When you meet someone for the first time, what's the first thing you notice about them?
For me, it’s always the HAIR!.
Whether it’s a casual day at work, a romantic date, a holiday trip, or even just getting ready for an event, our hair is always the focal point.
It’s often the first thing we think about as we prepare ourselves for the day. While many of us have a skincare routine that we follow religiously, our hair care routine often gets neglected—even though our hair faces numerous challenges daily, from pollution and hard water to chemical treatments and constant heat styling.
Some people are blessed with naturally great hair, but for others, maintaining healthy, voluminous hair requires more effort.
I remember my mom and grandmother always saying, "Haaye, your hair looks so dry!
What have you done to it?
Let me give you a champi!" (an oil massage).
But can a champi alone fix all your bad hair days?
Well, the answer is a bit of both—yes and no.
No, because oil alone might not solve the underlying problems, but yes, because a proper scalp massage helps stimulate blood circulation, which is essential for hair health.
In our house, it used to be a weekend ritual to apply oil on Saturday nights and wash it off on Sunday mornings.
Those days were about more than just hair care—they were a reminder to slow down and take care of ourselves.
While I miss my mom’s help, we’ve learned to adapt and adopt some modern hair care practices to keep our locks healthy and gorgeous.
Let’s dive into the step-by-step hair care routine that will help you achieve the best hair care routine, no matter your hair type.
Steps of Hair Care Routine for Day and Night
Day Routine
Steps to follow for a daily hair care routine:
Step 1: Gentle Brushing
Begin your day by gently brushing your hair with a wide-tooth comb or soft-bristle brush. This helps detangle any knots and prevents hair breakage. Always start brushing from the ends and work your way up to avoid pulling and damaging your hair.
Step 2: Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Choose a sulfate-free shampoo to wash your hair. Sulfates can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. Opt for a sulfate-free shampoo that helps maintain the moisture balance in your hair and prevents unnecessary damage.
Step 3: Conditioning
After shampooing, apply a nourishing conditioner to your hair. Focus on the ends to avoid weighing down the roots. Make sure to leave it on for a few minutes to hydrate and smooth your hair.
Step 4: Cold Water Rinse
After conditioning, finish your routine with a cold water rinse. Cold water helps seal the hair cuticles, locking in moisture and adding shine to your hair. It also helps prevent frizz and keeps your hair smooth.
Step 5: Protect from Heat
If you're planning to use heat styling tools, always apply a heat protectant spray or serum beforehand. Heat protectants create a barrier between your hair and the styling tool, helping to prevent heat damage.
Night Routine
While your daytime hair care routine sets the foundation, the nighttime hair care routine is just as important for maintaining healthy hair.
Step 1: Scalp Care
Before bed, spend a few minutes massaging your scalp with your fingertips. This not only stimulates blood circulation to the hair follicles but also helps reduce stress, which can have a positive impact on hair growth. This step is essential for a healthy hair growth routine.
Step 2: Protective Nighttime Hairstyle
To avoid tangling and breakage while you sleep, braid your hair or loosely tie it up using a soft hair tie. A loose hairstyle is gentler on your hair and minimizes friction.
Step 3: Silk Pillowcase or Satin Scarf
Consider switching to a silk pillowcase or wrapping your hair with a satin scarf while sleeping. Silk and satin help reduce friction, preventing hair breakage, split ends, and frizz.
7 Secret Hair Care Tips at Home For Healthy & Shiny Hair
Alongside your daily and nightly routines, here are some hair care tips at home to help nourish and strengthen your hair:
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Champi (Oil Massage) with Rosemary Oil:
Mix 3-5 drops of rosemary oil with coconut, olive, or jojoba oil and apply it to your scalp. Gently massage it in and leave it on for about 30 minutes to an hour before washing your hair. Rosemary oil is known to stimulate hair growth and improve hair thickness. -
Amla (Indian Gooseberry) for Hair Growth:
Amla is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, making it an excellent natural remedy for promoting hair growth. You can either consume amla or use amla oil. Alternatively, mix amla powder with water or coconut oil and apply it as a hair mask. Leave it on for 30 minutes before washing it off with a gentle shampoo. -
Shikakai and Reetha for Gentle Cleansing:
Shikakai and reetha are natural herbs that can be used as a gentle alternative to chemical shampoos. Boil shikakai pods and reetha in water, strain the liquid, and use it to wash your hair. These herbs help cleanse your hair while maintaining its natural oils, leaving it soft and shiny. -
Avoid Hot Water for Hair Washes:
Hot water can strip your scalp and hair of essential oils, leading to dryness and breakage. Always use lukewarm or cool water to wash your hair. This helps preserve moisture and keeps your hair looking healthy and shiny. -
Protect Your Hair from the Sun:
Prolonged sun exposure can damage your hair, causing dryness, color fading, and split ends. Protect your hair by wearing a hat or scarf when outdoors, or use hair extensions or hair toppers to shield your hair from the sun. -
Regular Trimming:
Regular trims are vital to maintaining healthy hair. Even if you're trying to grow your hair out, trimming your hair every 6-8 weeks will remove split ends and keep your hair looking fresh. Healthy ends give the illusion of fuller, thicker hair. -
Halim Seeds:
One of my personal favorite tips for promoting hair growth is using halim seeds. Soak halim seeds in water for 2 hours, and consume 1 teaspoon of the soaked seeds daily with a fat source like milk, curd, avocado, or ghee. It’s an amazing remedy for improving hair growth and thickness.
Best Hair Styling Products That Won’t Damage Hair Quality
Styling your hair doesn’t have to come at the cost of hair health. Here are some best hair styling products that won’t damage your hair if used properly:
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Heat Protectant Sprays:
Always apply a heat protectant spray before using heat styling tools like straighteners, curling irons, or blow dryers. Heat protectants form a barrier between your hair and the heat, minimizing the risk of damage. -
Leave-In Conditioners & Hair Creams:
Leave-in conditioners and hair creams hydrate your hair and help reduce frizz. These products are excellent for keeping your hair smooth, shiny, and free from tangles. -
Texturizing Sprays or Sea Salt Sprays:
These sprays add volume, texture, and body to your hair. Sea salt sprays, in particular, give a beachy texture and enhance natural curls. -
Hair Extensions:
Hair extensions like volumizers and toppers can add thickness and volume without causing damage to your natural hair. Choose high-quality extensions that blend seamlessly with your hair for a natural look. Messy bun scrunchie is one of the best way add volume and style to your hair instantly. -
Hair Serums and Oils:
Hair serums and oils add shine, and smoothness, and reduce frizz. They’re ideal for keeping your hair hydrated and glossy without weighing it down.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to apply on hair daily?
For daily care, use a hydrating leave-in conditioner or hair serum. If you're using heat styling tools, always apply a heat protectant.
How to stop hair fall?
A healthy, balanced routine that includes a nutritious diet, stress management, and the use of gentle hair care products can help reduce hair fall. If hair fall persists, it may be helpful to consult with a dermatologist.
Is it okay to use hot water while washing my hair?
No, hot water can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz. Use lukewarm or cool water to wash your hair for healthier strands.
Is it okay to use conditioner after shampoo?
Yes, after shampooing, apply a moisturizing conditioner to your hair. This will help maintain softness and hydration. For extra care, apply a deep conditioning mask once a week.
Can I wash my hair every day?
Washing your hair daily can strip it of natural oils. Aim for washing your hair 2-3 times a week, using a sulfate-free shampoo.
How to grow hair volume quickly?
Achieving quick results in hair growth takes time, but consistency is key. Alongside hair extensions, a combination of a healthy diet, regular scalp massages, and the right hair volumizers can help you grow thicker hair over time.
Next Read: How real Hair Extensions can Transform your look?
