As a hairstylist, one of the first things I do with every new client is ask a few simple questions about their hair and routine. The answers still surprise me sometimes, and then I remember: I have 15 years of experience and 1,500 hours of education in this. Most people are navigating their hair care completely blind. My hope with this post is to simplify things and help you figure out how to choose the right hair products for your hair type, so you can stop guessing and start seeing real results.
What is My Hair Type?
We have 3 separate things to look at when it comes to your hair type. Density, Thickness and Texture are what we focus on. Sometimes these can overlap in conversation, but in reality, they are separate things.
• Density is how much hair you have in a square inch. Is it tightly packed, or can you easily see your scalp? We have three levels: thin, medium and thick.
• Thickness is looking at the individual hairs on your head. If you pull out one hair, is it nearly invisible? Or does it feel/resemble a tree trunk? We have three levels - fine, medium, coarse.
• Texture is asking whether it is straight, wavy or curly. Straight is usually pretty obvious, but wavy and curly open a whole new universe. Wavy hair has a “S” shape to it, whereas Curls have rotation. Then we go further to coily, where the hairs are so compressed that when you extend them, it looks like a compacted letter Z.
You can be a combo of many of these as well. You can have Dense (Lots of hair) with Fine (very soft feathery strands) with a wave (light S pattern). You could also be a Thin (sparse hair per sq inch) with Coarse (wiry, almost sharp hair) that is straight (no wave or curl pattern). Or you could have Medium (average… but not sparse), medium strands (not coarse or wavy but not overly soft) and curly hair (you see rotation in the curl clumps).
Once we can use the appropriate words to describe our hair we can then go on to find the routine we need.
Why it Matters?
I often find that my clients end up using shampoos and conditioners that really don't benefit them in the short term or long term. Speaking in generalities, fine hair usually needs more protein, which is why it's very fragile and can shed easily. Thicker hair generally needs more hydration, and which is why it's not as shiny and reflective when viewed.
When I find a thick-haired client of mine is using a protein-based shampoo and conditioner, I'm not surprised that their hair doesn't feel soft because it's not meant for them. I’ve also had consultations with fine-haired clients complaining of their hair being lifeless and weighed down, only to discover that they have purchased a shampoo that’s hydrating and advertising shine. It’s likely not for them, too many ingredients with a heavy molecular weight.
A Simple Roadmap to Hair Care
No matter your hair type, a good routine follows the same basic steps:
- Cleansing
- Conditioning
- Priming
- Styling
Each step serves a purpose, and together they give you the foundation for your best hair days.
Best Hair Products for Fine Hair
Fine hair needs lightweight formulas that cleanse thoroughly without weighing the strand down. The goal is volume, body, and hold without any heaviness.
Start with the PUFF.ME Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner. This duo is deeply cleansing without stripping and plumps the hair so it appears denser and fuller. Once a week, swap the conditioner for the PUFF.ME Volumizing Treatment Whip to add weightless volume and bounce with every use.
For blow-outs, the PUFF.ME Volumizing Mousse is your best friend. It adds serious volume, holds the lift you work for, and includes built-in heat protection so you are covered on all fronts. If you are adding waves or curls after blow-drying, follow with the PUFF.ME Dry Texture Spray to grip the style and give it that extra oomph that lasts.
If your fine hair is also wavy or curly, you can layer products to get the best of both. Apply the PUFF.ME Volumizing Mousse generously through all your hair, then seal it in with the BOUNCE.ME Curl Spray Gel for definition and frizz control. Diffuse on a low heat setting for maximum volume and curl definition.
Best Hair Products for Medium Hair
Medium hair is the most versatile of the three, which is great news. It generally handles both hydrating and volumizing formulas well, so you have more flexibility to play around with what works best for your specific texture and goals.
If your medium hair tends to feel dry or lacks shine, lean toward hydrating formulas. The GLOSS.ME Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner is a beautiful option here. It is powered by Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Moringa Oil, and Argan Oil, which work together to restore moisture and shine without any heaviness. Add the FAB.ME Leave-In Treatment as your priming step before styling for added detangling, heat protection, and all-day moisture.
If your medium hair is wavy or curly, the BOUNCE.ME collection is worth exploring. The Curl Shampoo and Conditioner are specifically formulated to hydrate and define without weighing curls down, and the Curl Balm on damp hair gives you soft, frizz-free definition that lasts.
Best Hair Products for Dry or Damaged Hair
Thick, coarse, or chemically treated hair needs serious hydration. This hair type tends to be less shiny and more prone to dryness because the scalp's natural oils take longer to travel down each strand.
Focus your search for shampoo and conditioner on words like moisturizing, hydration, butter, and balm, and on ingredients like Shea Butter, Hyaluronic Acid, and Argan Oil. These genuinely restore moisture rather than just sitting on top of the strand. Avoid formulas focused on strengthening or reconstruction, as too much protein over time can make thick, coarse hair feel more brittle, not less. The GLOSS.ME Hydrating Shampoo is a great starting point, packed with Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Moringa Oil, and Argan Oil to restore softness and shine from the very first wash.
A weekly hair mask is non-negotiable for this hair type. It restores elasticity and gives your hair the deep hydration a rinse-out conditioner simply cannot deliver on its own. Always use heat protection before any hot tools. If yours has an adjustable temperature, start with the lowest setting. The results may genuinely surprise you.
Expert Hair Care Tips Worth Knowing
• Soak your hair before swimming. This one is personal. Before I was a hairstylist, I was a lifeguard, and the chlorine damage was very real. The fix is simple: saturate your hair with clean water before getting into the pool or ocean. Your hair can only hold so much water, so filling it with clean water first means it absorbs far less chlorine or salt water. A quick shower before you swim does the trick.
• Go easy on the colour changes. Switching up your colour every season puts real stress on your hair. If you love colour, stick to demi-permanent options or keep highlights no more than two to three levels lighter than your natural shade. The less you process, the healthier your hair stays between visits.
• When in doubt, take the quiz. Not sure where to start with your routine? The DESIGNME Hair Quiz matches you with the right products for your hair type and goals in just a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a product is too heavy for my hair?
If your hair feels flat, greasy, or weighed down after using a product, it is likely too heavy for your hair type.
How often should I use a hair mask?
Once a week works well for most hair types. For very dry, coarse, or chemically treated hair, twice a week is fine. Consistency matters more than frequency, so make it a regular part of your routine.
Can I mix and match different hair products?
Yes. DESIGNME products are designed to work together across collections. Start with the basics for your hair type and build from there.
Sarah Heath is from Boston, Massachusetts and is a true hair enthusiast. Throughout her 14 years as a salon professional, she has mastered the art of balancing a behind-the-chair career while sharing professional education around the country for leading industry brands. Her love for DESIGNME was instant and she is so excited to share the love and bring accessible education to all.
