What Are the Best Things to Use on Your Hair?

Taking care of your hair doesn’t have to be confusing or expensive. With so many products lining store shelves and popping up in online ads, it’s easy to feel lost about what your hair really needs. The truth is, good hair care comes down to understanding the basics and finding what works for your specific hair type. From everyday products to special treatments, let’s explore the best things you can use on your hair to keep it healthy, strong, and looking its best.

Essential Hair Care Products

Shampoos That Actually Help

Not all shampoos are created equal. The best shampoo for you cleans your scalp without stripping away too much of your hair’s natural oils. For most people, sulfate-free shampoos are a good choice because they clean gently. If you have oily hair, look for words like “clarifying” or “balancing” on the bottle. For dry or damaged hair, words like “moisturizing,” “hydrating,” or “repair” signal a good match. Color-treated hair does best with shampoos specifically made to protect color.

A trick many hair experts recommend is focusing your shampoo on your scalp, not the length of your hair. Massage it into your roots where oil builds up, and let it rinse through the rest of your hair. This helps prevent over-cleaning the drier ends of your hair.

Conditioners Worth Using

Conditioner is like a drink of water for your hair. It replaces moisture lost during washing and helps seal the hair cuticle, making your hair smoother and less prone to frizz. The best conditioners contain ingredients like natural oils, butters, and proteins that coat the hair shaft and improve its texture.

Apply conditioner mainly to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, avoiding the roots unless you have very dry hair. Leave it on for at least 2-3 minutes before rinsing for best results. If your hair is very fine, look for lightweight conditioners that won’t weigh it down. For thick or curly hair, richer, heavier conditioners often work better.

Leave-In Treatments

Leave-in conditioners and treatments are game-changers for many hair types. They provide extra moisture, detangling help, and protection throughout the day. For curly hair, leave-ins help maintain curl definition and fight frizz. For straight hair, they can add shine and smoothness without greasiness.

The best leave-in treatments contain ingredients like panthenol, glycerin, and lightweight oils. They should make your hair feel soft, not sticky or heavy. Apply to damp hair after washing, focusing on the ends and any particularly dry or damaged areas.

Natural Ingredients for Hair Health

Oils That Transform Hair

Natural oils have been used for hair care for thousands of years, and for good reason. Different oils offer different benefits:

• Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft better than most oils, helping strengthen hair from within. It’s especially good as a pre-shampoo treatment.
• Argan oil is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, making it perfect for adding shine and taming frizz without heaviness.
• Jojoba oil mimics your scalp’s natural sebum, making it good for balancing oil production.
• Olive oil is a heavy moisturizer that works well for very dry or coarse hair types.

The trick with oils is using the right amount. Start with just a few drops, warm between your palms, and apply to damp or dry hair, focusing on the ends. Too much can make hair look greasy rather than healthy.

Protein Treatments

Hair is made mostly of protein (keratin), so protein treatments can help repair damage and strengthen hair strands. Look for products containing hydrolyzed proteins like keratin, wheat, or silk proteins. These molecules are small enough to temporarily fill in gaps in damaged hair cuticles.

Not everyone needs protein treatments. Signs your hair might benefit include excessive breakage, limpness, or hair that stretches a lot when wet and doesn’t bounce back. Most hair does best with a balance of protein and moisture, so alternate protein treatments with moisturizing ones.

Natural Remedies from the Kitchen

Some of the best hair treatments can be found right in your kitchen. Here are a few that really work:

• Apple cider vinegar makes a great rinse that helps remove product buildup and balance scalp pH. Mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water.
• Honey is a natural humectant that draws moisture into the hair. Mix with olive oil for a deep conditioning treatment.
• Avocado mashed with egg creates a protein-rich mask that adds both strength and moisture.
• Plain yogurt contains lactic acid that gently cleanses while its proteins and fats condition hair.

These kitchen remedies are often gentler and cheaper than commercial products, though they might require a bit more prep time.

Ingredient/Product	Best For Hair Type	Benefits	How To Use	How Often	Warning Signs	Complementary Products	Price Range	Natural Alternative	Professional Version
Sulfate-free Shampoo	All types	Gentle cleansing	Focus on scalp	2-3 times weekly	Buildup, dryness	Matching conditioner	$5-$30	Soap nuts	Salon professional lines
Deep Conditioner	Dry, damaged, curly	Intense moisture	Apply after shampoo, wait 10 min	Weekly	Limpness, greasiness	Heat cap for penetration	$8-$25	Avocado + honey mask	Salon treatments
Leave-in Conditioner	All types, especially curly	All-day moisture, detangling	Apply to damp hair	After each wash	Heaviness, greasiness	Heat protectant	$6-$20	Aloe vera gel	Professional leave-ins
Hair Oil	Medium to coarse	Seals moisture, adds shine	Few drops on ends	Daily or as needed	Buildup, heaviness	Clarifying shampoo	$10-$40	Coconut, argan, jojoba oil	Professional oil serums
Protein Treatment	Damaged, over-processed	Strengthens strands	Apply according to package	Once monthly	Stiffness, brittleness	Moisture mask after	$8-$30	Egg mask, rice water	Keratin treatments
Heat Protectant	Heat-styled hair	Prevents damage	Apply before heat styling	Every heat session	Split ends, breakage	Leave-in conditioner	$8-$20	None effective	Professional thermal protectors
Scalp Scrub	Oily, flaky scalp	Removes buildup	Massage into wet scalp	Bi-weekly	Irritation, dryness	Scalp oil	$10-$30	Brown sugar + coconut oil	Professional scalp treatments
Dry Shampoo	All types, especially oily	Absorbs oil, adds volume	Spray at roots	Between washes	White residue, itchiness	Clarifying shampoo after few uses	$5-$25	Cornstarch + cocoa powder	Salon dry shampoos
Hair Mask	All types	Intense repair	Apply to damp hair for 20 min	Weekly or bi-weekly	Over-moisturizing	Lightweight styling after	$10-$40	Yogurt + honey	Professional masks
Detangling Spray	Curly, prone to tangles	Eases combing	Spray on wet hair	As needed	Buildup	Wide-tooth comb	$6-$15	Diluted conditioner	Professional detanglers

Hair Tools That Make a Difference

Brushes and Combs for Every Hair Type

The right brush or comb can make a huge difference in how your hair looks and feels. For detangling wet hair, a wide-tooth comb or specialized wet brush with flexible bristles prevents breakage. For blow-drying, a round ceramic brush helps create smooth styles with volume. For daily brushing of dry hair, natural bristle brushes distribute oils from scalp to ends better than plastic ones.

Brush technique matters too. Always start detangling from the ends and work your way up to avoid painful tugging and breakage. Brushing before bed helps distribute oils and prevent tangles overnight.

Heat Styling Tools Worth Investing In

If you use heat styling tools like blow dryers, flat irons, or curling wands, investing in good quality ones can mean the difference between healthy hair and damage. Look for tools with:

• Adjustable temperature settings (lower heat causes less damage)
• Ceramic, tourmaline, or titanium plates or barrels that distribute heat evenly
• Ionic technology that helps reduce frizz and drying time

Even the best heat tools can damage hair if used improperly. Always use a heat protectant product before styling, use the lowest effective temperature setting, and limit heat styling to 2-3 times per week if possible.

Scalp Care Tools

A healthy scalp grows healthy hair, but scalp care is often overlooked. Scalp massagers or scrubbers can help remove product buildup and increase blood flow to hair follicles. These tools range from simple rubber brushes to electric massagers.

Another helpful tool is a scalp exfoliator, which removes dead skin cells and unclogs hair follicles. For best results, use scalp exfoliating products or tools once a week before shampooing.

Products for Special Hair Concerns

Color Protection

Color-treated hair needs special care to prevent fading and damage. The best products for colored hair include:

• Color-safe, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners
• UV protection sprays that prevent sun-induced fading
• Color-depositing conditioners that refresh your shade between salon visits
• Weekly bond-building treatments that repair the damage caused by coloring

To make your color last longer, wash with cool water, limit washing to 2-3 times per week, and cover your hair or use SPF products when spending time in the sun.

Frizz Control

Frizz happens when your hair cuticle is raised and allows moisture to enter the hair shaft. The best anti-frizz products create a barrier that keeps humidity out. Look for:

• Serums and oils containing silicones (they’re controversial but effective)
• Anti-humidity sprays with polymers that seal the cuticle
• Creams with natural oils that smooth without heaviness
• Keratin treatments for longer-lasting frizz control

Frizz-fighting techniques are just as important as products. Using a microfiber towel instead of a regular bath towel, avoiding touching your hair while it dries, and finishing your shower with a cool rinse all help minimize frizz.

Hair Growth Support

If you’re looking to grow your hair longer or dealing with thinning, certain products can help create optimal conditions for growth:

• Scalp tonics with ingredients like rosemary oil, peppermint oil, or caffeine that stimulate blood flow
• Supplements containing biotin, collagen, and other nutrients that support hair growth
• Strengthening treatments that prevent breakage, allowing hair to grow longer
• Gentle, sulfate-free cleansers that don’t strip the scalp

Remember that hair grows about half an inch per month for most people, and no product can dramatically speed this up. However, the right products can prevent breakage and create a healthy environment for maximum growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I wash my hair?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Most hair types do best with washing 2-3 times per week. Very oily hair might need daily washing, while very dry or curly hair might go a week between washes. Pay attention to how your hair feels – if your scalp is itchy or hair looks flat and greasy, it’s time to wash.

Are expensive hair products really better than drugstore ones?

Not necessarily. While some professional products do contain higher concentrations of quality ingredients, many drugstore brands offer excellent formulations too. The most important thing is finding products formulated for your specific hair needs, regardless of price point. Many hairstylists recommend mixing high and low – splurge on treatments and styling products, save on everyday shampoo and conditioner.

What’s the best way to dry my hair without damage?

Air-drying is generally least damaging, but not always practical. If you use a blow dryer, apply a heat protectant first, use the medium heat setting rather than high, and keep the dryer moving rather than concentrating heat in one spot. A diffuser attachment helps reduce damage for curly hair. Microfiber towels or old t-shirts remove excess water much more gently than regular towels.

How do I know if my hair needs protein or moisture?

Hair that stretches a lot when wet and breaks rather than bouncing back needs protein. Hair that feels dry, brittle, and straw-like needs moisture. Most people need a balance of both. If you use a protein treatment and your hair feels stiff or brittle afterward, follow with a moisturizing treatment. If your hair feels limp and weak after moisturizing, try a protein treatment next time.

Can diet affect my hair quality?

Absolutely! Your hair is made of what you eat. Protein is especially important since hair is mostly protein. Healthy fats from foods like fish, avocados, and nuts help hair stay moisturized from the inside out. Vitamins A, C, D, E, and B-complex (especially biotin) all play roles in hair health. Iron and zinc deficiencies can contribute to hair loss or thinning.

What should I avoid putting on my hair?

Avoid alcohol-heavy products that can dry out hair, harsh sulfates that strip natural oils, and heavy waxes or petroleum products that build up on hair. For most people, minimizing heat styling and chemical treatments (coloring, perming, relaxing) helps maintain hair health. Also be cautious with DIY remedies containing lemon juice, baking soda, or undiluted essential oils, which can damage hair if used incorrectly.

Is it necessary to use products specifically for my hair type?

While not absolutely necessary, products formulated for your hair type will generally give you better results. Curly hair usually needs more moisture, fine hair benefits from lightweight volumizing products, and coarse hair often requires richer, heavier formulations. That said, don’t be afraid to experiment – sometimes a product marketed for a different hair type might work perfectly for you.