Clean Hair Care Routine

Clean ≠ harsh. Remove sweat/sebum/product without stripping the scalp barrier.

System > shelf. 4–6 smart steps beat 12 random products.

Stability wins. Results come from regular washing, sleep, and nutrition — not “miracle masks.”

Daily/regular shampoo with mild surfactants (cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium cocoyl isethionate).

Conditioner (cuticle smoothing; look for behentrimonium chloride, cetrimonium chloride, amino acids, panthenol).

Heat protectant before blow-dry/iron (dimethicone, amodimethicone or film-formers).

Light leave-in/ends cream (as needed): panthenol, glycerin, amino acids.

Clarifying shampoo 1×/week (for buildup/hard water; look for EDTA, citric acid).

Chelating treatment every 2–4 weeks if water is hard/pool exposure (removes mineral deposits → shine, less breakage).

Deep conditioner/mask 1×/week (ceramides, hydrolyzed keratin/silk, panthenol).

Light oil for ends (1–2 drops argan/squalane/jojoba) — length only, not roots.

Scalp tonics (niacinamide 2–5%, caffeine, piroctone olamine) for sebum/comfort.

Shower filter (hard water) — reduces calcium/iron buildup → easier rinsing.

Protein: 1.2–1.6 g/kg/day (eggs, fish, meat, yogurt, legumes) → hair fiber material.

Omega-3: 1–2 g/day → less inflammation, happier scalp.

Vitamin D, zinc, iron: guided by labs (low ferritin <40–50 ng/mL often = shedding).

Biotin: only if deficient (skip megadoses).

Collagen/peptides: helpful as part of total protein (no miracles).

Water + electrolytes: 2.5–3 L/day, steady intake.

What hurts hair: frequent alcohol, ultra-processed foods, crash diets, chronic sleep debt.

Saturate scalp well.

Lather 1–2 tsp in hands.

Massage scalp only 60–90s (finger pads, not nails).

Rinse. Do a second cleanse (less product; focus hairline/crown/nape).
Conditioner: mid-lengths & ends for 2–5 min. Comb through with wide-tooth comb. Rinse.
Optional: brief cool rinse for extra shine.

No rubbing with a towel. Gently squeeze & blot with microfiber (or disposable facial towel for low bacteria).

Leave-in + heat protectant on damp hair before blow-dry.

Blow-dry: medium heat, 15–20 cm distance, airflow downward (seal cuticle).

For volume: dry roots first, lifting sections with a comb/brush.

Curls/waves: 10–15 min “plop” in microfiber → diffuse on low speed/med heat.

Always finish with cool air 15–30s — locks in shine and shape.

Oily scalp / fine hair: every 1–2 days (gentle shampoo; weekly clarify).

Normal / mildly dry: every 2–3 days.

Curly / dry / color-treated: ~2×/week; co-wash/masks; diffuse/air-dry.

Heavy training/helmet/heat: quick scalp rinse or light cleanse more often; treat lengths gently.

Wash: every 1–2 days

Double cleanse (second is quick), light conditioner on lengths

Heat protectant spray, minimal leave-in

Clarify 1×/week; scalp tonic with niacinamide or piroctone olamine

Wash: 2×/week

Pre-moisturize ends; gentle single shampoo; rich conditioner

Mask 1×/week; 1–2 drops oil on ends

Medium heat + cool shot finish

Treatment shampoo (ketoconazole/zinc) 2–3×/week (3–5 min on scalp)

Other days: gentle shampoo

Conditioner only on lengths

Change pillowcase weekly; disinfect combs weekly

Hot water + rough towel friction

Conditioner on roots (hello flat, greasy crown)

Heavy styling without clarifying → dull, itchy scalp

Blow-drying too close/too hot

Constant product switching (barrier never stabilizes)

Oiling the scalp when prone to oiliness/dandruff (often worsens it)

Wash combs/brushes weekly (shampoo + warm water; sanitize with alcohol).

Change pillowcase weekly.

Launder microfiber towels regularly; dry fully.

Keep dryer/nozzles dust-free (dust = overheating, dryness).

Two shampoos: first = remove grime; second = cleanse scalp well

Conditioner = mid-lengths/ends (2–5 min)

Microfiber → leave-in → heat protectant → dryer at a distance → cool shot

Clarify weekly / Chelate every 2–4 weeks (hard water)

Protein, omega-3, water + electrolytes, real sleep