Understanding Your Hair Basics and Routines
Stop following viral trends that damage your hair. Get science-backed clarity on porosity, washing techniques, and simple care routines from a dermatologist.
Do you know your hair's porosity? It's your hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture, and it's the secret to choosing the right products. This simple water test is one thing your hair wishes you knew.
If your hair floats in water, you likely have low porosity hair. This means your hair cuticles are tightly packed and resist moisture. You need lightweight, water-based products that won't just sit on top of your hair.
If your hair sinks gradually, you have normal porosity. This is the ideal state where cuticles allow moisture in and retain it well. Most products will work well for this balanced hair type.
If your hair sinks quickly, you have high porosity hair. The cuticles are open, so it absorbs moisture fast but loses it just as quickly. This hair type needs deep conditioners, protein treatments, and heavier creams to seal in moisture.
Your hair is 30% more fragile when wet. Combing it incorrectly is a major cause of breakage. I demonstrate the right technique: start from the ends and gently work your way up using a wide-tooth comb.
Should you wash your hair every day? It depends on your scalp. If you have an oily scalp or work out daily, it's fine. The key is to use a mild, sulfate-free shampoo and always follow with a conditioner on the ends.
Many patients complain that anti-dandruff shampoos make their hair frizzy. This is often because they aren't using them correctly. I show you how to apply it only to the scalp and follow with a conditioner on the strands for a flake-free, healthy result.
About Understanding Your Hair: Basics & Routines
Knowing your hair's porosity is the single most effective way to stop wasting money on products that just don't work. If your hair is constantly dry or prone to breakage, you might be using heavy creams on low-porosity strands or lightweight serums on high-porosity ones. This is the difference between having hair that feels healthy and hair that feels like straw.
Decoding Porosity: The Water Test
Many patients come to me frustrated with frizzy or lifeless hair. The root cause is often misunderstood porosity—your hair’s ability to absorb and hold moisture. Think of it like this: your hair has cuticles (the outer layer). If they are tightly packed (low porosity), they resist moisture. If they are open (high porosity), they drink moisture in but lose it just as fast.
- Low Porosity: Hair floats in water. You need lightweight, water-based products that don't weigh it down.
- Normal Porosity: Hair sinks gradually. You have a good balance.
- High Porosity: Hair sinks quickly. You need deep conditioners and heavy oils to lock hydration in.
The 'Daily Wash' Debate
Do you need to wash your hair every day? Contrary to internet myths, it depends entirely on your scalp, not a rule book. If you have an oily scalp, sweat heavily, or work out daily, a daily wash is fine. The caveat? You must use a mild, sulfate-free shampoo. Harsh surfactants will strip your natural oils, leaving your hair brittle.
Stop the Breakage
Your hair is 30% more fragile when wet. If you are combing right after a shower, you are likely causing significant trauma to the hair shaft.
- Damp, not dripping: Let your hair air-dry slightly.
- Wide-tooth comb: Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots, never the other way around.
- Microfiber towels: Ditch the rough cotton towels. They create friction that lifts the cuticle and promotes frizz.
Are you using Anti-Dandruff Shampoo correctly?
If your anti-dandruff shampoo makes your hair frizzy, you are probably doing it wrong. The active ingredients need contact time to work. Apply the foam to your scalp, let it sit for 2-5 minutes, then rinse. Follow up with a conditioner only on the mid-lengths and ends to maintain hair health.
Geetanjali Shetty
I’m Dr. Geetanjali Shetty. I see patients daily who are frustrated because they are treating their hair based on what they saw on Instagram rather than what their scalp actually needs. My goal is to teach you how to read your hair, so you stop guessing and start using products that actually support your health.
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