“Doctor, I have tried almost everything from rebounding and colouring to hair spas, but nothing seems to last for long. My hair is now turned frizzy and unmanageable. What is the best dermatologist-recommended hair care routine?

Hair care is indeed one of the most challenging things to do in today’s world, owing to the air and water pollution, ever-changing hair products and a boatload of hair styling options. I have witnessed many disasters after hair straightening, perming or other harsh treatment. The mantra to black and healthy hair is “Pamper them as they are”.

Dermatologist recommended hair care routine

Minimal products and maximum nourishment are the keys. I recommend the 4 step hair care regime given in the video below:

How to comb your hair?

Hair combing or brushing helps in removing tangles. It also distributes the hair’s natural oils from the scalp through to its mid-lengths and ends, nourishing these parts of the hair.

Plastic brushes with wide-spaced needles should be preferred to bristle brushes. They give less friction to hair and cause less damage to the cuticle.

Avoid touching your hair again and again to reduce fizzy hair. Watch this Insta reel: How to choose the right comb?

Dermatologist recommended shampoo:

Washing hair with shampoo removes excess sweat, oil, and dirt from the hair and scalp. Here are some tips:

• The frequency of shampooing depends on oil secretion; wash your hair when they look oily and sticky.
• Buy a shampoo based on your hair type and concerns like oily, dry, coloured, dandruff, etc.
• Shampoo should be applied to the scalp to remove oil and dirt.
• Lather with a circular motion on the scalp and all through the length of the hair.
• Preferably use lukewarm water (not very hot or cold to touch) to prevent temperature-related damage to the cuticle.
• Let your hair air dry naturally rather than blow dry to minimise heat damage.

Brand recommendations: Click here for a list of shampoos reviewed by Dermatocare

Conditioner:

The conditioner is an essential step for all hair types as it detangles the hair and forms a protective coating on the cuticle.

Conditioner should be applied to the hair length below the ear level rather than the scalp. The type of conditioner will again depend on your requirements.

Brand recommendations: Click here for a list of hair conditioners reviewed by Dermatocare

Hair Coloring:

Hair colouring is done not only to camouflage the grey hair but to enhance beauty. However, hair dye strips the lipid cover of hair and then enters the hair to colour them; thus, the damage is eminent no matter which colour or brand you use. Some studies link the use of hair dye with the development of cancer, as discussed below:

Here are tips to minimise damage caused by hair colours:

• Choose a colour that matches your natural colour of hair.
• Dying hair darker than its natural shade is better.
• Always do the patch test before using the product. Apply hair dye mixture to the back of the ear. Avoid the dye if you notice itching, redness, or bumps after two days.
• Once you are sensitive to hair dye, PPD-free dyes should be used, but they may not stay for long.
• Use a reputed company product only.
• Follow the instructions and keep the dye on the hair for the recommended time only.
• Careful application with minimum contact with the scalp and uniform distribution through the hair length can give better results with fewer side effects.
• Using conditioners meant for coloured hair will help restore the damaged lipid layer of dyed hair.

Brand recommendations: Click here for dermatologist-recommended hair colour

Hair straightening:

Read Hair straightening with hot iron-Dermatologist Guidelines for tips to minimise the damage to your hair and achieve lustrous straight locks.