The Right Way to Apply Hair Products for Every Hair Type: Your Guide to Gorgeous, Healthy Hair

BY ELLE NKOSI
Dec 30, 2024
9 min read

When it comes to haircare, it’s not just about what you’re using—it’s how you’re using it. Sure, we’ve all got our arsenal of serums, creams, and leave-ins, but applying them the right way is the secret sauce to hair that feels light, healthy, and perfectly styled. Every hair type has its quirks; straight hair loves a lightweight touch, while curls crave that extra moisture. With a few tweaks to your application technique, those same products can go from “just okay” to absolutely game-changing.

Think of this guide as your cheat sheet to flawless hair days, no matter your texture. We’re diving into exactly how to apply your favourite products for straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair types so each strand gets the love it needs. Get ready to elevate your routine with pro tips for product application that’ll leave you with soft volume, natural shine, and touchable definition. Because when it comes to your hair, there’s no one-size-fits-all—just a few simple tricks to make every style look its best.

Here’s the definitive guide to applying hair products for every hair type, from roots to ends.

For Straight Hair: Less is More

Straight hair is prone to oiliness and flatness, so it’s best to focus on lightweight products that won’t weigh it down. Less is more for straight hair—overapplying will quickly lead to a limp look. Use the smallest amount possible and add more only if needed.

Hair Wash with Shampoo: When it’s time to cleanse, reach for a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. Focus on massaging your scalp to remove buildup, stimulate circulation, and encourage healthy hair growth—think of it as a mini spa moment for your roots. Be delicate with the lengths to avoid tangles or unnecessary breakage. Opt for formulas infused with light oils like coconut, almond, soybean, or sunflower, and look for ingredients like keratin and vitamins B5, C, and E for a boost of volume and body. Steer clear of parabens, alcohol, and heavy butters or oils that might weigh your hair down..

Apply Hair Mask on Ends: Once you’ve rinsed out the shampoo, apply a nourishing hair mask to the ends of your hair. Hair masks are rich in moisture and help restore elasticity to dry, brittle hair. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to work the mask through, smoothing it out and allowing it to sit for 5-10 minutes to deeply penetrate and hydrate your hair.

Apply Conditioner: After rinsing out the mask, apply a conditioner to your hair from mid-lengths to ends. Conditioner helps to lock in moisture and keeps your hair hydrated. Leave it on for a couple of minutes before rinsing thoroughly to reveal soft, manageable hair.

Hair Cream & Oil Serum: After gently towel-drying your hair, reach for a nourishing leave-in hair cream to lock in hydration and keep frizz at bay. Follow it up with a lightweight oil serum for an extra touch of shine and smoothness—look for formulas with Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein and Avocado Oil for maximum benefits. Concentrate the application on your ends to seal in moisture and protect against dryness, while keeping the roots product-free for a light, bouncy, and healthy finish.

Dry Your Hair: Dry your hair either by air-drying or blow-drying, depending on your preference. If blow-drying, use a heat-protectant spray to prevent damage from the heat and keep your hair smooth. Be sure to dry your hair in sections for a more even result, using a round brush for a sleek, straight finish.

For Wavy Hair: Moisturise and Keep it Light

Wavy hair craves definition without heaviness. Look for products that are moisturizing yet lightweight enough to allow for natural movement. Always remember scrunching products into wavy hair helps enhance natural wave patterns, giving you a fresh, textured look without flattening.

Shampoo: Start with a sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse your hair without stripping it of natural oils. Focus on your scalp, massaging gently to lift dirt, oil, and buildup. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to ensure your hair is clean but not overly dry. For wavy hair, look for shampoos that offer moisture and gentle cleansing, helping maintain the texture and volume of your waves.

Conditioner: After shampooing, apply a moisturizing conditioner to your mid-lengths and ends to restore hydration. Make sure to distribute the product evenly by running your fingers through your hair or using a wide-tooth comb. Leave it on for a few minutes to let it fully absorb. This will help soften the waves, making them easier to manage and style.

Protein Mask: To keep your waves strong and healthy, incorporate a protein mask once a week. Apply the mask after conditioning, focusing on the ends where hair is more prone to damage. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Protein masks help to strengthen the hair shaft, reducing breakage and promoting the definition of your waves.

Dry With a Microfiber Towel: After washing, gently blot your hair with a microfiber towel to absorb excess water. Avoid rubbing, as this can cause frizz. Microfiber towels are perfect for wavy hair as they reduce friction and prevent frizz, while still allowing your waves to form naturally.

Apply Curl Cream: While your hair is still damp, apply a curl cream to define your waves. Start at the ends and work your way up, ensuring even distribution. This technique encourages waves without weighing them down, avoid over-applying to the root area, as it can lead to greasiness. Curl creams help hydrate the hair, control frizz, and promote wave definition, leaving your hair feeling soft and bouncy.

Add Mousse: For extra volume and texture, apply a mousse. This light product will give your waves a fluffy, voluminous look without weighing them down. Mousse is excellent for creating soft, natural-looking waves that have plenty of movement.

Apply Milk Gel: For long-lasting hold and definition, follow up with a milk gel. This lightweight gel helps to lock in the wave shape while providing a smooth, frizz-free finish. Work the product through your hair, focusing on sections that need extra definition or mist a small amount of leave-in conditioner from mid-lengths to ends, keeping your movements light to maintain wave texture. Wavy hair can often benefit from leave-in hydration.

Diffuse: Next, use a blow-dryer with a diffuser attachment. Set the dryer to low heat and speed and gently lift your hair while drying, encouraging natural wave formation. Avoid touching your hair too much during this step, as it can disrupt the curl pattern. Let your waves air dry for a more natural finish, or diffuse until fully dry for a more voluminous look.

Finish With Hairspray: Once your waves are fully dry, use a flexible-hold hairspray to lock the style in place. Lightly mist your hair from a distance to avoid weighing down your waves or making them stiff. Hairspray will help maintain volume and definition throughout the day, keeping your waves looking fresh.

For Curly Hair: Structured Application is Key

Curly hair needs moisture and a structured application to maintain its natural curl pattern. Proper technique ensures curls remain defined and frizz-free. Curl-by-curl application is essential for this hair type. Sectioning and applying products in small amounts prevents frizz and keeps curls bouncy and well-defined.

Shampoo: Before you even begin applying products, it’s essential to start with clean, fresh curls. Wash your hair using a sulfate-free shampoo that’s specifically formulated for curly hair. Sulfates can strip natural oils from your hair, leaving it dry and frizzy, so it’s crucial to choose a gentle cleanser that maintains the moisture balance in your curls. If your hair is particularly dry or damaged, consider a moisturizing or hydrating shampoo that will replenish lost moisture and nourish your curls. Once you’ve applied the shampoo, gently massage your scalp with your fingertips (avoid using your nails) to remove buildup and increase blood circulation, which promotes healthy hair growth. Rinse thoroughly, ensuring that all the shampoo is removed. For added benefits, you can use a clarifying shampoo once a month to remove excess product buildup.
Leave-In Conditioner or Curl Cream: The next step is applying a leave-in conditioner. If you have low-porosity hair, choose a lightweight, water-based leave-in to prime and detangle your curls without weighing them down. For high-porosity hair, a richer, cream-based leave-in conditioner is ideal to deeply hydrate and nourish the strands, preventing them from losing moisture quickly. This step is key in locking in hydration, which is essential for curls that are soft and bouncy. Apply leave-in conditioner or curl cream section by section on damp hair, starting from the back. Use a “praying hands” method—placing the product between your palms and smoothing it down each curl section.
Mousse for Volume: Once your leave-in conditioner is evenly distributed, flip your hair upside down and apply mousse to your roots. The mousse will help lift the hair at the roots, adding volume and a bit of texture. For low-porosity hair, mousse provides a lightweight hold, enhancing your natural curls without adding unnecessary moisture. For high-porosity hair, mousse helps give a weightless, structured feel and works well with other hydrating products.
Define Curls with Gel or Curl Cream: After mousse, it's time to define your curls. Apply a gel or curl cream depending on your hair's needs. For low-porosity hair, go for a gel that helps create a strong cast, locking in curl definition and shine. If you have high-porosity hair, opt for a moisturizing curl cream to keep your curls soft and hydrated, then finish with a gel for a frizz-free hold. Scrunch the product into your hair, making sure each curl is evenly coated.
Let Your Hair Dry Naturally (Without Touching): Once your products are applied, gently flip your hair back and adjust it where necessary. At this point, it’s important to avoid touching your hair further to prevent frizz. The key to beautiful curls is to let them dry undisturbed. Experts recommend resisting the urge to fiddle with your hair while it’s drying, as this will disturb the curl formation and lead to frizz.
Diffuse Your Curls: For added definition, use a diffuser to dry your curls. Start by using a high fan setting and low heat, diffusing for 5-10 minutes until a firm cast begins to form around your curls. Once the cast is set, increase the heat to medium and hover the diffuser over your hair until it's completely dry. This method locks in the curl shape without causing excessive heat damage.
Break the Cast with Oil: Once your curls are dry, it’s time to break the cast and add shine. Take a lightweight oil and flip your hair over, scrunching the oil into the curls. This will soften the cast, reduce frizz, and bring out soft, bouncy curls. For low-porosity hair, opt for a light oil like jojoba to add shine without weighing the curls down. For high-porosity hair, a heavier oil such as argan or castor oil helps lock in moisture and maintain hydration throughout the day.

For Coily & Kinky Hair: Deep Hydration is Essential

Coily and kinky hair requires deep hydration to keep its shape and prevent breakage. This hair type often benefits from layering products to lock in moisture and enhance curl structure.

Shampoo: Start your wash routine with a sulfate-free, hydrating shampoo designed to treat your hair with the care it deserves. Look for formulas packed with natural, growth-boosting ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, aloe vera, honey, panthenol, amino acids, and ultra-nourishing hydrating oils. These powerhouse ingredients work together to deeply moisturize and strengthen your strands without stripping away essential natural oils. Avoid harsh sulfates, as they can be overly drying—especially for coily and kinky hair types that thrive on moisture. Think of this as the first step in creating a foundation for healthier, more resilient hair.
Deep Conditioner or Leave-In Conditioner: Follow with a rich, thick, hydrating conditioner to lock in hydration. Apply it evenly to damp hair, ensuring every section gets some love. Let the conditioner sit for a few minutes to work its magic before gently detangling. Start at the ends and work your way up, using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. If you're using a rinse-out formula, follow up with a thorough rinse. But if it’s a leave-in conditioner, simply let it stay and do its thing—because that’s what it’s meant for, right?
Cream or Butter for Moisture: Next, apply a generous amount of hair moisturiser, butter, or nourishing hair food, working in sections to ensure every strand is coated. Smooth the product onto each section with your fingers, locking in moisture to keep coils soft, and bouncy. Look for formulas packed with hydrating ingredients like coconut, jojoba, argan, avocado, or baobab oil, along with humectants such as honey, aloe vera, or glycerin to draw in moisture. Emollients like shea butter, mango butter, or cupuaçu butter provide softness and flexibility, while protein sources like amino acids or hydrolyzed protein strengthen and protect.
Sealing Oil: To prevent moisture loss, finish with a lightweight oil like argan, jojoba, castor oil or olive oil. Gently scrunch or pat the oil onto your hair, paying extra attention to the ends to combat dryness and split ends. For an added layer of care—and to protect your length—consider braiding your hair after moisturizing. This simple step not only maintains your hair’s moisture but also promotes growth and prevents breakage, leaving your tresses healthy and thriving.

General Tips for All Hair Types

Know Your Amounts: Over-applying can lead to build-up, dullness, or greasiness. Start small and add as needed.

Apply in Sections: For thick or textured hair types, working in sections can make application easier and more thorough.
Focus on Ends for Moisture: Most hair types benefit from focusing moisture-based products on the ends rather than roots.
Don’t Forget Scalp Care: Products like scalp serums and exfoliators should be applied directly to the scalp, massaged in with fingertips for optimal absorption.

Applying hair products correctly can be transformative, enhancing the natural beauty of your hair type without weighing it down or causing build-up. With these targeted techniques, you can keep your hair looking and feeling fabulous from root to tip, whether it’s sleek and straight or full of bouncy coils. Tailoring your routine to your unique hair type ensures that every product you use works in harmony with your natural texture, giving you gorgeous, healthy hair every day.