How to Choose Hair Products: Complete Selection Guide

1Chapter 1

Know Your Hair First

Before you can choose the right products, understand three key characteristics

Hair Type

Your curl pattern (1A-4C) affects which products provide enough moisture vs. too much weight.

Find Your Type →

Porosity

How well your hair absorbs and retains moisture determines product weight and ingredients.

Test Your Porosity →

Hair Goals

Are you fighting frizz, adding volume, repairing damage, or enhancing curls?

Take Our Quiz →

Did You Know?

Many people have different porosity levels in different areas of their head. The crown might need different products than the ends!

2Chapter 2

Learn to Read Ingredient Lists

The First 5 Rule

Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. The first 5 ingredients make up the majority of the product and determine its primary function.

What to Look For in Different Products

Shampoo

Look for: Gentle surfactants (coco betaine, decyl glucoside), moisturizing ingredients (glycerin, aloe)

Avoid: Harsh sulfates (SLS, SLES) unless you need clarifying

Conditioner

Look for: Emollients (oils, butters), humectants (glycerin, honey), proteins (keratin, wheat protein)

Avoid: Drying alcohols high on the list

Styling Products

Look for: Hold ingredients (polymers, gums), moisturizers, curl enhancers

Avoid: Non-water-soluble silicones if following CGM

Dive Deeper: Hair Care Ingredients Guide

Learn about specific ingredients, what they do, and which to avoid

3Chapter 3

Match Products to Your Hair

3.1For Low Porosity Hair

Choose:

• Lightweight, liquid products
• Water-based formulas
• Heat to help penetration

Avoid:

• Heavy butters and oils
• Protein-heavy products
• Thick creams

3.2For High Porosity Hair

Choose:

• Heavy creams and butters
• Protein treatments
• Leave-ins and oils to seal

Avoid:

• Products with only humectants
• Lightweight formulas
• Skipping sealants

3.3For Fine vs. Thick Hair

Fine Hair

• Volumizing formulas
• Lightweight gels/mousses
• Less product overall

Thick/Coarse Hair

• Rich, penetrating formulas
• More product quantity
• Smoothing ingredients

4Chapter 4

Common Product Selection Mistakes

Marketing Claims

"For curly hair" doesn't mean it's right for YOUR curls. Always check ingredients and match to your hair's characteristics.

Protein-Moisture Imbalance

Hair needs balance. Too much protein = brittle and straw-like. Too much moisture = limp and mushy. Alternate treatments.

Giving Up Too Soon

Products can take 2-4 weeks to show results. Your hair may need time to adjust, especially when transitioning routines.

5Chapter 5

Build Your Core Product Lineup

Start with these essentials, then add specialty products as needed

1Cleanser

Shampoo (sulfate-free or clarifying) or co-wash

Browse Cleansers →

2Conditioner

Rinse-out conditioner for moisture and detangling

Browse Conditioners →

3Leave-In or Styler

Leave-in conditioner, curl cream, or gel for hold

Browse Stylers →

4Weekly Treatment

Deep conditioner, protein treatment, or hair mask

Browse Treatments →

Key Takeaways

Know your hair type, porosity, and goals before shopping
Read the first 5 ingredients—they make up most of the product
Low porosity needs lightweight products; high porosity needs heavier ones
Avoid marketing claims; match products to your hair characteristics
Balance protein and moisture in your routine
Give products 2-4 weeks before deciding if they work
Build a core lineup: cleanser, conditioner, styler, weekly treatment

Skip the Guesswork

Our quiz analyzes your hair type, porosity, density, and goals to recommend products that actually work for you.

How to Choose Hair Products That Actually Work