Haircare — Complete guide
Hair care, from scalp to ends
Know your hair type, wash smart and protect every strand for healthier, shinier hair.
9 minute read
Written and reviewed by Beauty World Editorial · Last reviewed October 2026
Hair types
Know your hair
Straight
Oil travels down easily; may need more frequent washing and lightweight conditioner.
Wavy
Prone to frizz; use light creams and avoid heavy oils at the roots.
Curly
Needs moisture; co-wash or gentle sulfate-free shampoo and leave-in conditioner.
Coily
Most fragile; wash less often, deep condition weekly and seal with oils or butters.
Routine
A simple wash routine
1. Shampoo the scalp
Massage shampoo into the scalp, not the lengths; the rinse cleans the ends.
2. Condition the lengths
Apply from mid-lengths to ends, leave 2–3 minutes, then rinse.
3. Dry gently
Blot with a microfibre towel or cotton T-shirt instead of rubbing.
4. Weekly mask
A hair mask once a week restores softness, especially for dry or coloured hair.
Protection
Heat, colour and sun
Heat protectant
Always apply before blow-drying, straightening or curling; keep tools under 185°C.
Colour care
Use colour-safe shampoo, wash with cool water and limit bleaching sessions.
Sun & swimming
Wear a hat and rinse chlorine or salt water out promptly.
Gentle styling
Avoid very tight ponytails; use silk scrunchies and a satin pillowcase.
Scalp
Scalp health
Balance
Wash often enough to remove oil and buildup — every 1–3 days for most people.
Dandruff
Look for zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole or salicylic acid shampoos.
Scalp massage
A few minutes a day boosts comfort and helps products spread evenly.
See a doctor
For sudden hair loss, patches, or a painful scalp, see a dermatologist.
Problems
Common hair problems
Frizz
Hydrate, use anti-humidity products and avoid rough towel drying.
Split ends
Only a trim removes them; prevent with heat protection and gentle brushing.
Thinning
Check diet, stress and iron levels; rosemary oil and minoxidil are options to discuss with a doctor.
Oily roots
Lightweight shampoo, clarify weekly and keep conditioner off the scalp.
