Hair products are not one-size-fits-all. They should be tailored to each person’s individual needs, and these can vary widely. Dry hair does not need the same care as oily, nor does coarse hair need the same care as fine. Most hair care companies will try to sell you their product no matter your hair type, but this will not do any good for your hair, and may even result in hair-related problems getting worse.

Dry hair needs intense moisture. The first step to treating dry hair is a shampoo that is itself moisturizing – cleansing, but without stripping away natural oils. The next step is a powerful moisturizing conditioner. Often the best treatment for dry hair is alternating a high-quality conditioner with a deep-conditioning masque. Hair masques are effectively super-conditioners. By lathering with a masque and leaving it in for at least five minutes, your hair quality will improve immediately – even by the time you rinse out the masque.

Normal or oily hair, by contrast, needs more intense cleansing. A shampoo that removes oily residue is important – one that does not coat already-moist strands with oils. That said, however, such a shampoo should still contain vitamins to improve the health of your hair, such as Pro-Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E. After shampooing, those with normal or oily hair may still use a conditioner if desired, preferably a mild one that will not leave a greasy film. Those who desire a conditioner may consider a shampoo-conditioner-in-one, as such products typically have milder conditioning properties.

Coarse hair will benefit from being treated similar to dry, but, in addition, a detangling spray would help smooth out rough hair. In the case of coarse hair, the cuticles of neighboring strands get tangled because they are rough and catch on each other. A detangling spray will smooth these cuticles and thus prevent them from tangling, and will also loosen existing tangles. It may also reduce frizzing because of this smoothing effect on hair strands.

Fine hair can benefit from extra conditioning as well, as a sleek, shiny appearance is the hallmark of healthy fine hair. However, it also requires very intense cleansing as it is important for thin hair to not seem greasy – any such grease will be far more noticeable on fine hair than on coarse hair. Begin with a deep cleaning shampoo, and follow that up with a good moisturizing conditioner. Finishing off hair care with a straightening balm, for those whose hair can become slightly wavy when exposed to the elements, can seal in moisture and keep hair orderly.

These are some examples of how attending to the particular needs of your hair can improve the quality of your hair, regardless of its type. Your hair is one of the first things people will notice about you, and is a prominent part of your appearance. Treat your hair to exactly what it needs and it will do wonders for how you look and feel!