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It’s hard to talk about hair-care routine basics in broad strokes when there’s such a variety of lengths, density, and texture that one could possibly have. “Understanding your hair’s unique needs is the first step to a healthy routine,” pro hair stylist Isaac Davidson tells Vogue. Of course, those essentials aren’t the same hair-care products and formulas for everyone—what works for straight hair won’t satisfy coils, and vice versa. What matters most is identifying which categories form the backbone of your regimen, then tailoring each to your unique texture and lifestyle.
Vogue’s Hair-Care Routine Basics
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While beauty aisles are brimming with endless innovation, it helps to remember that the real foundation is surprisingly simple. A truly effective hair-care lineup rests on its pillars: hydrating shampoos and co-washes, detoxing scalp serums, smoothing hair oils, heat protectants, and multipurpose styling products. Once those are in place, everything else is accessory to elevate what’s already working.
Scroll on to find expert tips and picks for the foundation of a fail-proof daily hair-care routine.
Step One: Start With Moisturizing Shampoos and Conditioners
“The most important step, and one I wish more clients understood, is finding the right balance of washing for their specific hair type,” pro hair stylist Isaac Davidson tells Vogue. “It’s easy to either under- or over-wash, and both can lead to issues with scalp health, hair texture, and overall appearance.” In other words: The right rhythm is everything. While there’s no universal prescription for how often to lather up, there are smart starting points based on texture.
“Hydrating shampoos are generally a safe bet for most textures, unless you tend to have overly oily hair,” pro hairstylist Madison Clifford tells Vogue, noting that frequency is just as important as formula. “Washing frequency depends entirely on texture and lifestyle. Fine or oily hair may need washing every 1–2 days, while curly, coily, or textured hair often thrives with less frequent washing (just once a week could do the trick).” For a nourishing duo, Clifford reaches for LolaVie’s hydrating formula, while Rōz’s duo is a Vogue-loved standby.
Davidson also advises weaving in an occasional clarifying shampoo to stave off buildup, ideally once a week. And don’t overlook co-washes—not just for curls and coils, but for anyone with bleached hair. “They work wonders for color-treated hair, helping to combat dryness and preserve vibrancy,” says Davidson. Above all, the experts always advise opting for a sulfate-free formula, which is less harsh on hair.
Step Two: Indulge in a Scalp Serum
“The foundation of healthy hair always starts with the scalp. People focus so much on masks and styling products, but if the scalp isn’t balanced and cared for, hair won’t grow strong or look its best,” says Clifford. “I always remind my clients that scalp health is skin care—it needs to be cleansed, nourished, and protected just like your face.”
The new wave of scalp serums makes it easier than ever to treat the root of the matter. Act+Acre’s niacinamide-rich formula helps cut through excess oil and extend time between wash days, while Vegamour’s blend of vegan silk protein and caffeine works double duty to detox and volumize. Daily stimulation also matters—think brushing or massaging the scalp to encourage circulation. For a hydrating refresh, Nécessaire’s rosemary serum delivers both soothing moisture and hair growth benefits, while Nutrafol remains a gold-standard pick for supercharging growth over time.
Step Three: Smooth Your Lengths With a Luxurious Hair Oil or Serum
“Hair oil and serums are a great addition to a hair-care routine, but it’s all about choosing the right formula for your texture,” says Clifford. “Fine hair does best with lightweight serums that add shine without weighing it down, while thick or curly hair can handle richer oils that lock in moisture. Oils are incredible for sealing split ends and reducing frizz.”
The experts agree: Always apply from mid-lengths to ends, never at the roots. For hydration with a glossy finish, Aveda’s oil is a classic go-to to make hair look extra shiny. K18’s ultra-concentrated formula delivers bond repair with just two drops, while Christophe Robin’s regenerating serum—Sofia Richie’s favorite—pulls double duty for daily hair health and slicked-back buns alike. And when it comes to celebrity secrets, Emily Ratajkowski swears by Kérastase’s night serum for smoothing, styling, and even rescuing a French-bangs-gone-wrong moment.
Step Four: Fight Heat Damage With a Thermal Spray
The experts agree: No matter your hair texture, thermal sprays are non-negotiable when heat styling (yes, that includes using a blow dryer or diffuser). “While many high-quality styling products now have heat protectants built in, a standalone product is still a must to ,” says Davidson, noting that these formulas create a protective barrier around the hair cuticle. “Heat protection is the single easiest way to prevent damaged hair (think: breakage, dryness and color fading). With the amount of heat tools my clients use—whether it’s for red carpet waves or just a quick blow dry at home—skipping heat protectant is like going in the sun without SPF,” adds Clifford, whose go-to is Oribe’s Balm d’Or.
Of our favorites, Mizani’s nourishing spray adds bounce to curl patterns while defending against damage. It’s a 10 Heat Protectant taps keratin for extra strength; for quick touch-ups on dry hair, Moroccanoil’s lightweight is perfect to use in a pinch without worrying about sizzling your strands.
Step Five: Lock in Your Look With Styling Products
Last but not least, styling products are the secret to elevating all hairstyles. For fine hair, Clifford recommends a lightweight texture spray to add body without weighing strands down—Living Proof’s oil-absorbing formula is a Vogue-loved option for its double-duty work as a dry shampoo. For curls and coils, a curl cream is essential to enhance shape while keeping frizz and flyaways at bay; Aveda’s nourishing, humidity-fighting pick is a perennial favorite. Those in search of a featherlight hairspray can’t go wrong with L’Oréal’s classic Elnett, beloved for its brushable, crunch-free hold. And when it comes to multipurpose gels, Davidson swears by Eco Gel—a drugstore staple that works on everything from slicked-back ponytails to precise edge control.
Meet the Experts
- Madison Clifford is an LA-based celebrity hairstylist and colorist. Her roster includes Tate McRae, Fletcher, Jeremy Scott, and more.
- Isaac Davidson is a New York–based professional hairstylist and wig designer with over 15 years of experience in music, fashion, and art. Davidson has worked with Debbie Harry, Madonna, Teyana Taylor, and more.
