Have you ever stood in the hair care aisle, completely overwhelmed by the choices? Shampoos for curly hair, conditioners for fine hair, masks for dry hair—it’s enough to make your head spin. The truth is, finding products that truly work for you starts with one simple step: knowing your hair type. It’s the secret to a routine that makes your hair look and feel its best.
The Simple Wash Test for Hair Texture
A great way to start is by determining your hair’s texture, which refers to the thickness of each individual strand. A good method is the wash test. On a day when your hair is clean and product-free, wash it as you normally would and let it air dry completely. If it dries straight and flat, you likely have straight hair. If it forms a slight ‘S’ shape, you have wavy hair. Defined springs or curls point to curly hair, while tight, zig-zag patterns indicate coily hair.
Feeling Your Strands for Density and Porosity
Next, let’s talk about how your hair feels. Density is about how many strands are on your head. A simple way to check is to pull your dry hair back. Can you easily see your scalp? That’s low density. Is it difficult to see your scalp? That’s high density. Porosity, on the other hand, is your hair’s ability to absorb and hold moisture. Take a single strand of clean hair and drop it into a glass of water. If it floats for a while, you have low porosity. If it sinks quickly, your hair has high porosity.
Listening to What Your Scalp Tells You
Your scalp’s condition plays a huge role in your hair’s health. Is your scalp often itchy or do you see flakes? You might be dealing with dryness. Does your hair look greasy a day after washing? Your scalp is likely producing a lot of natural oil, meaning you have an oily scalp. A balanced scalp feels comfortable and shows no major signs of oiliness or dryness.
Putting It All Together for Your Perfect Routine
Now that you have these clues, you can build a hair care routine that actually works. For instance, if you have fine, wavy hair with an oily scalp, you might look for a lightweight, volumizing shampoo. If your hair is coily and has low porosity, a steamy hair treatment can help open the cuticles to absorb deep conditioners better. It’s all about matching your products to your hair’s unique story.
Getting to know your hair is a journey of observation. Pay attention to how it behaves on different days and with different products. This knowledge is the first step toward healthier, happier hair that you love.