When deciding on a hair care regimen, have you ever considered that different parts of your hair have different needs? A dry shampoo can fix an oily scalp, but what about damaged ends? Alternatively, your brittle, vulnerable roots may require a special kind of pampering.
If your hair has different needs from your roots to the tips, you probably have combination hair. It’s an important diagnosis since it can affect how you interpret your hair care needs. Just like figuring out your skin type, you must make an effort to observe how each part of your mane behaves in order to restore its natural balance.
Then there’s your scalp. It requires different maintenance than your strands since it acquires dirt and grease more readily. Which is why you often find your scalp a tad oilier than your tips. A hydrating shampoo can nourish your hair, but your scalp may need something more.
It really all comes down to picking the right products, from conditioners to hair masks. Here’s a quick guide on how to take care of combination hair.
How to Know If You Have Combination Hair and What to Do About It
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For Oily Roots and Dry Ends
L'Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Rebalancing Shampoo, $4.99 at CVS
Instead of relying on a drying, powder-based shampoo, try opting for a nourishing solution that will also balance your scalp. This formula has three different refined clays to purify oily roots and hydrate dry lengths simultaneously.
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For Sensitive Scalps and Limp Locks
DpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub With Pink Himalayan Sea Salt, $38 at Ulta Beauty
Your scalp gets oily as grease and products start building up, which is why exfoliation is so important. This pink Himalayan sea salt scrub removes dirt and dead skin cells while balancing pH levels.
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For Flaky Scalps and Fine Strands
Living Proof Restore Dry Scalp Treatment, $32 at Sephora
Avoid products that tend to get clumpy and weigh hair down. This dry scalp treatment has a vitamin B3-based complex to get your scalp's moisture levels back in check. It also has a hyaluronic acid-based molecular patch that hydrates and prevents breakage.
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For Greasy Scalps and Split Ends
Tree To Tub Soapberry for Hair, $18.55 at Tree To Tub
If you often expose your scalp to heat styling or synthetic products, you need something with restorative properties. This natural shampoo has antioxidant-packed soapberry to rejuvenate your scalp. The formula also tackles split ends courtesy of organic botanicals.
