Choosing the Right Products for Your Hair (Without Guessing)

After I understood my hair texture and porosity, choosing products suddenly became so much easier. Before that, I used to buy things just because they were trending or because someone with “nice hair” recommended it. Sometimes it worked. Most times, it didn’t.

And honestly, it wasn’t the product’s fault.
I just wasn’t choosing based on what my hair needed.

If you’ve ever felt the same, this post will help you narrow everything down simply — without guessing, without overthinking, and without needing a whole shelf of products at home.

There Are Only 4 Essential Products You Need

One thing I learned throughout my journey is that you don’t need 10 different products. You only need four key items:

1. Shampoo

2. Conditioner or Hair Mask

3. Leave-In Conditioner

4. Hair Oil

Everything else is optional.

Let’s go through them one by one and how to choose the right type for your hair.

1. Shampoo — The Foundation of a Healthy Scalp

Your shampoo’s job is simple:
clean your scalp properly.

This means removing:

• excess oil

• dirt

• sweat

• product buildup

A clean scalp helps balance sebum production, reduces itchiness, and prevents dandruff-like flakes.

Here’s how to choose your shampoo:

If you struggle with an oily scalp:

Look for a shampoo that can cleanse well, ideally something with:

• salicylic acid

• clarifying properties

• lightweight formulas

You don’t need to avoid sulfates completely.
Well-formulated shampoos (with or without sulfates) can work beautifully.
What matters is how your scalp reacts.

If you have dry or sensitive scalp:

Look for gentler formulas or sulfate-free options.

But no matter what, one tip remains the same:
Do a weekly clarifying cleanse to remove buildup and keep your scalp fresh.

2. Conditioner or Hair Mask — For Mids and Ends Only

This part changed everything for me.

Conditioner is not for the scalp — it’s for your mids and ends.
Using it on the scalp can make you oily faster.

Here’s how to choose based on your texture:

Fine hair:

Use lightweight conditioners that don’t leave residue.

Medium hair:

You can use regular moisturising conditioners comfortably.

Coarse or dry hair:

Use richer creams or bond-building conditioners for deeper moisture.

And don’t forget:

• Squeeze out excess water before applying

• Leave it on for 3–5 minutes

• Rinse thoroughly

3. Leave-In Conditioner — Your Daily Hydrator

Leave-in conditioner keeps your hair soft and manageable after the shower.

Here’s what to use:

Fine hair:

Use leave-in sprays — they hydrate without heaviness.

Medium to coarse hair:

Use cream-based leave-ins for better slip and moisture.

This step is so important for keeping the cuticle smooth, preventing dryness, and reducing frizz — especially if you live in a humid climate.

4. Hair Oil — The Step That Locks Everything In

Hair oil is only for the ends, not the scalp.

It seals in moisture, adds shine, and protects the hair from friction.

Choose based on texture:

Fine hair:

Lightweight oils like argan or phenyl trimethicone-based blends.

Medium to coarse hair:

You can use thicker oils like coconut, castor, or olive.

A little goes a long way. One to three drops per use is enough.

Why Product Selection Is Easier Once You Know Your Hair

When you combine your texture + your porosity, choosing products becomes simple. You stop feeling confused. You stop buying things that don’t work. And you finally start seeing progress.

This is what I explain in detail in my e-book — not just which products to use, but why they work for certain hair types. Once you understand the logic, your routine becomes so much clearer.

Alia AS