Hair Care Routine 101: Your Gateway to Luscious Locks

Healthy, beautiful hair doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of a consistent and thoughtful hair care routine. As we get older, experiment with our hair more, and expose our hair to elements like UV and chlorine, this hair care routine becomes even more crucial to maintain a luscious mane.

If you’re pining for locks as luscious as Ariel’s in The Little Mermaid, we have the ultimate guide to suit a broad range of hair types (if not all hair types). 

With our doctor-endorsed tips and resources, we want to help you improve your hair’s shine, reduce breakage, lessen hair loss, and fortify scalp health.

Let’s look at all the essentials to maintaining your hair’s vitality and strength, from everyday practices to the best products for hair health.

Before you build your perfect hair care routine, it’s essential to understand the type of hair you’re working with. Different hair textures, porosity levels, and scalp types all require unique care. Let’s break it down:

Your hair’s texture refers to its thickness or diameter. You may have:

• Fine hair: Delicate strands that are more prone to breakage and oil buildup. Lightweight products are key.
• Medium hair: More resilient than fine hair, medium hair can tolerate a wider range of products and treatments.
• Thick hair: Often more resistant to damage but can become dry or frizzy. It benefits from hydrating and smoothing treatments.

Hold up; what is hair porosity? Porosity refers to how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture. Knowing your hair’s porosity is crucial for finding the best products for hair health:

• Low porosity hair has a tightly bound cuticle layer that repels water. It needs lightweight products that won’t sit on the surface.
• Medium porosity hair absorbs and retains moisture well and is easier to manage.
• High porosity hair absorbs moisture easily but also loses it quickly, often due to damage. It requires intensive hydration and sealing treatments.

Your scalp's condition is as important as your hair. A healthy scalp is the foundation of good hair care. Whether you have an oily or dry scalp, keeping it balanced ensures hair grows strong and healthy. 

Many don’t realise that scalp conditions like dandruff, irritation, or even scalp acne can significantly impact your hair’s appearance.

When building a hair care routine, it’s also essential to understand your curl pattern:

• Straight Hair (Type 1): Often shiny, due to the smooth surface. Oil travels easily from the scalp down the strands.
• Wavy Hair (Type 2): Prone to frizz but with a relaxed texture.
• Curly Hair (Type 3): Tends to be dry due to its spiralled shape, which hinders oil distribution.
• Coily Hair (Type 4): Requires intensive moisture because of its tight curl pattern, which makes it the most prone to dryness.

Understanding your hair's texture, porosity, and curl pattern is the number one step when selecting the right products and creating a routine that nourishes from root to tip.

[Read Related Article: 5 Things Your Hair Health Can Reveal About Your General Health]

We have no idea what Ariel’s hair ritual was, but whatever she did – we want it! Whatever your hair type, everyone can benefit from a structured hair care routine, especially when you’re trying to improve damaged hair.

Let’s walk through the foundational steps for maintaining healthy, strong, oh-so-luscious locks:

Okay, no surprise here, but we’ve gotta start with the basics: washing your hair properly is the first and arguably most important step. Over time, hair accumulates oils, dead skin cells, and product buildup, which need to be washed away regularly.

Opt for a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo tailored to your hair type. We’re biased, but there’s no arguing with the science and results of a product like Dr Tanya’s Holy Basil Shampoo. 

Just make sure you’re not washing your hair everyday, as this can strip your hair’s natural oils and lead to dryness and dehydration. We recommend washing your hair 2-3 times a week. If you do need to wash more frequently (hello, sweaty workouts!) try a dry shampoo in between full washes.

Conditioning is essential for keeping your hair hydrated, smooth, and manageable. The best products for hair health will include ingredients like natural oils, proteins, and moisture-locking agents.

• Daily Conditioner: Should be applied every time you shampoo, focusing on mid-lengths to ends. Try our Holy Basil Conditioner for everyday use, which has a unique blend of Holy Basil, green tea, and licorice root with sunflower seed oil and silk amino acids.
• Deep Conditioner: Once a week, treat your hair with a deep-conditioning mask or treatment for extra nourishment. Dry, damaged, or colour-treated hair can benefit immensely from these treatments.

After cleansing and conditioning, protecting your hair from external damage is the next priority. Leave-in conditioners and hair serums act as barriers, keeping hair soft and manageable.

• Hair Serums: Dr Tanya’s Holy Basil Hair Serum contains a blend of nourishing oils and antioxidants, making it a top choice for anyone looking to boost their hair’s shine while shielding it from environmental stressors. Serums are part of the best products for hair health because they not only hydrate but also prevent future damage.
• Heat Protectants: If you frequently style with heat, using a product designed to protect from high temperatures is non-negotiable. Heat tools can damage your hair’s cuticle, leading to split ends and breakage.

ALT: A bottle of Dr Tanya’s Holy Basil Hair Serum held by a blonde woman

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to hair care. However, knowing the key ingredients to look for in the best products for hair health will set you on the right track:

• Holy Basil: A key ingredient in so many of our products, this potent ancient botanical works to strengthen hair follicles and stimulate the scalp. It aids in treating dandruff and hair loss while promoting healthier, shinier hair.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Commonly associated with skincare, hyaluronic acid is also a wonder ingredient for hair. It helps lock in moisture, making it ideal for those with dry or damaged hair.
• Keratin: A natural protein that forms the building blocks of your hair. Products with keratin help repair and smooth the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and increasing strength.
• Argan Oil: Known as ‘liquid gold,’ this antioxidant-rich oil helps moisturise and protect the hair from damage.
• Biotin: A B-vitamin that strengthens hair and promotes growth. Products with biotin are especially beneficial for those experiencing thinning hair or breakage.

• Sulphates: While effective at cleansing, sulphates can strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to breakage.
• Parabens: Often used as preservatives, parabens have been linked to scalp irritation and potential health risks.
• Alcohols: Some alcohols can be drying, especially for curly or textured hair. Opt for hair products with moisturising ingredients instead.

Understanding product ingredients is essential to building a hair care routine that truly supports your hair's health, shine, and strength.

[Read Full Article: Natural vs. Synthetic Hair Care Products: What’s the Difference?]

You might have heard of Hydrolysed Silk as an essential ingredient in your skin or hair care routine, but what is it? 

According to an article by the American College of Toxicology, Hydrolysed Silk is the hydrolysate of Silk protein derived by acid, enzyme, or other method of hydrolysis. It's an amino peptide concentrate rich in the two proteins that comprise natural Silk, Sericin and Fibroin. 

So, how does this work for our hair, and what does it mean? 

When hair loses protein, it becomes fragile and prone to breakage. To restore balance and strength, adding protein helps rebuild its structure. 

Hydrolysed silk protein is particularly effective due to its cysteine content, which aids in producing keratin and strengthening the hair. This protein penetrates the hair shaft, moisturising and reinforcing it from within. 

It also creates a protective barrier around each strand, helping shield hair from future damage while enhancing elasticity and resilience.

Where can you get Hydrolysed Silk in your hair care products? Right here at Dr Tanya Skincare, of course!

Even with the right products and routines, you might still be making mistakes that hinder your hair’s potential. Here are some of the most common hair care missteps and how to avoid them:

We mentioned this earlier, but it’s such a common mistake that we need to say it again. While clean hair is the goal, washing your hair too frequently can strip it of its natural oils. This leads to dryness, frizz, and scalp irritation. 

Unless you have very oily hair, aim to shampoo a few times a week at most. You could also try a dry shampoo spray in between washes to tide you over.

Skipping conditioner is a mistake many people make, particularly those with oily hair. However, conditioning is essential for replenishing moisture and keeping your hair healthy. Simply focus on the ends to avoid weighing down the roots.

As a caveat to the point above, another common mistake is using both conditioner and an intense hair mask or treatment in one go. While this isn’t exactly going to damage your hair, it just isn’t necessary. Plus, it can be harder to wash all that product out entirely, leading to build-up.

We love an intense hair treatment once a week, as it’s more deeply restorative than a regular moisturising conditioner. Our recommendation is to swap your conditioner for your mask or treatment once a week. 

This is common knowledge these days, but it’s so easy to forget in favour of styling the perfect straightener-induced hairdo. 

Constant use of heat-styling tools without proper protection is a recipe for split ends and breakage. Always apply a heat protectant and try to air dry whenever possible. And, for the best results, try to avoid or limit the use of heat styling products if you can.

While using a conditioner and regular weekly hair mask or treatment is fantastic, many people overlook hair serums as major players in improving hair health and appearance.

Serums are different to conditioners and treatments for a number of reasons:

• They form a protective barrier over your hair strands. This barrier locks in moisture, protects from environmental stressors, and smooths the cuticles to create a smoother, shinier look.
• They’re typically lightweight formulas, so your hair won’t feel greasy or weighed down by heavier cream-based products like masks.
• They target scalp health as well as hair health. Serums are applied and massaged into the scalp to directly target your skin and hair roots, whereas conditioners and masks are applied to the ends of your hair.

We recommend using a serum like the Holy Basil Hair Serum once or twice a week for best results. 

[Read Full Article: Clearing the Air on Common Hair Serum Queries]

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. If your scalp is out of balance, whether it’s too oily or too dry, it can lead to problems like dandruff, hair thinning, and even hair loss. Here’s how to incorporate scalp care into your hair care routine:

• Exfoliate: Yes, your scalp needs exfoliation too! Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells and product buildup that may clog hair follicles. 
• Massage: Scalp massages promote blood circulation, which helps deliver nutrients to the hair roots. Try massaging your scalp for a few minutes each time you shampoo to boost hair health.
• Use Specialised Products: Products designed for scalp health, like an active hair serum or oil, can help nourish the scalp and prevent issues like dryness, flaking, and excess oil production.

The Dr Tanya NuBrush is the perfect scalp exfoliant and massager that’s gentle on the skin and incredibly effective for hair health. It even dispenses serums through massaging vibrations; you can adjust the settings to suit your individual skin type and scalp sensitivity.

As for which serum to pair with the NuBrush, we will never stop raving about the wonderful benefits of our Holy Basil Hair Serum. The NuBrush will thoroughly yet gently disperse the serum all over your scalp and hair, and properly massage it in through the vibrations. 

Massaging your scalp with serums and oils like this enhances penetration into the scalp for deep conditioning and strengthening from the hair follicles down. This means a NuBrush + Holy Basil Hair Serum combo as part of your hair care routine can:

• Increase root strength to encourage hair growth, and even speed up hair growth
• Reduce hair loss
• Reduce greasiness
• Improve blood circulation 

Your hair care routine should also evolve with the seasons. Changes in weather, humidity, and environmental conditions can all affect your hair. 

We know, we know; just when you thought you’d nailed your ritual, we throw this curveball at you. But don’t worry, because we have a comprehensive seasonal hair care guide to make things easy.

Here’s a recap of how to adjust your routine based on the season:

• UV Protection: Just as you protect your skin from the sun, your hair also needs safeguarding. UV rays can cause dryness and colour fading, so use products with built-in UV filters or wear a hat when you’re out in the sun.
• Hydration: The summer heat can sap moisture from your hair, leading to dryness and frizz. Incorporate lightweight, hydrating serums to keep your hair smooth and shiny.

• Combat Frizz: Cold, dry air can make hair more prone to frizz. Opt for nourishing oils and smoothing treatments to keep your hair sleek and manageable.
• Deep Conditioning: Use heavier moisturising products, like masks and leave-in conditioners, to prevent the effects of dry winter air and indoor heating.

If your hair is showing signs of damage—whether from heat styling, chemical treatments, or environmental stress—it's essential to adopt a targeted approach to repair and strengthen your strands. 

Damage can manifest as split ends, breakage, dullness, or excessive dryness, and it often requires specialised treatments to restore hair health.

Hair damage can be categorised into several types:

• Chemical Damage: Caused by treatments such as bleaching, colouring, or chemical straightening. This weakens the protein structure of hair, leading to dryness, breakage, and frizz.
• Heat Damage: Regular use of heat styling tools (like straighteners, curling irons, or blow dryers) can weaken the hair shaft, making it prone to breakage and split ends.
• Environmental Damage: Sun exposure, pollution, and harsh weather conditions can strip your hair of moisture and cause dullness and breakage.

To address these issues, consider integrating the following steps into your hair care routine:

• Protein Treatments: Hair is primarily composed of a protein called keratin. Using protein-rich treatments can help restore strength and elasticity to damaged hair. Look for products with Hydrolysed Silk, as we mentioned earlier, or other silk amino acids.
• Deep Conditioning: Regular deep conditioning treatments are a must for restoring moisture to dry, damaged hair. Opt for intensive masks that contain hydrating oils (such as argan oil or shea butter) to help smooth and soften your strands. Use a mask or treatment once a week.
• Cut Back on Heat: Allow your hair to recover by limiting the use of heat-styling tools. If you must use heat, always apply a heat protectant spray or serum beforehand.
• Trims: Regular trims are essential to eliminate split ends and keep your hair looking healthy. Aim for a trim every 6–8 weeks if you're dealing with damage.

Your hair care routine goes beyond products—it’s also influenced by your lifestyle. Everything from your diet to your stress levels can impact the health and appearance of your hair. Here’s how:

Hair health starts from within. A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can promote healthy hair growth and prevent issues like hair thinning or dullness.

• Protein: Since hair is made of keratin, a type of protein, it’s important to consume enough protein in your diet. Lean meats, eggs, and legumes are great sources.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in foods like salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts, omega-3s help nourish the scalp and promote shiny, healthy hair.
• Biotin and Vitamin D: Both of these nutrients are vital for hair growth and scalp health. If you’re experiencing hair thinning, consider increasing your intake of biotin-rich foods like eggs and nuts or consulting a doctor about supplements.

This one can be more difficult to deal with than simply adding things into your diet. High stress levels can lead to hair thinning or even hair loss.

Stress affects your hair follicles, often pushing them into a ‘resting’ phase, which means your hair stops growing or slows its growth. 

Similarly, getting enough sleep is essential for overall body repair, and this includes your hair. Poor sleep habits can affect your hair's ability to grow and maintain moisture, leading to dryness and increased breakage.

Managing stress through mindfulness, exercise, and proper rest can help maintain your hair’s health. If you’re struggling to get enough sleep and typical recommendations aren’t working, speak to your doctor or healthcare provider about ways to deal with this.

The key to maintaining healthy, beautiful hair over the long term is prevention. By staying ahead of potential issues, you can avoid damage before it happens and keep your hair looking its best. Maybe this is Ariel’s secret (or maybe there’s just something in the ocean water).

Environmental factors like sun exposure, pollution, and humidity can all have detrimental effects on your hair. Here's how to protect it:

• UV Protection: Prolonged sun exposure can strip your hair of its moisture and lead to colour fading. Use hair products with built-in UV filters or wear a hat when spending time outdoors.
• Humidity Defence: Humidity can cause frizz, especially for those with curly or textured hair. Anti-frizz serums and sprays can help seal the hair cuticle and prevent unwanted frizz.

Even if you're following a solid hair care routine at home, regular trims and professional treatments are necessary to maintain hair health. 

Trimming every 8–12 weeks can prevent split ends from travelling up the hair shaft, while occasional salon treatments, like glossing or keratin smoothing treatments, can give your hair an extra boost.

Crafting the perfect hair care routine is a journey of understanding your unique hair type, lifestyle, and the best practices to support your hair’s health over time. It’s about choosing the best products for hair health, incorporating them into a routine that works for you, and adapting as your hair’s needs change.

Whether you’re dealing with dry, damaged hair or simply want to maintain your hair’s natural beauty, the key is consistency, care, and patience. 

With the right knowledge and products, you can achieve the healthy, luscious locks you’ve always dreamed of!