Hair Care Routine Essentials

Everything that makes up a working hair routine in one place: shampoos, conditioners, weekly masks and hair oils from brands including Puracy, Nutrafol, Pete & Pedro, Sebamed, Herbal Essences and Garner's Garden.

How to choose. Start with your scalp, not your hair. An oily scalp wants a mild shampoo you can use daily or every other day; a dry or sensitive scalp wants a gentler, sulfate-free wash used less often; a flaky scalp needs a dedicated anti-dandruff formula used on a regular schedule rather than occasionally. Then match the conditioner to your hair's weight - lightweight and silicone-free if your roots go flat easily, richer or curl-specific if frizz and dryness are the problem - and apply it from the mid-lengths down only.

Add a third product once you have a specific complaint. A clarifying or exfoliating shampoo used weekly clears product and hard-water buildup. A mask left on for three to five minutes does more for dry ends than any rinse-out conditioner. A hair oil suits coarse, dry or curly lengths, used before washing or as a few drops on damp ends.

Not sure where to start? Two products used consistently beat six used occasionally.

Not sure what your hair actually needs? How to take care of your hair sets out a four-step routine, how often to really wash by hair type, and which product solves which concern.