tame hair may need stronger applications. As with basic care products, styling products come in a range of formulas for different colors and types of hair.

Hair Removal Products

Sometimes the best way to care for hair is to remove it. This is particularly popular with women who are interested in removal methods other than regular shaving. Removal products can be dangerous if used incorrectly, however, and it is always wise to test the product’s effectiveness over a small area before using it regularly. Types of hair removal products include:

• Specialized gels and sugars
• Waxes and other hot treatments
• Specialized shavers
• Creams and lotions to reduce hair

Permanent hair removal is another option for individuals interested in removing unwanted hair, and laser treatments are the most popular method. Salon professionals can also perform different types of removal techniques if you’d rather not use hair removal products at home.

Novelty Products

Novelty products are not typically used daily unless you routinely wear punk styles. They are often popular for Halloween, sporting events, holidays, and other wacky special occasions. These hair care products are the same as basic care and styling formulas, but they include radical colors, glitter, strong or unusual scents, and other characteristics that generally make them inappropriate for daily use.

Medical Products

Medical hair products are typically available only by prescription, but there are mild formulas available for general purchase without approval. Some medically-oriented hair care products include:

• Anti-dandruff shampoo and conditioner
• Vitamins to promote hair health
• Hair loss products to help prevent loss or help restore hair
• Protective products with UV and other radiation blockers designed to prevent sun damage

Only individuals with extreme conditions typically need prescription products. Many high quality products already contain mild medical treatments, such as for sensitive skin, sun protection, and dandruff control, and in most cases regular use of those mild treatments is sufficient for beautiful hair.

Hair care products come in a range of uses, with different formulas and chemical compositions available for any type of hair. If you are unsure about which products to use, consult a professional stylist for recommendations, and be sure to experiment with different brands to find the one that works best for your hair care needs.