Caucasian Hair Products

Matching products to straight and wavy hair

This section covers shampoos, conditioners and treatments for straight to wavy hair, from fine to thick. Fine hair usually does best with volumizing or lightweight formulas that will not weigh it down, and conditioner applied only to the ends. Thick or coarse hair can handle richer conditioners and masks.

Wavy hair often sits between both worlds. Lighter creams or mousses can bring out the wave without making it limp, and scrunching with a towel or diffuser instead of brushing dry keeps the pattern.

Simple weekly routine

Wash as often as your scalp needs, condition every time, and add a deep-conditioning mask once a week if your ends feel dry. Trim every 8 to 12 weeks to keep split ends from traveling up the strand. If your hair looks dull or heavy, a clarifying wash can remove buildup from products and hard water.

Common problems and fixes

Flat roots usually come from heavy conditioner near the scalp or skipping a wash; try a lighter conditioner and a root-lifting spray. Frizz on straight or wavy hair often means the cuticle is dry, so a smoothing leave-in or a drop of oil on the ends helps. Brassiness in blonde or lightened hair can be toned with a purple shampoo once a week. Static in winter responds well to a humidifier, a less drying shampoo and a boar-bristle brush. Swimmers can rinse with fresh water before and after the pool to limit chlorine dryness.

Choosing by hair thickness

Run a single strand between your fingers: if you can barely feel it, your hair is fine; if it feels like thread, it is coarse. Fine hair likes lightweight formulas, coarse hair likes richer ones.