Whether you have fine, straight hair or thick, tight curls, the right hair care routine will give you healthy, voluminous hair that looks good and is easy to maintain. The trick is to know your hair type and establish a daily and weekly routine around your hair’s specific needs. Using the right products is essential for enhancing your natural look.

Step 1: Know your hair type and its needs

There are four main hair textures: straight, wavy, curly and coiled. Each of these is further broken down into three hair structure categories: fine, thick or coarse. So it’s a no-brainer that each hair type has different requirements. For example, straight hair tends to be more oily, though frequent coloring and heat-based styling tools may make it brittle. That means it requires daily brushing to avoid tangles and should be washed fairly frequently to avoid oil buildup. Curly hair, on the other hand, is prone to dryness, tangles, frizz and breakage. This makes combing more appropriate than brushing, it will need less frequent washes, and you should use specific products formulated for dry hair.

Step 2: Know your porosity when choosing products

Hair porosity refers to your hair's ability to retain moisture. There are three porosity levels – low, normal and high. The easiest way to determine your hair's porosity is by placing a single strand of hair into a bowl of water. Hair that floats has low porosity (meaning that it doesn't absorb moisture easily), hair that immediately sinks to the bottom has high porosity (meaning it absorbs a lot of moisture), and hair that remains below the surface but floats above the bottom of the bowl has average porosity (meaning that it absorbs some moisture and is well balanced).

Highly porous hair tends to absorb moisture too quickly because of tears around the cuticle. These damaged areas also cause the hair to release moisture at a fast rate, leading to dry and brittle strands. This is why it is important for people with high porosity hair to avoid heat styling and harsh chemical treatments as much as possible. Hair masks, oils and leave-in treatments – such as Scenic Route Hair Treatment – are especially helpful for maintaining healthy hair.

Low porosity hair types have cuticles that lay flat, which blocks moisture from being absorbed into the strands. The main concern with this hair type is the hair takes very long to dry and is prone to product buildup. In this case we recommend applying products while the hair is still damp to ensure it’s evenly distributed and more of it is absorbed. Products containing hyaluronic acid and light oils (such as coconut oil) will be especially beneficial as these ingredients help retain moisture. For the same reason, heavy butters and protein treatments are best avoided.

Step 3: Optimize your routine based on your hair type

Straight and wavy hair

Detangling

• Straight and wavy hair should be brushed once a day using a brush that has soft, flexible bristles to avoid tugging, snagging or breaking.
• This type of hair should only ever be brushed dry as wet strands will break more easily.

Washing and conditioning

• Avoid washing every day as this can strip your hair of its natural oils, forcing it to overproduce oils. Instead, use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner every second, third or fourth day and apply the best hair treatment for your hair type once a week.
• Use a dry shampoo as necessary, but don't overdo it as this can lead to product build up. Our All Inclusive Shampoo and Body Wash is a do-it-all formula that reinvigorates hair while retaining moisture and volume.<product>1</product>

Drying and styling

• Towel-dry hair slightly before applying product. Opt for lightweight products that allow hair to move and retain its volume.
• Avoid breakage by loosening your ponytail and wearing your hair loose as much as possible.

Curly hair

Detangling

• Those with curly hair generally only need to brush their hair when shampooing and conditioning (every three to seven days), rather than every day.
• Curly hair should only be brushed when wet, using a detangler brush or a wide-toothed comb. It’s best to section the hair, then brush from the bottom up to the roots.

Washing and conditioning

• Wash one to two times a week with a gentle, moisturizing shampoo. Because curly hair tends to be more porous, the best shampoo for dry hair will contain light oils and plant-derived ingredients.
• Use a conditioner that’s rich but not heavy, such as Scenic Route Hair Treatment. This will help nourish your hair and define your curls. If your hair tends to get weighed down, apply the concentrate to the length and ends, skipping the roots.
• Apply a hair treatment for damaged hair once a week for healthy-looking locks.

Drying and styling

• Apply a leave-in conditioner while your hair is wet, then air dry or diffuse as desired. This will act as a dry hair treatment and help give you bouncy, defined locks.
• Refresh curls between washes by spritzing with water and giving them a squish.

Coiled hair

Detangling

• Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle coiled hair when damp, two to three times a week. You can also use a detangling spray.

Washing and conditioning

• Moisturize with coconut oil or a hair mask before washing once every week or two — choose a gentle shampoo suitable for natural coils.
• Always follow up with a deep conditioner. The Good to Go Mini Hair & Body Kit contains a nourishing body wash, hair shampoo and deep conditioner/mask suitable for all hair types.<product>2</product>

Drying and styling

• Apply a hair smoothing treatment in the shower while your hair is dripping wet, then air dry or diffuse.

Discover more hair care tips with Wander Beauty

Be sure to check out The Wanderess Edit to discover more expert tips on how to keep your hair in good condition throughout the year, as well as in-depth makeup and skincare tips and tricks.