Secrets of an Effective Hair Routine: Steps and Tips

On our social media channels, we help many clients create hair routines that are tailored to their hair type. One of the most common questions we receive is about the order of product application. We understand that this can be a little confusing!

In this article, we will answer this question based on MC's hair routine!

Before the shower...

Our hair is often in poor condition just before the "big hair clean-up". Let's take advantage of this opportunity! What's better than a sleek bun? We extend it for another day and take the opportunity to moisturize our lengths. How? By applying a moisturizing mask or oil to our dry hair! It's a 2 in 1: a sophisticated hairstyle and a treatment for our hair. For MC, it's a must!

She has a soft spot for Pureology's Superfood Mask , especially for its coconut scent. When it comes to oil, she has two options in her bathroom: the small bag version is Matrix's Food for Soft Oil , and for the larger bag option, she opts for Shu Uemura's Essence Absolue Oil . This allows her to nourish her hair while delaying the next wash by a few hours.

If the sleek bun/mask option isn't an option, she goes for a 2nd option! MC is an early riser and avid runner, so she often applies René Furterer's Complex 5 treatment before her morning run. This treatment stimulates the scalp and strengthens the hair. She sometimes adds a touch of oil to her lengths to moisturize them simultaneously. When she gets back, she jumps in the shower!

In the shower...

Clarifying and exfoliating shampoo

In the shower, the first product used is always an exfoliant or a clarifying shampoo. Many of you frequently use dry shampoo to space out washes, so a clarifying shampoo is essential to deeply cleanse your scalp. This first shampoo does not foam much, this is normal, it eliminates product residue and accumulated sebum . If you have a tendency to be oily, take a look at our article on this subject: War on oily hair: Our best tips to put an end to it! The second shampoo foams abundantly and leaves the scalp perfectly clean.

In Marie-Christine's case, she's constantly testing new products to recommend the best ones on the market, but her go-to shampoo has remained the same for years: L'Oréal's Metal Detox . This shampoo removes residue and accumulated metals while leaving hair light and shiny.

When it comes to exfoliation, MC uses it about once every two weeks. Since she doesn't have an oily skin type, there's no need to apply it more frequently. When she does use an exfoliant, she skips the clarifying shampoo step, as the exfoliant does that. Her favorite exfoliant is the Alterna Foaming Exfoliant , which is similar to Kérastase's, but at a more affordable price.

The 2nd foam and the mask

The choice of the second shampoo depends on the specific needs of the hair. For example, damaged hair requires a repairing shampoo, while dry hair needs a moisturizing shampoo. Currently, Marie-Christine's hair needs hydration, so she uses the moisturizing shampoo from the Mela & Kera range, a favorite!

She always uses in-shower masks instead of conditioner because they're more concentrated and intense, and she only washes her hair every five days. To balance out her hair routine, she chooses a mask that addresses a different issue than her shampoo. She's been a fan of Shu Uemura masks for years. They're luxurious, but a little goes a long way. Her two current favorites are Urban Moisture , which moisturizes hair to perfection, and Silk Bloom , which repairs without weighing it down.

 

On damp hair...

After washing her hair thoroughly, Marie-Christine uses a microfiber towel for about 15 to 20 minutes to blot out excess water. Using a microfiber towel prevents her hair products from diluting into waterlogged hair. Her hair is currently lacking moisture, so she uses products that provide hydration and suppleness. She has returned to R+Co Waterfall Moisturizing Lotion , which gives her hair shine and softness. She mixes it with a styling cream that controls frizz and provides heat protection. She favors Sachajuan Styling Cream to protect and soften her hair.

An essential in your routine...

It’s impossible to talk about MC’s routine without mentioning her heavy use of dry shampoo! Since she works out 5-6 times a week and only washes her hair about every 5 days, she needs a miracle product to maintain her perfect blowout throughout the week. She has two favorites: Sachajuan’s Foaming Dry Shampoo , which is perfect for after a hot yoga class or a run. It’s easy to use on damp hair post-workout. The second option is Living Proof’s Advanced Dry Shampoo , which she uses to add volume and a little refresh in between washes. PSSSST! She always opts for the jumbo size so she never runs out!

In summary...

Here is a little summary of the order in which to use all the products. Don't hesitate to write to us on our social networks so that we can advise you on a personalized routine.