Hair Care and Styles For Men and Women

We all know that our hair needs attention, but not everyone is familiar with the best products to use. Fortunately, the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab tests hundreds of haircare and styling products every year to help you find the best ones for your specific type of tresses.

Before you can style your hair, you must first make sure it’s in top condition. This means washing it regularly, applying a quality conditioner that nourishes strands, and using products designed to keep your scalp healthy and clean.

Regardless of your hair type, conditioning is an essential part of any hair care routine. This helps lock in moisture, smoothing out frizz and flyaway strands. It also makes your strands easier to comb and style.

The best way to achieve this is by focusing your conditioner on the ends of your hair, rather than your roots. That way, you won’t over-condition your scalp, which can cause it to become dry and brittle.

It’s also a good idea to apply shampoo to the scalp, not just the lengths of your strands. This is because shampoos that focus on the ends of your hair can strip them of moisture and cause your strands to look dull and lackluster.

If you’re not sure what shampoo to choose, start with an anti-dandruff or regular formula that is gentle and moisturizing. Avoid shampoos that contain sulfates or other harsh chemicals, as these can strip the natural oils from your strands and make them break easily.

Another great way to keep your strands looking their best is to invest in a high-quality conditioner that will lock in moisture and smooth out any frizz. These conditioners will not only prevent your strands from getting dull and lifeless, but they’ll also add extra body and shine to your locks.

Men who have short to medium-length hair can rely on salt spray, which is a low-hold product that gives your hair texture and hold. It’s ideal for sculpting a pompadour or creating a more tousled look, and it works well with other products such as pomades or styling balms.

For longer hair, try sugar spray or a wax-like product that provides more texture and hold. These aren’t as drying on the hair as salt spray, so they’re a great option for people with dry and brittle strands that need a little bit of extra support.

It’s also a great idea to use a hair serum on your strands before you begin styling. This will help seal in the moisture and make your strands feel more pliable while you style them, so they don’t get stuck in place.

You can also add a bit of a protective layer to your strands when you’re blow-drying, curling, or straightening them with a heat protector spray. This will protect your strands from the harmful effects of hot tools and will keep them looking shiny and healthy all day long.