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There’s nothing, NOTHING like a good hair day. A good makeup day or a good skin day doesn’t even come close to the feeling of hair that is moisturized, bouncy, and falling in the perfect way. And yet, so many of us are still just using shampoo and conditioner as the beginning and end of our haircare routines.

 

While styling plays a big part in good hair (I mean, I can’t lie), the foundation of good hair is always in your regular haircare routine. Also, whether you have straight hair, wavy hair, curls or textured coils, emphasizing your natural hair that is all of shine and volume is one of the best ways to embrace your natural beauty.

 

But what is a good haircare routine if you’re a beginner? And which products are right for your hair type? Well don’t fret—we’ve put together the perfect beginner’s haircare kit for any hair type so you can achieve the hair of your dreams on a daily basis.

 

The Beginner Kit Must-Haves

Scalp Care

When it comes to good hair, it truly starts with your scalp. A healthy, balanced scalp is the secret to full and shiny hair. If your hair is patchy and struggling with hair loss and a lack of fullness, or if you are struggling with oiliness or dryness that is giving your hair greasiness or dullness from the root, a scalp serum is the answer.

 

Scalp serums are sometimes targeted towards a specific concern like irritation or dryness, but many can help balance your scalp while also stimulating your scalp and improving your hair density and shine. Look for a serum that is attuned to your scalp type for a healthy hair foundation.

For Dry Scalps: Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

For Oily Scalps: SOME BY MI Cica Peptide Anit-Hair Loss Derma Scalp Tonic

For Overall Health and Shine: Ceremonia Aceite de Moska Pre-Shampoo Scalp and Hair Oil

 

 

Clarifying Shampoo

You have never had more bounce and volume to your hair than after you’ve used a clarifying shampoo. But why? These super duper deep cleaning shampoos help scrape away the excess oil and buildup that your regular shampoo might be missing. Think of them as a reset for your scalp and hair. You only need to clarify your hair once a week and I recommend following with a hair mask to keep your hair from drying out with all that cleansing action.

For All Hair Types: Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo

 

 

Shampoo and Conditioner

Shampoo and conditioner are an obvious part of this list and you probably already have a set in your shower, but is the right shampoo and conditioner? Make sure you are using one that is right for your hair type. Volumizing shampoos are best for those with oily or fine hair, smoothing shampoos are best for those with a lot of frizz in their waves or curls, and moisture shampoos are best for those with very thick hair or dry curls. And don’t be afraid to mix and match your shampoo and conditioner from different sets if that’s what works for your hair.

For Fine Hair: Verb Ghost Shampoo and Conditioner

For Medium Hair: Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Shampoo and Conditioner

For Thick Hair: Amika HydroRush Shampoo and Conditioner

 

 

Hair Masks

Hair masks give your hair that extra dose of moisture that can keep your hair looking and feeling lively if it tends to get a little dull during the week. Once a week is a good cadence for wrapping your hair in a deep conditioner or protein mask. Hair masks help your hair hold onto moisture and give your hair extra hair-loving ingredients that help it stay soft and shiny for longer and fight dullness, dryness, and frizz. These are an essential for keeping hair healthy and bright. 

For Fine Hair: Ouai Hair Mask for Fine to Medium Hair

For Medium Hair: Haeyo Mayo Hair Nutrition Pack

For Thick or Dry Hair: It’s a 10 Miracle Hair Mask

 

 

Glossing Treatment

I love a glossing treatment. So much in fact that I’m always trying new ones to find which ones are the best. A glossing treatment is extra special when you are planning on styling your hair to really take advantage of that extra shine. Glosses are quick and easy to use and while they aren’t as vital for the long-term health of your hair, they are a good way to give your hair a shiny boost in your shower routine.

L’Oreal 8 Second Wonder Water

Amika Flash Instant Hair Mask

 

 

Leave-In Conditioner

If there’s one product on this list that you ought to be using (besides shampoo and conditioner), it is leave-in conditioner. Leave-in conditioners are the unsung heroes of the haircare world, protecting hair from breakage, giving hair extra moisture and shine, reducing frizz, and making hair softer and easier to detangle. They are amazing multi-taskers that keep your hair protected when it’s at its most vulnerable—wet! Use a leave-in that has the right heaviness for your hair type to get the right amount of moisture.

For Fine Hair: Kristin Ess Leave-In Conditioner

For Medium Hair: Ceremonia Guava Leave-In Conditioner

For Thick Hair: Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair! Split End Repair + Moisturizing Leave-In Conditioner

 

 

Hair Oil

Hair oils give hair shine and protect your ends, but they also help your hair retain the moisture you’ve put into it with hair masks and leave-in conditioners. Whether you like it on wet or dry hair, hair oil keeps the oldest part of your hair (the ends) still looking fresh and it helps prevent split ends.

For Fine Hair: Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil

For Medium Hair: Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil

For Thick Hair: Oribe Gold Lust Hair Nourishing Oil

 

 

Beginner Haircare Kit Conclusion

Finding the right haircare routine and products always takes some trial and error, but there’s hopefully this list gives you a good jumping off point to put together your own simple routine. Many of these products are ones I’ve loved myself and use regularly. Incorporating some of these steps into my routine has really turned my hair around from dull and frizzy to shiny and smooth (no really, it’s been a huge difference.) So go ahead and put together a routine that manage your scalp and give your hair the shine and softness you deserve!