Hair Care is multifaceted

Shampoo, conditioner, wax, gel and more. There are plenty of different options when it comes to hair care and styling. There are just as many suggested routines, do's and don'ts too. Here is our brief overview of the simple basics of hair care.

Hair has a big impact on our feeling of well-being. We want to look and feel good. Taking care of yourself is part of your daily ritual. Wash, style, blow-dry and your perfect hairstyle is ready to go. Or maybe not? It’s not quite that simple with hair care, is it? There are a few things you need to pay attention to, especially as there is really no single answer to the question of what the right hair care is.

Instead, it is personal and needs to match your hair type. For example, people of African origin have a different hair type than people from Asia. Caucasian hair is completely different again, in terms of its characteristics and features.

In order to find the right hair care, you first have to know what your hair needs. Is my hair fine or thick? Is my hair dry or oily? Is it distressed, colored, long or short? Armed with this knowledge, it is easy to find the right products to maintain and care for your hair to help you achieve the perfect hair. If you’re still unsure, your own hairdresser is sure to be a good person to ask.

Just like our skin, our hair is exposed to a variety of stress factors from which it needs to be protected. All these factors, along with health and genetic factors, play a major role in the general condition of our hair, and can have more or less unpleasant consequences.

Hair can become brittle and lose its springiness. Dandruff, itchy scalp or excessively greasy hair are also results that you certainly want to avoid, or at least put right once they occur.

Hair care should therefore not only be a “tedious” morning routine, but should also have an important place in your daily self-care rituals. Quite apart from the right products, there are a few things you should either stop doing, or do better to improve your hair care.

Stress factors:

UV rays from the sun
Pollution
Winter cold
Chlorinated or salty water when swimming on holiday
Mechanical and chemical processes during styling (such as straighteners or hair coloring)

More shampoo does not necessarily mean better results when washing your hair. Pay attention to how much you use. For medium-length hair, an amount the size of a golf ball or walnut is sufficient. Washing several times with the same shampoo is also not necessary. An exception, of course, is extremely dirty hair that is just begging for a second wash.

To avoid stressing the sheath, the scaly outer layer, avoid massaging the shampoo too hard into the ends of the hair. For targeted hair cleaning, you only need to wash your hair with shampoo close to the scalp, and lightly massage the scalp. The foam and water will disperse and remove the dirt from the longer hair and rinse it out.

Set an appropriate water temperature. Water that is too hot is not good. It is better to have the water too cool than too warm. In this context, lukewarm doesn't mean you don't care, it means just right. It will be good for you.

Are you also one of those people who step out of the shower and scrub their hair dry in the bathroom like crazy with a towel? Please, do not do this. Give up the wild towel maneuvers. Your hair, especially its outer sheath and structure, will really thank you.

What is what exactly?

Shampoo

Cleans hair, removes dirt, grease, and any dandruff. There are special shampoos for different hair types, such as dandruff shampoos and shampoos for dry hair.

Conditioner

People often refer to these as rinses. Are these 2 different products? No. A conditioner is a rinse. Usually it is applied after the shampoo and closes up the hair structure again. It also replaces the moisture removed by washing. Your hair will look smoother, glossier and healthier. Normally the conditioner is rinsed off with water after a short time. However, there are also some products, known as leave-in conditioners, that can remain in your hair.

Hair oil

Seals the hair and stops it drying out. It's especially suitable for dry and distressed hair. Simply massage into the tips and let it get to work. Your hair immediately becomes sleeker.

Hair tonic

Hair tonic is applied directly to the scalp where it then acts. Combined with a gentle scalp massage, it helps to stimulate the circulation. Hair tonics are frequently used against dandruff and/or hair loss in particular. They may be applied before or after washing the hair, or on dry, unwashed hair.

Hair (conditioning) mask

The most intensive way to care for your hair. Compared to a conditioner, a mask gets deeper into your hair and is left in for longer than conditioner. Like going to a spa, you pamper your hair and help it regenerate and repair itself. Usually once a week.

Blow-dry lotion / thermal protection

Excessive heat can damage and even destroy the structure of hair. When blow-drying or using a straightener, hair can be exposed to extreme temperatures. A lotion is basically a liquid protective shield against this heat.

Hairspray

A styling product for longer hair to make a hairstyle hold for longer. Depending on whether you want to fix your hair very firmly or just need a little control, there are different strengths you can buy. Some manufacturers grade the sprays according to their level of holding power.

Hair wax

Use a little wax to shape and style your sleek, short hair. Simply put it onto dry hair, spread it and style your hair the way you want. Adds a lot of grease and needs to be washed out at night.

Hair gel

Also usually for a short, sharp hairstyle. The well-known Wet Look was once a major trend, and this can easily be achieved using hair gel. To prevent the hair from breaking off during the night, the remaining gel should be combed out before going to sleep.

Mousse

Velvety foam to achieve the right style. It can be used on wet hair, and also on dry hair, to add hold and give your hair the desired shape. Let it dry, finish off, done.

Dry shampoo

Some people reach for this when time is tight and you have to get ready quickly, others use it as a regular alternative to normal hair washing (water and shampoo) in order to protect their scalp and hair. For many trekkers and mountaineers, by the way, this is a good way and sometimes the only way to wash their hair. Above 4,000 meters there can be problems with running water in the mornings, because it is simply frozen. Then you will be happy to have tucked some dry shampoo in your rucksack.

Scalp scrub

A healthy scalp means healthy hair. Do your scalp a favor from time to time, and exfoliate it with a scrub, including a head massage. The scalp will be cleansed; debris and dead skin removed. However, if you have a sensitive scalp, extreme dandruff problems or a dry scalp, exfoliation should only be done cautiously or after consulting a dermatologist.

In addition to this wide range of products for correct and suitable hair care, here are some tips that you might not have thought about before. They will, however, help your hair to relax a little more.

Who would have thought that your choice of pillowcase could affect the condition of your hair? If the fabric is too hard or too coarse, it can stress the outer sheath of the hair overnight, causing it to turn rough and damaging the structure. Smooth, silky covers are gentler on hair. Less friction means less hair stress.
Regular cutting isn't just about styling and looking good on the outside. Whether it’s taking off the whole thatch, or just trimming the tips – going to the hairdresser takes care of your hair. Better done on a regular basis.
Any residues that have clung to your hair will be removed by showering and washing. But what about when you comb or brush it afterwards? Do you also remove unwanted residues from the comb or brush, whether this is dandruff, gel or wax? After all, this mixture of residues from yesterday's hairstyle isn't supposed to end up on your head again today, right?

And even with all the articles about this topic online, the numerous YouTube tutorials and expert recommendations, there is one question, mainly for women, that almost always goes unanswered: How do you blow dry long hair correctly? With your head down, or upright with an increasingly tired “hairdryer” arm above your head? We will definitely be revisiting this question later, here in our Care Creations Kosmos. Maybe you have some tips and photos? Follow us on Instagram. We are curious.