Hair Care Tips and Product Recommendations

Majority of what your hair looks like is genetics but there's a lot of things that can influence the quality of your hair and the way it looks and that is why how you take care of it really matters. 

My research started with understanding what kind of products I put into my hair. If I take time to look into the products I'm putting onto my face or into my body, why is that I don't do the same for my hair? Why is that I just grab any shampoo in the store and just go? 

Here are some products which have helped me in my hair care routine and that which might help you in your hair care routine too. 

*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through one of my affiliate links, I will receive a commission at no additional cost to you. I recommend products I genuinely like. Thank you for your support! 

Hair oiling

While oiling your hair is not practiced by everyone, oiling can provide your hair with the nutrients they are looking for. However it is recommended to wash your hair within 6 hours of oiling. Here are some hair oil recommendations:

Onion

When added to the hair and scalp, onion juice can provide extra sulfur to support strong and thick hair, thus preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth. The sulfur from onions may also help promote collagen production. Collagen in turn helps the production of healthy skin cells and hair growth. Onion juice is of course the direct source. But it can be a hassle to prepare it. 

Onion hair oil is a great option. It's easier to apply, lightweight, non-greasy and still provides the same benefits.

Shopping recommendation: Onion hair oil

Bhringraj

It improves blood circulation and is capable of revitalizing the hair follicles and facilitating hair growth. When applied on the scalp, the results are visible within a week or two of application of the oil.0

Shopping recommendation: Bhringraj therapeutic hair oil

Argan

Argan oil is an age-old beauty secret that has many uses, namely helping to hydrate and soften the hair. It moisturizes, adds shine, protects hair, protects from breakage and increases elasticity.

Shopping recommendation: Argan oil

Coconut oil

Hot oil combines the goodness of pure coconut oil and is enriched with natural ayurvedic ingredients such as hibiscus, white thyme and malakangai extracts. This unique blend gives you warmth and deeply nourishes your hair leaving it smooth and frizz free. 

Shopping recommendation: Hot oil

Hair shampoo

 Shampoo helps water remove dirt, debris, and odors, such as smoke or sweat effectively. Shampoos can also remove oil. The hair gets its oil from sebaceous glands that secrete oil called sebum, which keeps the hair moisturized. Moisturized hair is less likely to break or look dry and frizzy.

Shampooing also requires proper care, as the quality of shampoo and times of shampooing can determine its effectiveness. You should avoid shampooing daily as excess shampooing can strip your hair of natural oil. Dry scalp can produce excess oil making your hair greasier and weaker. Shampooing twice or thrice a week is good for your hair. Shampoo should not be directly applied to the scalp, it should be diluted before applying to hair. Similarly, quality of shampoo is also important. It should be free of paraben, silicone, and sulfate (SLS). Make sure to shampoo with lukewarm temperature water, not with too hot water as it can damage your hair.

Ayurvedic shampoo     

These include herbs such as Bringharaj, Neem, Shikakai, Rosemary, Tulsi and Amla which are known to provide rich source of antioxidants, minerals, micronutrients and vitamins. The presence of these minerals and nutrients helps in reducing hair fall, increases blood circulation to the scalp and strengthens hair follicles. Further, the presence of micronutrients helps in effective cleansing of the scalp caused by dirt and pollution. It also helps in removing excessive oil from the scalp there by keeping pores of the scalp unclogged, which helps in preventing scalp itchiness and also promotes thicker hair.

Shopping recommendation: Indulekha ayurvedic hair shampoo

Onion 

When added to the hair and scalp, onion juice can provide extra sulfur to support strong and thick hair, thus preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth. The sulfur from onions may also help promote collagen production. Collagen in turn helps the production of healthy skin cells and hair growth. Shampoo with onion extract can therefore give you healthier mane.

Shopping recommendation: Mamaearth onion hair shampoo

Hyaluronic acid

Using hyaluronic acid on hair prevents unwanted moisture that causes frizz. It does so by sealing the cuticle. This ingredient helps to plump up dry, damaged hair and adds life to parched strands. This in turn could help to add volume to your roots.

Shopping recommendation: L'Oreal shampoo with hyaluronic moisture

Amla and Bhringraj

Amla can boost hair growth. protect the hair from external damage. reduce hair loss. and help balance a flaky scalp, serves as a conditioner. Bhringraj improves blood circulation and is capable of revitalizing the hair follicles and facilitating hair growth. Both are super ingredients used since ancient times in haircare routine.  

Shopping recommendation: Khadi natural bhringraj and amla shampoo

Ceramides and Keratin

Ceramides Are known to help strengthen damaged, brittle strands. As key components of the internal hair follicle, ceramides help hair maintain its structure and integrity. In other words, ceramides are essential for strong, resilient hair. Keratin smooths cells that overlap to form hair strands, which means more manageable hair and less frizz. This makes for hair that dries with little frizz and has a glossy, healthy look to it. Keratin can also reduce the look of split ends by temporarily bonding the hair back together.

Shopping recommendation: L'Oreal hair serum with pro-keratin and ceramide

Hair conditioner

Post shampooing, hair conditioning is very important. This step should not be skipped. Conditioning your hair helps lock in the moisture which would otherwise be lost after drying making your hair frizzy and dull. The best way to apply is to apply to your damp hair after shampooing.

Here are some conditioners recommended for you.

Shopping recommendation: Orange lemongrass herbal hair conditioner

Shopping recommendation: L'Oreal Paris hair conditioner with hyaluronic acid

Shopping recommendation: Amla bhringraj hair conditioner

Shopping recommendation: L'Oreal Paris hair conditioner moisturising and hydrating

Hair mask

Post hair wash, hair mask can provide you with that extra nourishment and protection. It can help repair damaged hair as well and is therefore beneficial for those with color and chemical treated hair. 
Here are some conditioners recommended for you. For chemical r color treated hair apply one a week, for normal hair apply 2-3 times a month.

Here are some conditioners recommended for you.

Shopping recommendation: L'Oreal Hair mask for smoothening

Shopping recommendation: L'Oreal hair mask for keratin protection

Shopping recommendation: L'Oreal hair mask with keratin and ceramide

Hair serum

Finally you need to protect your hair from environmental damage and sun damage. Serum can help you do just that. Apply coin sized serum to towel dried hair after shampooing for best results.

Here are some conditioners recommended for you.

Shopping recommendation: L'Oreal Paris Hair Serum

Shopping recommendation: Streax hair serum with walnut oil

Shopping recommendation: Streax Vitariche hair serum

Care routine

Use satin or silk pillowcase and hair ties

Satin and silk and great pillowcase options as they help reduce friction and thus reduces frizz and hair breakage.  Here are a few options you can look at.

Shopping recommendation: Satin pillow with scrunchies

Shopping recommendation: Seevo satin pillowcase with scrunchies

Use rose water as post wash rinse

Rose water provides nourishment, body and volume to your hair without drying it out. Rose water also ensures your hair smells absolutely fabulous post wash. Rinse your hair with diluted rose water after shampooing and conditioning your hair or you can directly spray rose water to your hair after drying for getting the hair that always smells nice. 

Shopping recommendation: Rose water   

Blow dry your hair less often

Let your hair naturally air dry or use a heat protectant before blow drying to avoid split ends and breakage. Applying heat to your hair when it is already dry can cause brittleness, breakage, dullness, and dryness. And, if you do blow-dry your hair, do not use a brush. Do it by using your hands to rake through the lengths and massage the roots with your fingers tips to get the lift. This provides texture and volume, which give effortless hair. Another option is to use a diffuser, it’s the perfect tool to get that tousled texture and effortless hair.

Trim your hair regularly

Trim your hair once every 6-8 weeks. Hair trimming frequency will depend on your hair texture (curly, wavy, straight, coily, etc.), hair length (short, medium, long) and overall damage status. The truth is everyone’s hair is different, so you might not need to get a trim as often as somebody else. When in doubt, always speak with a professional and schedule your haircut in a salon rather than trying to do it yourself at home. 

When choosing a hair color, go for a low-maintenance shade; a natural-looking color that suits their complexion and eye color. And if you go lighter, opt for a balayage, an ombré, or tortoiseshell hair rather than a full head of highlights distributed uniformly through the hair.

Finally, have easy and effortless hairstyles. Try to not have too tight hairstyles such as high pony. Get your hair in a low pony or braid while exercising to keep it out of your face. Similarly during hot and humid months keep hair away from your face and neck. Low bun or any bun can be elegant and comfortable.  

Hope you get healthier and stronger hair.

XOXO

P.S. I keep updating my blog with new ideas and product recommendations. Hope to see you again.