Hair Types

How do I figure out my hair type?

Finding your natural hair type can help you choose the right haircare and hairstyling products. It's also the first step to creating an effective haircare routine that keeps your locks looking their best.

Different types of hair include straight, wavy, curly and coily. Each group has subcategories based on curl pattern, texture and density.

To identify the type of your hair, follow these simple steps from our experts:

1. Start with clean hair: Wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner. Skip styling products and let your hair air dry completely.
2. Observe your hair's natural pattern: Once dry, see if your hair falls into the straight, wavy, curly or coily category. This will determine your main hair type.
3. Feel the texture: Run your fingers through your hair to assess its texture. Hair can feel fine, medium or coarse.
4. Check the porosity: This step is optional but can be helpful. Drop a strand of hair into a glass of water. If it floats, your hair has low porosity. If it sinks quickly, it has high porosity. Hair that sinks slowly likely has even porosity.
5. Assess hair density: Part your hair into different sections and look at your scalp. If you can easily see your scalp, you have low-density hair. You have high-density hair if your scalp is mostly hidden by hair.

Is it possible to change my hair type?

Changing your hair type might sound like a dream, but it's mostly determined by genetics. Your hair type is influenced by the shape of your hair follicle, which dictates whether your hair is straight, curly, wavy or coily.

While you can't permanently change the structure of your hair follicle, there are ways to alter how your hair looks and feels temporarily. Hair products like relaxers, perms and keratin treatments can change the texture of your hair. Natural oils can improve the health of your hair shaft, making it smoother and more manageable.

For tips on managing and temporarily changing your hair type, drop by your nearest Hairhouse store. Our professional hairstylists can help you find the right treatments and products for your desired look. Use our Store Locator to find the closest Hairhouse and get expert advice today.

What hair products are good for straight hair?

Straight hair needs the right care to keep it looking sleek and shiny. To maintain healthy hair, start with a gentle shampoo that adds moisture without weighing it down. Using detangling sprays can help reduce breakage and keep your hair smooth and free of tangles.

To avoid split ends, incorporate a lightweight hair oil or serum into your routine. These haircare products nourish your straight hair and provide protection against heat and environmental damage.

What products work well for curly hair?

Curly hair needs special care because it's naturally drier and more prone to frizz than other hair types. This means it's important to find the right haircare products to make sure your natural curl pattern looks stunning. The key is to use products that hydrate, define and protect your curls.

To keep your curly hair healthy and looking great, start with a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo and a rich conditioner to tackle dryness. After washing, use a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to achieve defined curls and keep them hydrated. Here are some top product recommendations from our experts:

• Hydrating shampoo: This helps retain moisture and prevent frizz.
• Curl-enhancing cream: This hair product is perfect for defining loose curls and ringlets.
• Hair diffuser: Attach to your blow dryer to evenly distribute heat and enhance your curl pattern.
• Moisturising hair mask: Use weekly to deeply nourish your curls and combat dryness.
• Anti-frizz serum: This keeps your hair smooth and tames those wild, kinky strands.

We offer a wide range of haircare products perfect for all types of curly hair, including coily hair, wavy hair and everything in between. Whether you have loose waves or tight corkscrew curls, you can visit us for more tips and product recommendations to keep your curls looking fabulous!

What products are good for blonde hair?

Blonde hair requires special care to keep it looking vibrant and healthy. The right haircare products can help maintain your blonde locks, enhance your hair texture and protect against damage. For stunning, healthy blonde hair, use products designed to nourish and protect it from the sun and styling tools.

A good blonde hair shampoo can keep your blonde hair bright and free from brassiness. Incorporate products like lightweight hair mousse and hair gels to add volume and create bouncy hairstyles without dragging your hair down.

How to care for colour-treated hair

Colouring can make hair more prone to dryness and damage, so it's important to use the right products and techniques. With proper care, you can keep your colour-treated hair looking fresh and radiant for longer.

Follow these tips to help you keep your locks vibrant and strong:

• Hydration: Use a deep conditioning treatment regularly to keep your hair moisturised. This can work like skincare for your hair, which will help prevent dryness and breakage.

• Gentle products: Choose products specifically designed for colour-treated hair. They help protect your colour and nourish your hair without stripping away moisture.
• Protect the cuticle: Avoid excessive heat styling to prevent damage to the hair cuticle. When you do use heat, always apply a heat protectant spray.
• Promote hair growth: Regular trims and scalp massages can encourage healthy hair growth. This helps maintain the overall health of your hair.
• Limit sun exposure: Protect your hair from the sun's UV rays by wearing a hat or using hair products with UV protection. This prevents your hair colour from fading and keeps your hair healthy.

How to choose the right shampoo for my hair type

Different hair types have unique needs, whether you're dealing with dandruff or hair loss or simply trying to maintain the gorgeous look of your locks. It's important to match your shampoo to your hair type for the best results.

For those with oily hair, a clarifying shampoo can help remove excess oil and buildup. If you have a dry scalp, look for a moisturising shampoo with soothing ingredients.

For those experiencing hair loss, shampoos with strengthening and volumising properties can promote thicker, fuller locks. And if you're always on the go, a good dry shampoo keeps your hair fresh between washes.

What conditioners are good for different hair types?

For fine hair, use lightweight conditioners that add volume without leaving your hair flat. If you have frizzy hair, look for products with smoothing ingredients like coconut oil to tame flyaways and add shine.

Thinning hair benefits from conditioners that strengthen and add body, while those with curly or dry hair might prefer rich, hydrating conditioners or hair masks. For those who need extra moisture throughout the day, a leave-in conditioner can be a great addition to your routine.

We have a wide selection of hair products suited to every hair type. Whether you're looking for deep hydration, volume or smoothing effects, you can find what you need at Hairhouse. Check out our range online or in-store and shop now for the best items to keep your hair shiny and healthy!