Embrace Your Unique Look: The Best Products for Different Hair Types

Hair is in a category of its own. There are hair awards, professional hair shows, and it’s a multi-billion dollar industry in the US alone. That’s why there’s no need to take a one-size-fits-all approach to care for something that holds a special meaning to each person. There are products that suit every strand and structure, and we’re here to cover them. 

Now, attempting to discuss all the best products for different hair types would be a daunting read, so in this article, we’re focusing solely on shampoos and conditioners. They’re the foundation of beautiful, healthy hair, and everyone deserves to use the right products that cater to their unique needs.

Choosing the Best Products for Different Hair Types

Between regular cuts, styling, chemical processes, and reactions to dramatic life changes, hair requires lots of time-consuming maintenance. It’s a labor of love, but you can save a lot of time in your haircare routine by learning which products best suit your hair type. 

For example, if your hair is on the drier side, as most curly types are, then using a highly clarifying shampoo for oily hair could be potentially disastrous. However, a moisture-rich shampoo ensures that curls are properly hydrated and resistant to frizz, which results in easier styling and less stress on your arms. 

So, what is your hair type? Everyone falls within four categories ranging from Type 1 to Type 4. Within each type is a subcategory of A, B, and C. As the number and letters increase, so does the body of your hair. We’ll go through a description of each category, along with our picks for the best products for different hair types. 

Type 1 Hair

Type 1 is straight hair. It may be fine or full, but generally, it has zero curl and may be prone to oiliness. If your scalp gets noticeably greasy, try a clarifying formula like Kerastase’s Specifique Bain Divalent Shampoo. It removes excess buildup on the scalp while keeping your ends soft. It’s also safe for daily use, so if you have naturally overactive sebum production, you can finally get some relief. 

Those with thicker, fuller straight hair tend to hit the hot tools regularly, so you can fight dryness and breakage with Kerastase’s Nutritive Bain Satin 2 Complete Nutrition Shampoo. While you’re washing, plant proteins strengthen strands, and fats boost shine for smooth, healthy hair. Pair these shampoos with their conditioners for maximum, color-safe effects.

Type 2 Waves

Type 2 are the loosest kind of curls known as waves, with Type 2A being a loose, tousled wave and 2C having a well-defined S-shape. You are prone to frizz and an ill-defined shape, so it’s actually beneficial to use the best products for different hair types to help whip your hair into said shape. 

Choose a moisturizing shampoo that supports lively elasticity, like Davines’ LOVE Curl Enhancing Shampoo. This sustainably-crafted brand combines science and nature to gently cleanse hair and supply it with essential proteins and nutrients.

Follow your wash with their LOVE Curl Enhancing Conditioner in this Combo Pack to provide rich yet lightweight nourishment from panthenol (also called Vitamin B5), sweet almonds, and protective antioxidants. Fans of this combo love that it leaves their waves defined, soft, and radiant.  

Type 3 Curls

Type 3 is a distinct curl that ranges from loose loops to tighter springs. You wouldn’t expect products called the UNITE Hair Lazer Straight Shampoo and Lazer Straight Conditioner to work for thick curls, but the best products for different hair types have effective crossover action. In fact, this shampoo and conditioner combo is made to impart rich moisture and maintain smoothness and a bouncy curl pattern. 

These sulfate-free products have shea butter and rare argan oil, so your hair gets maximum moisture in each step. Plus, nutrient-dense extracts from citrus, apple, green tea, and sugarcane nourish hair on the inside and protect strands on the outside. To rock a straight style, add UNITE Hair’s Lazer Straight Relaxing Fluid to damp hair to seal in moisture and protect from the heat with coconut oil, panthenol, and vitamin E.

Relaxed curls can choose Ouidad’s Curl Shaper Good As New Moisture Restoring Shampoo and Curl Shaper Double Duty Weightless Cleansing Conditioner. They’re amongst our best products for different hair types for their high-quality, multi-faceted benefits. You’ll love the shampoo because it’s loaded with fortifying silk proteins and fatty acid-rich seed oils, but let’s talk about the conditioner. 

This multi-tasking cleansing conditioner is perfect for resetting your curls without the risk of over-washing your naturally dry hair. It offers gentle cleansing action on top of being richly moisturizing, making it perfect for co-washing Type 3 and 4 curls and coils. To condition, apply this paraben and phthalate-free formula to the length of the hair for a few minutes before rinsing. To wash, massage it into the scalp to cleanse and work it into the rest of the hair for refreshed, soft curls.

Type 4 Coils

Coils are the most delicate hair type, ranging from very tightly shaped curls to a zig-zag shape, both prone to breakage. We’ve covered how the best products for different hair types can work across patterns, but coils should be well-saturated to handle them safely, so look for rich, dense formulas to offer the best care to your strands. A creamy shampoo like Kerastase’s Curl Manifesto Bain Hydration Douceur Shampoo will start the cleansing and comb-out process safely and easily. 

It has nutrient-dense Manuka honey from New Zealand, which draws hydration in for plumped, frizz-resistant hair. Naturally occurring ceramides also seal the cuticle and prevent moisture loss. Follow with a Curl Manifesto conditioner or a weekly hair mask for the ideal balance of softness and bounce after every wash day. 

Things to Consider

Hair can be a combination of multiple types, especially around the nape and forehead. Since some products can overlap, have patience if it takes a minute to find the best products for different hair types. With many aspects to consider, trial and error can still be part of the process, even when armed with knowledge.

Also, factor in your hair’s health when making haircare choices. Damage from over-styling, careless chemical processes, or environmental exposure requires a change in handling and potentially extra steps during the wash process. And yes, we’ve got you covered there! Head to our Beauty Resource Center for more information, and you’ll be back to routine healthy hair upkeep in no time.