What do you really need to achieve those luscious locks? Spoiler alert! Not that much, and we LOVE the result!

Published 18.10.2023. Writer: Sara Christensen, Hairdresser and Make-up artist

Feel good about yourself

Everyday the beauty industry is launching new hair products- and treatments, tempting us into buying with promises of beautiful, healthy hair. But even the best products can give you a bad result if it's not the right fit for your hair, or if it's not used correctly. With so many hair products and different tools to choose from, finding the ones that are right for you can sometimes be a challenge.

Using Money on products and tools that end up gathering dust on your shelves, is an expensive habit, and it's also contributing to an already worrying over consumption.

That's why we have tested, tried and done the research. Getting to the bottom of that all important question! What do we really need to achieve those luscious locks? Their resultIs is this tree step routine, and spoiler alert! Anyone can do it, and we LOVE the result!

"...we have tested, tried and done the research. Getting to the bottom of that all important question! What do we really need to achieve those luscious locks?

As a hairdresser I know first hand that different hair types require different kinds of products. We suggest this routine can fit all hair types, as long as it consists of the right kind of products, with the ingredients to fit your unique hair type.

Hair salon products can be pricey, and sometimes we want to prioritize other things, or maybe our finances just don't allow it at the time.

That's why it's important to find the right products and combination with the right routine, making you able to go longer between washes, needing less product. And as a result of this, get healthier and shinier hair - saving you time and money!

What lies behind our recommendations

This article is not sponsored by any products or manufacturers, but we have linked our product recommendations to Amazon. This does not affect your price or conditions in any way, but it's an opportunity for us to make some profit, making it possible to continue with writing articles like these. Our recommendations are based on us testing out this routine over months ourselves, with many of the recommended products. We have looked into research and focused on obtaining experiences from other independent experts in the field. We have focused on not basing this article on any recommendations or experiences from manufacturers, hairdressers, articles or other, that are based on paid collaborations or sponsor agreements.

What is the logic?

The products we use, in addition to personal preferences and the condition of the scalp affects how often we need to wash our hair. Washing our hair too often, and with the wrong shampoo and conditioner, makes the hair and scalp dry. Washing your hair 2-3 times a week will be a good starting point if the scalp is normal or dry. If you have an oily scalp or prefer washing your hair daily for other reasons, try reducing washing to every other day. Reducing washes decreases damage to your hair, which will make it more- healthy and shiny - while possibly saving you time and money.

"...Instead of washing your hair 365 times in a year, you will be down to 182 times. This means you are using 50% less products and exposing your hair to 50% less heat treatment a year."

If reducing washes from everyday to every other day sounds insignificant, look at it this way; Instead of washing your hair 365 times in a year, you will be down to 182 times. This means you are using 50% less products and exposing your hair to 50% less heat treatment a year. (If you use heat treatment with each wash).

If you still prefer washing your hair everyday, then that of course is up to you. Either way, the right products combined with this routine, will give you a fresher and more healthy looking hair that feels softer and fuller.

What`s your hair type?

Fine hair has thin strands, it often quickly becomes flat and oily.

Medium hair has relatively thin strands, but it is easier to create volume in medium hair and it lasts a couple of days before it becomes flat and oily.

Coarse hair is thick and full, with thick hair strands. It can be a challenge to "tame", as it often gets big and puffy. It lasts for up to a week before it feels oily.

Let's get into it!

Step #1. In the shower

Find the right products for your hair and scalp, and know how to use them.

Shampoo

Many of us never find the right shampoo for our hair. This means missing out on the true potential of your hair and the beautiful results you want. We cleanse our hair to get rid of

oil and buildup from products and environmental pollution, as they make the hair heavy and oily. With a shampoo that doesn't clean your hair properly, you are left with some of that oil and buildup still on your hair and scalp. The hair is still somewhat dirty, although it appears clean at first, making it close to impossible to achieve a light, airy result for your hair. This also reduces the effect your other products have on your hair.

"... many shampoos contain several substances that aren't necessary to remove grease and dirt from the hair and scalp... A result of this can be a product that weighs down the hair and leaves it heavy and difficult to manage."

The second reason to change shampoo is that it's often too heavy for your hair.

Many shampoos promise results that aren't possible to achieve through a hair wash. Experts believe it is completely unlikely that vitamins will be able to penetrate the hair, because it is dead tissue. And therefore rule out that vitamins and enzymes have an effect on the hair or scalp truth applying shampoo. Shampoo manufacturers want to be innovative and stand out from the crowd of products on the market, constantly inventing new ingredients with creative names. So, many shampoos contain several substances that aren't necessary to remove grease and dirt from the hair and scalp. Tests have shown that far from all the conditioning substances in shampoos are known to have a good effect on the hair and scalp. Unnecessary ingredients can be left on the hair without adding care. Several products that promise strength and care from root to tip contain hardly any care substances with the type of moisture and/or fat that is good for the hair. A result of this can be a product that weighs down the hair and leaves it heavy and difficult to manage.

Get in to the roots: To get shiny and fresh looking hair, you must start by cleaning it properly. As a hairdresser I have seen many examples of women that are still oily in the scalp, although they just washed their hair. Your hair doesn't produce oil, your scalp does, so get the product into the roots. When you don't get shampoo all the way down to your scalp, you lose volume from your rots and the hair ends up looking flat and oily after a shorter time.

"Always wash your hair twice with shampoo...Leave the conditioner in the hair for 1 to 3 minutes"

Lather up: Apply the shampoo in your hands, use your fingertips to lift the hair from the scalp, while running your fingers into the scalp - from all sides. Make sure you get shampoo all over your scalp and massage gently. Don`t apply the shampoo itself to the mid-lengths and ends of the hair, this dries out the hair. Only use the suds to lather the lengths of the hair.

Always wash your hair twice with shampoo, if the shampoo still does not lather properly in the scalp, shampoo once more.

Cleansing shampoo: Use a cleansing shampoo in addition to your ordinary shampoo about once a week. This removes silicone and styling products that can build up in your hair over time, making it heavy and appearing greasy. When using cleansing shampoo, start your shampooing routine with one round of cleansing shampoo then follow up with a second round of your ordinary shampoo.

Or, get more for your money by buying in bulk:

Conditioner

Conditioner closes the cuticle on the hair shaft, this results in softer and more shiny hair.

After shampooing, use your hands to squeeze out some of the excess water in your hair.

How much product you need depends on the length and thickness of your hair, but about the size of a quarter is a good starting point. Use your fingers or a coarse-toothed comb to comb the conditioner well through the hair, from the mid-lengths to the ends. Leave the conditioner on the hair for 1 to 3 minutes. Rinse thoughtfully.

Hair mask and Treatment

Our hair is worn by environmental factors, coloring and bleaching, among other things. And for most of us, our hair could benefit from extra care and nourishment. Which hair mask is right for you and how often you need it depends on the state of your hair. With normal wear and tear, a treatment once a week can give great results. If your hair is damaged from bleaching or coloring it may need more intensive treatment to rebuild, and you can try treatment two to three times a week. You will notice when the effect of the treatment starts to wear off, and it's time for another round. Test to find out what is right for you.

When you find a quality hair treatment that suits your hair - and you use it correctly, it will make your hair stronger, healthier, more shiny and easy to care for.

Setting aside a few minutes every week for a hair treatment sounds easy enough, but in a hectic everyday life it can be challenging to find the time. Therefore it's important to choose a product that suits your routine, as well and gives you such good results that you will make the time to do it.

"...it`s important to choose a product that suits your routine, and gives you such good results that you will make the time to do it. "

After shampooing, squeeze out excess water in the hair, before applying the treatment from mid-lengths to the ends of the hair. Use your fingers or a coarse-toothed comb to comb the product well through the hair. Read the instructions for use on the product, as different products have different time for leave-in, and in some cases different application methods. As a rule, you do not need to use conditioner after the hair treatment has been rinsed out, but if the product description says otherwise, follow this.

...or the equivalent to this:

Step #2. Protekt and hold

Use products that protect and care, and make your hairstyle stay shiny and healthy looking for longer.

&

Step #3. Styling your hair

Make your hairstyle look beautiful for days

Less is better

Although using a lot of products can give the hair hold and shine in the short term, it is likely to weigh the hair down and cause it to tangle and become oily more quickly. My experience as a hairdresser, and from personal testing and searching online, less is more when it comes to the amount of product in the hair. Instead, spend your money on quality products and learn how to use them right.

All you need are these few products to protect your hair and make it shine.

"Although using a lot of products can give the hair hold and shine in the short term, it is likely to weigh the hair down and cause it to tangle and become oily more quickly."

A dirty hairbrush spreads oil and dirt on to the hair

Remember to clean your hairbrush regularly, preferably every week. You can use regular detergent, as it effectively removes grease.

Leave-in conditioner

Leaving conditioner makes a huge difference in your hair with little to no effort on your part, and it works no matter how you style it. Use leave-in conditioner in addition to your regular conditioner, because this is a great way to lock in the moisture from your regular conditioner - and protect your hair all the way up until the next wash. It also helps with frizz, flyaways and generally makes your hair look smoother, shinier and easier to work with. Leaving conditioner is a must have product, there's really no way around it!

"...leave-in conditioner is a great way to lock in the moisture from your regular conditioner - and protect your hair all the way up until the next wash."

You want to keep your hair healthy and hydrated while still feeling light, fresh and clean, so you'll need to experiment a bit to make sure you get the perfect balance for you. We recomend sprays for leaving conditioners, because creams can feel heavy and be difficult to spread evenly throughout your hair. Start by gently towel-drying your hair. For fine hair, use the leave-in conditioner in your mids to ends. Use about 8 sprays, making sure one of those sprays hits your ends directly. Medium hair can use up to 8 to 10 sprays, but again only on the mids and ends. And make sure one hits your ends directly. If you have coarse hair, do somewhere between 12 and 14 sprays, and even on the crown of your head. Worry more about using too little instead of using too much, your hair will drink this right up. These are great starting points, but you may need to experiment. If your hair starts feeling dirty really quickly, try using less. Or if your hair still feels dry, you can always try using more.

Heat protectant for blow drying and blow drying brush

A good blow dry cream reduces damage from heat styling and give your hair a smooth and shiny texture, while making your hairstyle last for longer. If you are a beginner with blowout or with a blow drying brush, we recommend seeing this youtube video, for blow drying: https://youtu.be/LmJiGGAa8XY?si=a43NEqLdaAXegeuh And this for blow drying brush: https://youtu.be/4qjS2Tr0zuc?si=94EQtjbUraj5kV5z

Be careful when using blow dry cream, if you use too much the hair can become heavy. Take a pea-sized amount and distribute it in your hand, distribute it along the length of the hair and then comb the product out with a wet brush.

Heat protectant for curling or flat iron

The number one cause of damage when you're doing your hair at home is using a curling- or flat iron without heat protection.

Heat protecting products reduces damage from heat styling and pollution. And make your hair look fresh for longer. A good heat protection creates a barrier to protect your hair from heat, while leaving it super shiny and looking much healthier. It adds hold, making your style last much longer than it normally would. Spray about 8 to 10 inches away from the hair to get full coverage. Spray on both the top of the section and the bottom of the section, to get an even distribution. Two or three sprays on each side is usually perfect. But remember, don't go too close to the roots. Then use a wet brush and brush through until the hair feels completely natural and free of product. When straightening or curling your hair, do this one section at a time. Take a two inch horizontal section, spray it and brush through, and use iron/ curler. Repeat all the way around your head. Use heat protection every single time you use a heat tool. Your style will last longer, be shinier and healthier - because it's protected from heat.

Hair Oil

The ends of your hair are open and vulnerable and need extra treatment, in the form of hair oil. The key to hair oil is using the right amount. Too much will make your hair greasy and heavy. If you don't use enough, your hair still looks dry. Experiment to find out what your hair needs. Use hair oil as the last part of your styling routine, when your hair is dry - especially if you are a beginner. You can use it on wet hair, but it's difficult to tell what's oil and what's water, and if you put on too much. Just take 2-3 drops in your palm and rub your hands together. They should then be glistening, but not wet. If your hands are wet, It's too much.

"Use hair oil as the last part of your styling routine, when your hair is dry - especially if you are a beginner. "

Then you run your hands over your ends and when there's almost no oil left on your fingers, you can work your hands up into your mid length. Look at your ends and assess them; do they look dry or do they look nice and shiny? If they are shiny, you're done. If they still look dry, repeat this process until they look shiny. That's how you apply your oil on wash day. On day 2, 3 or 4, your ends might start looking dry again, you can apply more oil , but remember, you probably don't need to use as much as washday - because your hair isn't as dry. Apply a little bit and just repeat until you get the look that you want. If you follow this routine, the hair oil will keep your hair feeling nice, light and fresh while also protecting your ends, keeping them from splitting.

Dry Shampoo

The longer you go between washes, the healthier your hair is. Washing and styling, especially heat styling damages the hair if you do it every day. Dry shampoo helps you go longer between washes, and allows you to spend less time on your hair. The dry shampoo absorbs the excess oil on your scalp, but to achieve this you have to get the dry shampoo onto your scalp where the oil is. Make several parts where you separate the hair to expose the scalp, then spray the dry shampoo on to the scalp. Start on one side of your head and work your way up all the way over to the other side. Make sure the spray isn't too close to your head. If you are worried about white residue, you can skip your hair parting and just do the sections around it. Make sure to do the back of your head, which often can be the dirtiest part. After you've applied the dry shampoo, let it sit for about two minutes, so it can absorb the oil. Then, take your fingertips and massage the dry shampoo into your scalp. Use a wet brush to comb out the hair. Some people feel dry shampoo gives their hair a weird texture. If you are using the wrong dry shampoo your hair will feel too heavy and it tangles easily. With the right product your hair will feel nice and light.

Savings measures

There are a number of ways to save money on your hair routine. As we mentioned above, reducing the number of washings per week can be a considerable saving measure. Buying in bulk is also a great way to save money. Many of the good quality brands offer bigger economy packaging of shampoo and conditioner. Be a little selfish: What we mean by this is, if you are more than one person in the household, maybe set aside your products between showers, or inform the people you live with that your products are off limits. It's really a waste, if for example your 12 year old son that takes a shower almost everyday after practice uses a reasonably expensive product for this purpose. Instead you can buy a less expensive shampoo - that you also use for your round number one shampoo, before using your customized shampoo for that second round. Just remember to buy a product that doesn't contain silicon, as this tends to build up in the hair. This will cut your shampoo expenses in half.

You can also monitor your favorite products to buy more when they are on sale. Last but not least, don't use a whole handful of products, you might need less than you think. Try your way, because this depends on how long and thick your hair is.

References:

Kalle, L. C. (2014, 30. mars). Derfor virker ikke sjampoen din. Adressa.no. https://www.adressa.no/forbruker/familieogoppvekst/i/6kJnl3/derfor-virker-ikke-sjampoen-din

Brix. L. (2015, 04. may). How often to wash hair?. videnskab.dkhttps://videnskab.dk/krop-sundhed/hvor-ofte-skal-man-vaske-haar/

Blowout Professor. (2021, 02. sep). How to Use Heat Protectant [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/DMopCcOFRS4?si=XL0Xl_D72dzE-9_V

Blowout Professor. (2. nov. 2021). Professional guide to hair oil. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/jbBPtj0GR2A?si=iyawdVZ0u0c_D1Yy

Blowout Professor. (29. jan.2023). My Hair Care Routine for Healthy Hair.

[Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/LXRSmLWeIeg?si=BIyOUyfCS74UnCY3

Blowout Professor. (11. jan. 2022). Professial Guide to dry shampoo.

[Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/9CJcj3wKlxw?si=1ucv5E8WitdCRI6T