Alright, y’all. Let’s talk hair. Specifically, your hair. I get it, we’ve all had those days when our hair refuses to cooperate and we end up in the “I’m just gonna wear a hat” zone. It’s okay. We’ve all been there. And trust me, the quest for the perfect haircare routine can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. You need the right mix of products, timing, and patience (a thing I struggle with).

But hey, you’re not alone! Whether you’ve got sleek, straight strands, bouncy curls, or coily hair that has zero chill, I’ve got the deets on how to treat your hair like the royalty it is.

Let’s break it down, step by step, and get that hair on point.

1. Straight Hair: Sleek, Chic, and Low-Key

Okay, straight-haired folks, this one’s for you. Straight hair is like that friend who always looks put together—no frizz, no fuss. But trust me, even though you might think straight hair is the easiest to manage, there are still a few tricks to keep it looking fab.

• Shampoo & Conditioner: First things first, don’t overdo it with products. Your hair doesn’t need too much. Go for a lightweight, volumizing shampoo to give your hair some bounce. Heavy conditioners will weigh it down faster than you can say “flat hair.” I learned the hard way that if I use a heavy moisturizer on straight hair, I’m basically asking it to look limp and greasy. So, let’s keep it light.
• Styling Tips: If you’re going for sleek and shiny, a heat protectant is your best friend. I swear, after using one, my blowouts look like I spent hours at a salon. Just spray it in before you use any hot tools, and thank me later. For days when you don’t want to use heat, a lightweight serum can give you that smooth, shiny look without the flatness.
• Common Mistakes: Here’s my issue: I used to wash my hair every day. Big mistake. Turns out, straight hair gets greasy quickly, but over-washing just makes it worse. Now? I try to wash every other day, and it’s made a huge difference.

2. Wavy Hair: The Best of Both Worlds

Wavy hair is like that perfect middle ground. Not quite straight, not quite curly, but just enough texture to make things interesting. It’s the Goldilocks of hair—not too much, but just enough to stand out.

• Shampoo & Conditioner: For waves, balance is key. You don’t want your hair to be weighed down by too much moisture, but you don’t want it dry either. Look for a sulfate-free, volumizing shampoo that’ll give you some texture without making your hair flat. I’m all about a salt spray for that beachy wave look. Fun fact: My neighbor Tina swears her kale patch cured her Zoom fatigue—and she’s not wrong. She also uses a wicked salt spray that gives her waves the perfect amount of texture.
• Styling Tips: Don’t mess with your waves too much. After washing, skip the towel and go for a cotton shirt or microfiber towel. This’ll help you avoid frizz. Then, scrunch in some mousse or light gel to give your waves more definition. Want extra volume? Diffuse it. You’ll get those full, beachy waves that’ll have people asking, “How do you get your hair to look so effortless?”
• Common Mistakes: Over-styling. I’m guilty of this one. Sometimes, less is more. Let your hair be. Over-applying products can make it look limp. So, try not to drown your waves in too much mousse or gel.

3. Curly Hair: Embrace the Curls, Baby

Curly hair is a whole vibe. It’s got personality, it’s got volume, and let’s be honest, it’s got texture. But curly hair also has its own set of rules. If you’ve got curls, you know what I’m talking about—humidity is your arch-nemesis, and frizz? It’s always lurking around the corner.

• Shampoo & Conditioner: Curly hair loves moisture. Honestly, it can never get enough. Go for a rich, hydrating shampoo and conditioner, but avoid sulfates. I learned the hard way that sulfates are too harsh and strip my curls of their natural oils. Now, I’m all about products with coconut oil, argan oil, and shea butter. My curls eat that stuff up. Leave-in conditioner is also crucial—don’t skimp on it!
• Styling Tips: After washing, avoid touching your curls as they dry. I know, I know—it’s so tempting to run your hands through them. But don’t! Just apply styling cream or gel while your hair is still wet, scrunching as you go. Let your curls dry on their own, or use a diffuser. I’ve tried to air dry before and, uh… my curls didn’t look so cute. It was more like a frizz tornado, which, y’know, isn’t the vibe.
• Common Mistakes: Dry combing. I’ve done it. We’ve all done it. But here’s the deal: curly hair is fragile. Only detangle it when it’s wet and conditioned, and use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. Also, heavy creams? Nah. They’ll weigh your curls down, leaving them limp instead of bouncy.

4. Coily/Kinky Hair: TLC is the Key

Okay, coily hair. You’re the Beyoncé of hair types. You’re full of personality, texture, and life, but let’s be real—you can also be high maintenance if you don’t give your curls the attention they deserve. Coily hair tends to be drier, so moisturizing it is crucial.

• Shampoo & Conditioner: Coily hair loves rich, thick conditioners. I’m talking deep conditioners, oils, and creamy formulas. If your hair is coily, moisture should be your top priority. Don’t skimp on that deep conditioning treatment—it’ll keep your curls popping. And for shampoo, go sulfate-free, because sulfates will strip your hair of everything that makes it fabulous.
• Styling Tips: A leave-in conditioner, oils, and butters are your best friends. I always apply them when my hair is still damp. You’ll need to section your hair off to make sure everything gets coated. Want to define those curls? Try finger-coiling—wrapping each curl around your finger. It takes time, but it’s worth it for defined curls.
• Common Mistakes: Using regular towels to dry your coily hair. Big no-no. The friction will cause frizz and breakage. I use a cotton T-shirt or microfiber towel. Trust me on this one—your curls will thank you. Also, don’t try to detangle dry hair. Only detangle when it’s wet and conditioned.

5. Fine or Thin Hair: Volume is Everything

Fine hair can feel like a blessing and a curse. It’s delicate, it’s light, but it can also get flat super easily. You just need the right tricks to get it looking full without making it too heavy.

• Shampoo & Conditioner: Lightweight products are a must. Go for volumizing shampoos and conditioners, but be careful not to use anything too thick. Fine hair doesn’t need much—just a little bit of boost. Also, protein-based products can help strengthen it.
• Styling Tips: Root-lifting sprays are your best friend. You’ll want to add a little volume, and a quick spray at the roots will do the trick. Dry shampoo isn’t just for greasy days—it can add texture and give your fine hair that “fullness” it craves. Air-drying can also work wonders here. It avoids heat damage, and your hair stays voluminous.
• Common Mistakes: Over-conditioning is a big one. Fine hair doesn’t need heavy treatments. Keep it light and clean. Also, skip the regular straightener for every day. Fine hair is fragile, and too much heat will leave it looking limp.

Final Thoughts

Your hair is yours, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Finding what works for your hair type will take some trial and error—but trust me, once you nail it, your hair will be on fire. Whether it’s sleek, wavy, curly, coily, or fine, there’s a routine that’ll give you those #hairgoals you’ve been dreaming of. Keep it simple, be kind to your hair, and remember—what works for me might not work for you, but we’re all in this wild hair journey together.

And if your first attempt at a new routine flops? Don’t sweat it. We’ve all been there. My first herb garden died faster than my 2020 sourdough starter—RIP, Gary.