The Science of Hair Health: Understanding Your Hair Type and How to Care for It

The Science of Hair Health: Understanding Your Hair Type and How to Care for It

Everyone’s hair is unique, and understanding what makes your hair the way it is can help you care for it better. Whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or coily, the key to healthy hair is using the right products and routines for your type. Let’s break it down in a simple way to help you understand your hair type and how to look after it.

What Decides Your Hair Type?

Your hair type comes down to things like:

  1. Shape: The shape of your hair strands determines whether your hair is straight, wavy, or curly.

  2. Moisture: How well your hair holds moisture (called porosity) affects whether it feels dry or hydrated.

  3. Oiliness: Your scalp produces natural oils, and how much of it reaches your hair strands affects if your hair feels greasy or dry.

Step 1: How to Find Your Hair Type

Straight Hair

  • What it looks like: Hair lies flat, shiny, and has no curls or waves.

  • Common problems: Can get oily or limp quickly.

Wavy Hair

  • What it looks like: Has loose “S” shapes that aren’t fully curly.

  • Common problems: Frizz and lack of volume at the roots.

Curly Hair

  • What it looks like: Spirals or ringlets that spring back when stretched.

  • Common problems: Dryness, frizz, and tangles.

Coily Hair

  • What it looks like: Tight, small curls or zigzag patterns.

  • Common problems: Often the driest and most fragile hair type.

Step 2: How to Care for Your Hair Type

Straight Hair

  • Use a lightweight shampoo to remove grease without weighing your hair down.

  • Condition only the ends to prevent oil build-up at the roots.

  • Dry shampoo is great for keeping it fresh between washes.

Wavy Hair

  • Use a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo to clean without drying your hair.

  • Add a leave-in conditioner or anti-frizz product to keep waves smooth and shiny.

  • Avoid brushing when dry—use a wide-tooth comb on damp hair instead.

Curly Hair

  • Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to keep curls moisturised.

  • Deep-condition your hair once a week to prevent dryness.

  • Look for styling creams or gels to define your curls without weighing them down.

Coily Hair

  • Apply an oil or conditioner before washing (this is called “pre-pooing”) to protect your hair’s natural oils.

  • Use creamy, rich shampoos and conditioners to hydrate.

  • Moisturise daily with leave-in products, and seal with oil to lock in hydration.

Step 3: Keeping Your Scalp Healthy

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Here’s how to care for it:

  • Dry scalp? Use a hydrating treatment or oil to add moisture.

  • Oily scalp? Wash with a balancing shampoo to control grease.

  • Sensitive scalp? Use gentle, fragrance-free products to avoid irritation.

Step 4: Protect Your Hair From Damage

No matter your hair type, summer in New Zealand can be tough on your hair. Here are some simple ways to keep it safe:

  • Use a heat protectant spray when you’re out in the sun or using hot styling tools.

  • Rinse your hair after swimming to remove saltwater or chlorine.

  • Wear a hat or scarf to shield your hair from UV rays.

Step 5: Stick to the Right Products

Every hair type needs different products:

  • Fine Hair: Look for lightweight, volumising shampoos and conditioners.

  • Thick Hair: Go for moisturising products to stop it feeling dry.

  • Coloured Hair: Use colour-safe shampoos and conditioners to prevent fading.

Common Hair Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Overwashing: Washing your hair too often can make it dry.

  2. Skipping Heat Protection: Styling with hot tools without protection causes breakage.

Using the Wrong Brush: Use brushes designed for your hair type to avoid damage.

Back to blog