Haircare brands are pushing out new products all the time, which makes buying new products very overwhelming. Which are these products worth purchasing? Do I really need all of these products? Which ones work best?

When it comes to taking care of your hair, you don’t need to be using every single product that is on the market. It’s about having the right products for your hair type, lifestyle, and styling needs. To help save you time and money, we’ve put together a list of the essential hair care products to have in your cabinet.

Shampoo & Conditioner

The shampoo and conditioner you use should work for your specific hair type and not all shampoos and conditioners work for everyone. When choosing your products, keep in mind the following:

Scalp Type – Is your scalp oily or dry? If your scalp is dry, you’ll want to opt for a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. If your scalp gets oily easily, it’s best to stay away from moisturizing products.

Hair Texture – Just like your scalp type, having a product that works for your hair texture is also important. If you have fine hair, volumizing shampoo and conditioner would work best. Those with courser hair should opt for a smoothing shampoo and conditioner.

Washing Frequency – Depending on the frequency in which you wash your hair will depend on the formula you use. An intense clarifying shampoo should only be used once a week.

Ingredients – Always stay away from shampoos and conditioners that have sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, sodium chloride, and synthetic fragrances and colors.

Keep in mind that it is okay to mix and match your shampoo and conditioner. While most are sold in sets, adding different formulas based on your hair needs is okay!

Tools

Depending on how you prefer to style your hair, investing in the right tools will help keep your hair healthy! If you tend to wear up your hair, adding damage-free hair ties will keep your strands healthy and strong.

Utilizing a detangling brush will help get knots out of your hair without pulling on the strands and breaking them and a great hairdryer will keep your hair smooth.

Hair Mask or Deep Conditioner

If you use a lot of heat tools or live in an area that gets really cold in the winter months, a hair mask or deep conditioner will ensure your hair stays moisturized and protect it from the elements. A hair mask and deep conditioner will also help avoid breakage, split ends, and dryness.

Leave-In Conditioning Spray

Before brushing your hair after your shower, utilize a leave-in conditioning spray to help detangle your hair, protect it from heat cools, and leave it feeling moisturized, smooth, and shiny.

Dry Shampoo

Have a hard time going between washes? Use dry shampoo! Not only will you be able to freshen up your hair, but you’ll be able to go between washes. Use it sparingly though! Dry shampoo can leave a lot of product build-up in your scalp, making washes necessary.