what your hair needs really depends on your hair type, texture, and condition, but there are a few universal essentials that every head of hair benefits from. Here's a breakdown of what your hair typically needs to stay healthy, strong, and looking good:
1. Moisture
Curly, coily, dry, or color-treated hair especially craves this.
Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
Do deep conditioning treatments weekly or biweekly.
Try leave-in conditioners or hydrating creams to keep it soft and manageable.
2. Protein
Hair is made of a protein called keratin. When it gets weak, it needs reinforcement.
Use protein treatments occasionally (1–2x/month) to strengthen.
Signs your hair needs protein: it feels mushy when wet, breaks easily, or looks limp.
Best proteins for your hair :
1. Keratin – The protein your hair’s made of. Strengthens, smooths, and tames frizz. Great if your hair’s damaged or chemically treated.
2. Silk protein – Super light and makes your hair feel soft and smooth. Good for dry or fine hair.
3. Wheat protein – Adds strength and thickness. Perfect if your hair feels weak or is breaking.
4. Collagen – Helps with elasticity and makes hair more bouncy. Nice for aging or brittle hair.
5. Rice protein – Strengthens and gives volume without weighing your hair down. Great for fine or oily hair.
6. Oat protein – Soothing and hydrating, especially for dry or itchy scalps.
7. Egg (DIY) – Old-school but effective. Adds strength and shine. Use occasionally so it doesn’t make your hair too stiff.
Quick tip:
Hair feeling too soft and weak? It probably needs protein.
Feeling dry and stiff? You may need more moisture.
But don’t overdo it—too much protein = brittle hair.
3. Scalp Care
Healthy hair starts at the root.
Keep your scalp clean and exfoliated (once in a while).
Use light oils or scalp treatments if it’s dry or flaky.
Avoid heavy buildup from products like gels or edge controls.
4. Protection
Hair needs to be protected from the elements and your styling habits.
Always use a heat protectant before using hot tools.
Wrap your hair at night with a silk/satin scarf or bonnet.
Limit tight hairstyles that pull on your scalp or edges.
5. Trim Regularly
Yes—even if you’re growing it out.
Trimming every 8–12 weeks prevents split ends from traveling up the strand.
Hair will actually look and feel longer when it’s not frayed and broken at the ends.
6. Water (yes, drinking it!)
Hydrated body = hydrated hair. Don’t sleep on this.
How to keep your hair hydrated
1. Use moisturizing products.
Pick a hydrating shampoo and conditioner—skip anything with sulfates that dry your hair out.
2. Deep condition weekly.
Once a week, give your hair some extra love with a deep conditioner or mask. Let it sit for 20–30 mins (heat helps too!).
3. Don’t skip the leave-in.
After washing, use a leave-in conditioner to lock in moisture and make detangling easier.
4. Seal it in.
Follow your leave-in with a natural oil (like coconut, argan, or jojoba) or a cream to seal in the moisture.
5. Wash less often.
Washing too much strips your hair—2 times a week is usually enough. Try co-washing (using conditioner only) in between.
6. Protect your hair at night.
Sleep with a satin or silk bonnet, scarf, or pillowcase to keep moisture in and prevent breakage.
7. Drink water.
Hydrated body = hydrated hair. Eat your fruits and veggies too!
8. Chill on the heat.
Flat irons and blow dryers dry your hair out—use them less and always use heat protectant
Optional but helpful:
Oils (argan, coconut, jojoba) for sealing in moisture.
Hair masks for an extra boost once a week.
Low-manipulation styling—the less stress you put on your hair, the better.
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