How To Get Healthy Hair

Your hair is as unique as your fingerprint—and understanding its needs is the key to unlocking shine, strength, and confidence. But with endless product shelves and one-size-fits-all advice, it can feel overwhelming to figure out what actually works for your hair. In this blog there will be explanations of each hair type along with recommendations to help your hair health journey. Just know that finding the right routine is a process and not everything recommended will match your unique and beautiful hair. The truth? Beautiful, healthy hair starts with two things: Knowing your hair type (your texture and curl pattern) Understanding your hair porosity (how your hair absorbs and holds moisture) In this guide, you'll learn how to care for your strands based on both, with top product picks to match.

6/26/20254 min read

topless woman with eyes closed
topless woman with eyes closed

Type 1: Straight Hair (1A–1C)

Smooth, shiny, and often oily, straight hair benefits from products that cleanse buildup, add lift, and avoid weighing strands down.

Low Porosity (Product sits on hair easily, buildup-prone)

  • Kérastase Bain Divalent Balancing Shampoo
    Why it works: Formulated for oily roots and dry ends, this gentle cleanser detoxifies without over-drying—perfect for straight hair that gets greasy fast. https://amzn.to/4kudSit

  • Kérastase Densifique Fondant Densité Conditioner
    Why it works: This lightweight conditioner adds body and density without heaviness. Perfect for fine, straight hair that needs moisture but hates buildup
    . https://amzn.to/4epF4gD

  • Verb Volume Dry Texture Spray
    Why it works: Adds texture and body while absorbing oil between washes. Ideal for limp strands and increasing root lift. https://amzn.to/4k87BZz

High Porosity (Often dry from coloring or heat use)

  • Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo
    Why it works: A sulfate-free formula rich in moisture but light enough for fine hair. Restores softness and color vibrancy. https://amzn.to/4lsID8d

  • It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Lite
    Why it works: This lighter version of the cult-favorite leave-in repairs and detangles without weighing hair down—a lifesaver for overprocessed straight hair. https://amzn.to/3I07aTK

  • Moroccanoil Treatment Light
    Why it works: Nourishes and adds shine with argan oil while being lightweight enough for fine, high porosity strands. https://amzn.to/4kVqgJb

Type 2: Wavy Hair (2A–2C)

Wavy hair loves balance—moisture without weight, definition without crunch.

Low Porosity

  • As I Am Coconut CoWash
    Why it works: A non-stripping cleanser that gently removes buildup while adding light moisture. Great for waves that don’t need harsh shampoo. https://amzn.to/4njmquS

  • Bumble & Bumble Curl Light Defining Cream
    Why it works: Defines waves and soft curls without stickiness or stiffness—perfect for enhancing texture with movement. https://amzn.to/4kbIe98

  • Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Defining Cream
    Why it works: Adds hold and shape to loose waves, fights frizz, and layers well without build-up—ideal for low porosity textures. https://amzn.to/4ejGObg

High Porosity

  • SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo and Conditioner
    Why it works: Infuses moisture and strengthens damaged or thirsty strands. Shea butter helps repair the open cuticle layer. SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo https://amzn.to/4emDAnr

  • Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream
    Why it works: Rich and nourishing, it provides deep moisture and helps prevent breakage. Ideal for porous waves that lose hydration fast. https://amzn.to/3TcdBW1

  • Camille Rose Cocoa Nibs & Honey Growth Serum
    Why it works: A lightweight oil-serum that seals in moisture and promotes hair growth—perfect for high porosity hair prone to dryness. https://amzn.to/45Dv69b

Type 3: Curly Hair (3A–3C)

Defined curls need moisture, structure, and gentle handling. Frizz and breakage are common concerns.

Low Porosity

  • DevaCurl Low-Poo Delight Cleanser
    Why it works: A low-lather, sulfate-free cleanser that hydrates while gently cleansing. Designed for fine or easily weighed-down curls. https://amzn.to/44mOvsK

  • Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner
    Why it works: Lightweight, silky slip that detangles effortlessly—great for fine, low porosity curls that hate thick creams. https://amzn.to/4kesgLo

  • Bounce Curl Clump & Define Cream
    Why it works: Lightweight cream that enhances curl definition without leaving residue. Avocado and argan oil add softness without heaviness.https://amzn.to/4luzxb6

High Porosity

  • Mielle Babassu Oil Conditioning Shampoo
    Why it works: Strengthens and cleanses with natural oils and protein, making it great for curls damaged from heat or dye.https://amzn.to/45EGsK9

  • TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask
    Why it works: Deeply moisturizing, with honey and olive oil to soften, restore, and repair curls. A staple for dry, high porosity hair.https://amzn.to/44C74dG

  • Alikay Naturals Essential 17 Hair Growth Oil
    Why it works: Packed with 17 essential oils and herbs, it strengthens and seals in moisture. Best for porous curls that need long-lasting hydration.

Type 4: Coily/Kinky Hair (4A–4C)

Rich, textured, and fragile—Type 4 hair needs deep hydration, softness, and protective care.

Low Porosity

  • Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Shampoo
    Why it works: Gentle but effective cleanser that hydrates while cleansing. Almond and avocado oils penetrate low porosity hair better than heavier butters. https://amzn.to/3T7UGM6

  • Oyin Handmade Hair Dew
    Why it works: A cult favorite lightweight moisturizer that works well under protective styles and refreshes hair without buildup. https://amzn.to/3TJG3Pe

  • Mielle Mongongo Protein-Free Hydrating Mask
    Why it works: Designed for protein-sensitive or low porosity hair, this rich mask softens and moisturizes without protein overload.https://amzn.to/4lknY66

High Porosity

  • Camille Rose Sweet Ginger Rinse
    Why it works: This gentle, sulfate-free cleanser removes buildup without stripping moisture. Ginger and essential oils support scalp health.https://amzn.to/3ZTpc02

  • The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam
    Why it works: A styling foam that delivers serious hold and moisture—perfect for defining twist-outs or wash-and-gos on porous coils.https://amzn.to/4nda0om

  • Camille Rose Black Castor Oil & Chebe Buttercream
    Why it works: Ultra-rich and restorative. Ideal for sealing in moisture, repairing damage, and strengthening fragile, porous strands.https://amzn.to/46erA5d

Bonus: Porosity Tips

Low Porosity

  • Warm water opens the cuticle for better product absorption.

  • Use steam or heat caps during deep conditioning.

  • Avoid heavy butters and oils that sit on the surface.

High Porosity

  • Do monthly protein treatments to strengthen the hair shaft.

  • Use heavier oils and creams to lock in moisture.

  • Use the LCO method: Liquid → Cream → Oil for longer hydration.

Hair health isn’t about copying someone else’s routine—it’s about building your own. When you know your hair type and porosity, choosing products becomes easier, results come faster, and bad hair days become rare.

Which hair type and porosity combo do you have? Share your go-to products below—let’s build a smarter, more confident self care community on this form! https://forms.gle/gDUL7avUg9Fw2R1p7