Your ultimate guide to haircare products and why you should – or shouldn’t – use them

Here’s the thing. We’re inundated with an incredibly confusing plethora of hair products each time we step into a beauty shop or hair salon. From hair oils to scalp treatments to hairsprays – what do they mean and do we really need to use them all?

We’re here to break down what they are, so you don’t have to spend time going through them all. Bookmark this story for easy reference the next time you’re shopping. You’re welcome.

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Try: Original & Mineral Know Knott Conditioning Detangler

What is it: With a formula consisting of organic argan and macadamia oils, this intensive spray nourishes, conditions and detangles, making your mane more manageable and less ‘messy’.

How to use it: Squirt a few sprays on towel-dried hair and comb through to distribute evenly.

Who is it best for: Women with hair so knotty that it’s hard to even run a brush through it.

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Try: KMS California Curl Up Leave-In Conditioner

What is it: It gives your curls extra moisture so they don’t dry out, and leaves a soft, shiny finish. Gives curls more definition, without weighing them down. It reduces frizz, too.

How to use it: Use a small amount on wet or towel-dried hair and leave it to dry.

Who is it best for: Women with curly hair who want to maintain their curls all day, without drying them out with harsh styling products.

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Try: Marc Anthony Argan Oil of Morocco 3X Volume Cream

What is it: This gives your hair extra volume and shine and hydrates, protects and nourishes it at the same time. Your hair will look softer, fuller and frizz-free, too.

How to use it: Apply evenly on damp hair, from roots to ends, then blow-dry to get the desired volume. Results should last till your next wash, or up to three days. Can be reapplied on dry hair on day two or three to retain volume.

Who is it best for: An ultimate perk-me-up for anyone with limp and lifeless hair.

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Try: Schwarzkopf BC Color Save Treatment

What is it: It gives an extra boost to coloured hair while looking after it, too. An intensive treatment that protects coloured hair from fading, so your colour lasts longer. It also boasts UV filters to protect hair from environmental damage.

How to use it: Use this once a week. Massage onto towel-dried hair, then wash off after five to 10 minutes.

Who is it best for: Anyone with coloured hair.

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Try: L’Oreal Hair Expertise EverStrong Overnight Hair Repair Treatment

What is it: A leave-in treatment that works to improve your hair strength while you sleep. Plus it absorbs quickly, so you won’t leave any icky residue on your pillow.

How to use it: Before you go to sleep, apply one to two pumps onto hair and massage it throughout. Leave it on overnight.

Who is it best for: Anyone with brittle hair that breaks easily.

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Try: Phyto Paris Phytopolleine Botanical Scalp Treatment

What is it: Its potent blend of essential oils instantly stimulates the scalp to fortify weak hair. Natural extracts such as rosemary, sage and eucalyptus also promote healthy hair growth and better circulation.

How to use it: Use the applicator tip to apply to your dry scalp and massage it in gently. Leave it on for 20 minutes, then shampoo as usual. 

Who is it best for: Those with a sensitive scalp that requires some soothing TLC.

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Try: Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask

What is it: You need intense moisture if you have very dry or over-processed locks. This product is the solution for soft and lustrous hair.

How to use it: Once a week, apply a small dollop onto wet hair after shampooing; concentrate on the ends. Leave it on for three to five minutes, then rinse it off.

Who is it best for:  Anyone with extremely dry hair.

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Try: Wella Professionals Balance Anti-Hair Loss Serum

What is it: A refreshing serum that stimulates the scalp and roots, strengthening your hair in the process. Ingredients such as menthol and caffeine promise to energise hair and scalp for a thicker, fuller look.

How to use it: Gently massage it onto hair with your fingertips; don’t rinse off.

Who is it best for: Use this if you’ve noticed that your hair has been dropping lately.

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Try: RPR Hold Me Forever Hair Mist

What is it: This spray gives your hair both moisture and shine, thanks to the aloe vera, ginseng and panthenol extracts. It also contains SPF to shield your strands from the sun. In short, this makes for the perfect finishing touch before stepping out of the house.

How to use it: Spray it onto dry hair for a smooth finish, and on the roots for more volume.

Who is it best for: Anyone who wants hair with more body and texture; suits all hair types.

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Try: Kiehl’s Stylist Series Silk Groom Serum

What is it: This non-greasy serum tames fried and frizzy hair by controlling it without weighing it down. And because it’s enriched with vitamin E, it promises to protect your coiffure from humidity while giving it a glossy shine, too.

How to use it: Apply one or two pumps (depending on the length of your hair) to clean, dry hair.

Who is it best for: Most of us tend to suffer from frizzy-hair syndrome thanks to Singapore’s humidity, so as long as you feel the frizz, this one’s for you.

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Try: Sukin Protein Hair Treatment

What is it: This protein cream nourishes and strengthens limp hair and is the perfect treat for tired tresses.

How to use it: Apply on clean, wet hair, then wash off with warm water after 15 minutes.

Who is it best for: Everyone’s hair could do with some strengthening from time to time but this is especially useful for those of us with dry hair.

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Try: Tigi Bed Head Superfuel Recharge High-Octane Shine Conditioner

What is it: Rich in antioxidants, this conditioner helps to remove pollutants and sweat from hair. As a result, hair will look fresher, softer and shinier.

How to use it: Spread evenly onto hair after shampooing; rinse off completely.

Who is it best for: Gives a boost to dry, lifeless hair, but is suitable for just about all hair types.

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Try: Toni & Guy Classic Medium Hold Hairspray

What is it: It gives your hair natural movement and body and holds and keeps it in place. Also available in other variations such as Extreme Hold and Flexible Hold.

How to use it: Spray it evenly over hair after it’s been blow-dried. If you want a lighter finish, spray onto a brush and work it through your hair.

Who is it best for: Anyone!

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Try: Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Extra Firm Hold Mousse

What is it: It promises to hold your hair for up to 24 hours, so it’s ideal for use when you know you’ll be out and about the whole day. It also protects your hair from heat damage while locking out humidity. It’s the product you need for smooth, silky-looking hair.

How to use it: Squeeze out a tennis-ball-sized amount and spread it evenly into your towel-dried hair. Let it dry naturally or use a hairdryer. Alternatively, you can use it on dry hair, using just a small amount to freshen up your style.

Who is it best for: Anyone who wants manageable hair without making a (costly) trip to the salon.

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Try: Label.m Dry Shampoo

What is it: A great way to freshen up in between shampooing with water. This baby disperses oil build-up and gives hair a soft and velvety finish. An excellent, quick pick-me-up for your hair.

How to use it: Shake well, hold upright and spray evenly all over hair; don’t get any on your clothes.

Who is it best for: Busy women who don’t have time to shampoo as often as they’d like.

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Try: PHS Hairscience Adv Argan Oil

What is it: A solution to repair dry and damaged hair, this oil makes your hair look healthier and shinier too. It’s infused with opuntia tuna extract, plus other moisturising and antioxidative ingredients that protect hair from sun damage.

How to use it: Put a small amount onto your palm then rub the oil evenly through dry or towel-dried hair.

Who is it best for: Anyone with dry, damaged hair, especially as a result of long stints in the sun.

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Try: Pantene Pro-V Classic Clean 2in1 Shampoo and Conditioner

What is it: Suitable for all hair types, this multi-tasker conditions, nourishes and strengthens your hair.

How to use it: Lather into wet hair, then wash it all off in the shower.

Who is it best for: Anyone who needs to cleanse their hair regularly (post-gym, for instance) but can’t be bothered to deal with juggling with more than one bottle at a time.

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