The Best Hair Care Routine for Your Hair Type (Straight, Wavy, Curly, Coily)

The Best Hair Care Routine for Your Hair Type (Straight, Wavy, Curly, Coily)

When it comes to hair care, one size definitely does not fit all. Your hair deserves a routine that actually works for you. Not your friend’s, not your favorite influencers—although I lowkey wish I had Brad’s beautiful head of hair—and definitely not whatever 3-in-1 mystery goop your ex left in your shower. Whether your hair is as flat as a pancake or frizzy like an untamed lion’s mane, we got the routine that’ll make your strands finally thank you—if they could speak. 

Ready to treat your hair like the main character that she is? Let’s get into it. 

What is your hair type?

Before we even begin recommending a dream hair care routine, you’ve gotta know what you’re working with. Hair types are usually categorized from Type 1 (straight) to type 4 (coil)—with subcategories like 2a,3b,4c,etc. Here’s the quick rundown:

  • Type 1: Straight hair, which is flat, shiny, and resistant to curl aka they don’t hold at all.
  • Type 2: Wavy hair, typically a slight S-shape, can frizz easily
  • Type 3: Curly hair, think bouncy spirals and lots of volume
  • Type 4: Coily hair, tight curls, most fragile and prone to dryness

Still not sure? Google “hair type chart” or do a quick selfie check post-shower (no products) and let your natural texture shine through.

Type 1: Straight Hair

Straight hair can be glossy perfection—or a greasy nightmare if not managed right.


Your Routine:

  • Cleanse: Use a sulfate-free shampoo to avoid buildup (but don't skip wash days—you oily, boo). Psst—all of our shampoos are sulfate-free and vegan.
  • Condition: Lightweight is key. Look for volumizing or balancing formulas.
  • Styling: Dry shampoo = your BFF. Avoid heavy oils unless you want stringy spaghetti vibes.

Brad’s Hot Take:

“Straight hair shows everything. You can’t hide heat damage here—so protect it like it’s your social security number.”

We recommend using Recalibrate Shampoo and Conditioner for bond repair if you’re hair is already damaged.  We also recommend Forcefield Heat Shield to protect your hair from heat damage.

Type 2: Wavy Hair

Not quite straight, not quite curly—just a little bit caught in the middle. A lot of us might have wavy hair and not even realize it! 


Your Routine:

  • Shampoo: Every 2–3 days. Clarify once a week if you use lots of products.
  • Conditioner: Go for hydration with definition (hi, Wavetech Wave Conditioner).
  • Styling: Foam or cream-based products work best. Diffuse to boost waves.

Don’t:

Brush when dry! Unless you're going for Mia's full, frizzy hair look.

The Princess Diaries – Reaction GIFs

Type 3: Curly Hair

Defined, bouncy, and a little high-maintenance—but worth every second.

Your Routine:

  • Pre-poo: Use a nourishing oil or mask before shampooing.
  • Shampoo: Once or twice a week. Co-wash in between if needed.
  • Deep condition: Weekly. Non-negotiable.
  • Styling: Leave-in curl cream, and gel or foam. Apply on soaking wet hair. Scrunch like your life depends on it.

Brad’s Hot Take:

“Stop brushing curls dry. I WILL cry. Detangle in the shower with conditioner and a wide-tooth comb. Thank me later.”

Type 4: Coily Hair

The crown. The icon. The moment. Type 4 hair needs moisture on moisture on moisture.

Your Routine:

  • Cleanse: Use a sulfate-free shampoo or co-wash. Once a week or as needed.
  • Condition: Deep condition every wash day. Period.
  • LOC Method: Leave-in, Oil, Foam. This trio = hydration heaven. Basically, anything in our Wavetech Collection will be your hair hero.
  • Protective styling: Braids, twists, buns—whatever keeps your ends safe and happy. We also suggest using a microfiber towel or silk bonnet or wrap to wear to sleep to prevent frizz. 

Avoid:

  • Dry brushing
  • Skipping trims (split ends travel fast in tight curls)

But Wait—Don’t Forget These Core Steps for Any Hair Type:

1. Scalp Care = Hair Care

Healthy roots = healthy growth. Exfoliate weekly and massage that scalp like you're getting paid for it. Do not scrub directly with your finger nails. Opt for a scalp brush/ massager. 

2. Heat Protection Is Not Optional

If you're using hot tools without a heat protectant, you're just BBQ-ing your strands. Stop that.

3. Trim Every 8–12 Weeks

Dead ends don’t bounce, shine, or behave. Snip snip.

FAQ: You Asked, We Answered

“How often should I wash my hair?”

  • Oily or fine hair: Every 1–2 days
  • Wavy/curly: Every 3–4 days
  • Coily: Once a week or less

“What if I have combo hair (like oily scalp, dry ends)?”

Double cleanse your roots and treat your ends with masks and oils. Split the routine like a Libra in a love triangle.

“Do I need different products in winter vs. summer?”

Yes! Cold weather = more hydration. Summer = clarify and protect from UV. Your products should flex like your seasonal wardrobe.


Want a Routine That Feels Like a Visit to the Salon Every Time?

Snag your hair-type-perfect products from our collections (because Brad Mondo would never let you settle for average). Still need more help? Take our hair quiz for more personalized recommendations.