Wedding hair care: How to tailor your routine to your specific needs

Crafting the perfect wedding look involves meticulous attention to every detail, including your hair. Each hair type demands a tailored care routine to ensure it radiates brilliance on your special day. Whether your hair is sleek and straight, curly and voluminous, or textured and coiled, personalised care is essential.

Straight and fine hair: For straight hair, consider nourishing it with lightweight oils or serums to enhance shine without weighing it down. Think of your hair like a delicate silk thread. It needs gentle care. Straight hair can be prone to oiliness due to the straight path sebum travels from scalp to ends. Use lightweight, volumising shampoos to give it body without the grease. Avoid heavy conditioners that might weigh down the hair and consider regular trims to keep the ends looking fuller..

Fine hair, meanwhile, is like a fine wire—strong yet flexible. Protein treatments (think of them as a gym workout for your hair) can boost its strength, but don’t overdo it or you'll end up with brittleness.

Here's what to do
-    Brush the hair gently using a wide-toothed comb or a brush specifically designed for fine hair to prevent breakage.
-    Be cautious with heat styling tools, as excessive heat can damage and weaken fine hair.
-    Minoxidil and Hair PRP can do wonders for thin and weak hair. So consult your dermatologist to get your hair professionally evaluated.
-    Focus on adding volume and shine with lightweight styling products. Use heat protectants before using heat styling tools to prevent damage and lastly, consider using dry shampoos for added texture and volume on the wedding day.

Wavy and curly hair: Here’s where the magic of hair structure comes into play. Wavy and curly hair twists and turns, making it harder for natural oils to travel down the hair shaft. This is why moisture is key. Use sulfate-free shampoos to keep the natural oils intact and hydrating conditioners to quench the thirst of your twists and turns. Think of deep conditioning treatments as a spa day for your curls, offering deep relaxation and rejuvenation.

Textured or coiled hair benefits from deep conditioning treatments and gentle detangling to maintain its natural beauty.

Coily and thick hair: Coily hair is like a complex maze, with each turn representing a potential point of weakness. It craves moisture and protection. Rich, creamy conditioners are your best friends here, acting like a nourishing meal for your hair. And don’t forget the silk or satin scarf at night—it’s like the perfect pillowcase that doesn’t steal your hair’s vital moisture.

Here's what to do 
-    Use moisturising and smoothing shampoos and conditioners to reduce frizz and manageability.
-    Incorporate deep conditioning treatments or hair masks to soften and nourish thick or coarse hair.
-    Use a wide-toothed comb or brush with natural bristles to detangle the hair gently, starting from the ends and working up.
-    Use anti-frizz serums or creams to tame unruly strands.
-    Avoid over-processing the hair with chemical treatments or excessive heat styling, as this can further damage and dry out thick or coarse hair.

Color-treated and damaged hair: These types are the daredevils of the hair world, having gone through chemical adventures. They need extra TLC. Color-treated hair loves products that are gentle and protective, keeping the color vibrant like a lasting piece of art. Damaged hair benefits from bond-building treatments—think of them as a dedicated repair crew working to fix the bridges and roads within your hair structure.

What to do if you have dry hair?
-    Use a shampoo and moisturising conditioner.
-    Limit washing to 2-3 times a week to prevent excessive dryness.
-    Incorporate a hair mask once a week to hydrate and nourish the hair.
-    Avoid using hot styling tools frequently, as they can further dry out the hair.
-    Protect the hair from harsh environmental factors by wearing a hat or scarf when outdoors and using a swim cap while swimming.

What to do if your hair is oliy?
-    Use a salicylic acid based shampoo to remove excess oil and buildup from the scalp.
-    Wash the hair daily or every other day to control oil production.
-    Avoid heavy conditioners or those specifically designed for dry hair, as they can weigh down oily hair.
-    Apply dry shampoo between washes to absorb excess oil and maintain a fresh appearance.
-    Limit touching or brushing the hair throughout the day, as this can stimulate oil production.

Remember, your hair is as unique as your fingerprint. It’s a living extension of who you are. Consulting with a hair care professional or a dermatologist can provide you with a bespoke hair care routine that’s as unique as you are. Let’s make your hair a masterpiece for your special day!

Inputs by Raghav Bhambri, Owner of Toni&Guy (North and West India) and Dr. Nishita Ranka Internationally acclaimed dermatologist, Medical Director & Founder of Dr. Nishita's Clinic for Skin, Hair & Aesthetics, Dr Niti Gaur, MD, Fellowship in Cosmetic Dermatology (Singapore, USA), Board Certified Dermatologist Founder of Citrine Clinic, Gurgaon, Dr Priyanka Reddy, founder and chief dermatologist at DNA Skin Clinic and Dr BL Jangid, Dermatologist and Hair Transplant Surgeon at SkinQure Clinic in New Delhi's Saket