Feeling weighed down by your hair routine? You're not alone. Luckily, the solution is simple: It’s time to purge your way to becoming a full-blown minimalist. While barely there makeup and neatly groomed nails are in, we’re ready to cut down on another time-consuming part of our days, too.
Unless you’re a hairstylist or are frequently touched by the hands of one, figuring out what you need and when you need it can be a tough skill to learn. We’re determined to rid our lives of the complicated cocktails, cans upon cans of sprays, and heavy treatments we’re not quite sure about to find what will keep our hair at its best — with the least amount of effort. Whether you heat-style or air-dry, a shorter prep time can be yours. In fact, all you need is four products, no matter your hair type or texture.
Click ahead to see every product you really need for your hair and get ready to push those unneeded bottles to the back of the shelf.
Wavy Hair
If you want textured, voluminous waves, start your regime in the shower. Thom Priano, celebrity hairtylist and R+Co cofounder, calls it a "no-fuss" strategy to cut down on styling. This shampoo amps up strands.
R+Co Cactus Texturizing Shampoo, $24, available at Birchbox.
Shampoo and condition every-other day, Priano advises — and avoid a heavy conditioner, or else you'll risk weighing down the texture you're trying to add. This conditioner enhances beachy waves.
John Frieda Beach Blonde Smooth Seas Detangling Conditioner, $5.99, available at Target.
Matte Fugate, Kérastase consulting hairstylist, tells us, "Keep all product lightweight to add texture." This wave spray is ideal for wavy hair that refuses to be slowed down by a heavy product. It adds shine and grit.
Ouai Wave Spray, $26, available at Sephora.
The last step? Priano suggests a wax, since it adds gloss and shine. This will create movement, shape, and definition through ends.
Bumble and Bumble Semisumo, $29, available at Sephora.
Straight Hair
For those with straight hair, a cleansing oil that banishes buildup while moisturizing your scalp is key. This formula is intensely smoothing, but won't make hair limp.
IGK Smoke & Mirrors Conditioning Cleansing Oil, $29, available at Sephora.
Priano says that straight hair can be shampooed every day, if need be. Just be sure to include a thick conditioner to keep the shine going. This is one of the most no-frills conditioners we've ever tried, but still smells luxurious. You can wash daily, if desired, but never condition your scalp, Priano says.
Reverie Nude Conditioner, $40, available at Sephora.
If you do choose to skip a couple days, Fugate says that by the second or third day, your ends could get noticeably dry, so rub a dime-size amount of oil in your palms. Then, massage on your ends for refreshed moisture.
Earth’s Nectar Hair Gloss, $18.50, available at Sephora.
Fugate stresses that straight hair benefits from products with alcohol — and mousse is the best place to find this. Why? It dries up oil and prevents hair from getting too heavy or limp. Comb through towel-dried strands that are about 70% dry.
B ig Sexy Hair Big Altitude Bodifying Blow Dry Mousse, $17.95, available at Ulta Beauty.
Curly Hair
Fugate suggests that those with curly hair should focus primarily on moisture. Pay attention to your shampoo — you want to pick a formula that adds shine and hydration.
Verb Hydrating Shampoo, $14, available at Sephora.
There's something to be said for soft, touchable curls — and this rich conditioner delivers. Curly hair should be conditioned every time it's shampooed.
Redken All Soft Conditioner, $16.50, available at Ulta Beauty.
It doesn't stop there: This hydrating detangler could be crucial, depending on how thick your curls are. If you don’t tend to need an added thirst-quencher like this one, you can go right to the gel and skip the leave-in.
Amla Legend Combing Cream, $6.29, available end of January at Amla Legend.
Next comes a defining product: gel. This defining, shine-enhancing formula ensures a long-lasting style.
Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper Gel, $17.50, available at Birchbox.
Fine Hair
If your hair appears lifeless or you want it to be clean without all the buildup, opt for a lifting shampoo like this one.
Living Proof Full Shampoo, $25, available at Sephora.
Even if your locks don't appear damaged and have never seen a drop of dye, this restorative conditioner is impressively hydrating, strengthening, and nearly weightless when hair is dried. Priano adds that your conditioner should be incredibly light so you start off with a fresh base. Then, add your product.
L'Oréal Total Repair 5 Extreme Conditioner, $4.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
Want texture? Priano says Badlands is the way to go. Apply to clean strands for grit, thickness, and a second-day look.
R+Co Badlands Dry Shampoo Paste, $28, available at R+Co.
This texture spray adds a powerful mist of volume without feeling sticky.
Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast, $29, available at Sephora.
Textured Hair
Textured hair needs a more thirst-quenching shampoo than most, Priano explains. This hydrating, sulfate-free shampoo will not only moisturize, but also protects from damage.
Madame C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Coconut & Moringa Oils Curl Shampoo, $24, available at Sephora.
This conditioner is primarily made with olive oil, so it's smoothing, but never overwhelming for your ends.
DevaCurl One Condition, $22, available at Sephora.
If your curls need definition, smooth this gel on damp stands and either air-dry or use a diffuser.
Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Creme, $20, available at Sephora.
Hydration is the most important tip to remember, so finding a replenishing serum or oil that will nourish the ends, but not make the curl lose shape, is crucial.
Dove Advanced Hair Series Supreme Creme Serum Quench Absolute, $5.99, available at Target.
Thick Hair
Thick hair's biggest woe is how heavy it can feel, but it does need hydration. Priano says this shampoo is a lifesaver, since it's practically a cleanser, oil, and conditioner in one.
Kérastase Elixir Ultime Bain Riche, $43, available at Kerastase.
If you feel like your shampoo isn't pulling its weight in hydration, this super-rich formula will get the job done and leave every piece soft to the touch.
Bumble and Bumble Super Rich Conditioner, $25, available at Sephora.
Squeeze a quarter-sized amount of blowdry or styling cream into your hands and rake through wet or towel-dried, hair. It’ll immediately revive thick hair that appears dull — but don't be too generous, a little goes a long way.
Drybar Velvet Hammer Hydrating Control Cream, $29, available at Sephora.
Fugate preaches that dry oils can be that perfect finishing touch to any style, especially for thicker hair. With a light hand, rub a pea-sized amount over your finished look and to seal everything in.
Sally Hershberger 24K Golden Touch Nourishing Dry Oil, $40, available at Sephora.
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