Hair products often contain chemicals that can leave your hair feeling dry because they strip the natural oils from it. So avoid ingredients such as sulfates, parabens, lye, and alcohol. Instead, look for hair care products that primarily contain ingredients with names that are recognizable and close to nature.

“If you have type 3 or type 4 hair, look for botanical ingredients and oils like avocado, coconut, rosemary, lavender, castor oil, and shea butter,” says celebrity hairstylist and founder of NTRL by Sabs Sabrina Rowe Holdsworth.

To add moisture to your curly or coily hair, use a leave-in conditioner after shampooing and conditioning for extra protection and hydration. Plus, consider deep conditioning and steam treatments once a month as those can provide additional moisture penetration into the strands," says Nixon.

Shampoos to consider CocoRiche shampoo, Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Wash, Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Moisturizing and Detangling Shampoo, and Matrix ToTal Results A Curl Can Dream Shampoo.

Conditioners to try to include A Curl Can Dream Rich Mask, NTRL by Sabs' conditioner bars, Mielle Oats & Honey Soothing Conditioner, Briogeo Curl Charisma, or for those who wear wigs and weaves Curls Hair Under There Strengthen Me Moisture Mask.

Leave-in-conditioners that you may want to add to your shopping list  TGIN Miracle RepaiRx Protective Leave-in Conditioner, Kristin Ess Hair Weightless Shine Leave-In Conditioner,  Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen Restore Leave in Conditioner or Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils Quench! Moisture Intensive Leave-In- Conditioner.

If you tend to have oily hair, washing it frequently can help to avoid the build-up of oils, but you still need to factor in your hair type. “If you have type 3, you can wash your hair a couple of times a week, but type 4 should only be once a week as more than that can lead to drying,” says Rowe Holdsworth. “Rinsing and conditioning is a great option between washes if you need to re-wet the hair after a sweaty gym session,” she says. 

However, under-washing can be as problematic as overwashing. Your hair and scalp both require water and cleansing to thrive, says Rowe Holdsworth. When you have gone too far between wash days, try an exfoliating shampoo such as Mielle’s Mongongo Oil Exfoliating Shampoo, Mizani Wonder Crown Scalp Clarifying Foaming Pre-Cleanse, or Rahua Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo.

Just because your leave-in conditioner or frizz tamer does a great job doesn't mean more is better. "The most common mistake I've seen people make with their hair is using too much product, " says Nixon. Doing so can lead to product build-up. "It can cause the hair to be weighed down, resulting in an unfavorable outcome when it comes to styling, and [can affect] hair health," she says.

While you may like the feel of a soft cotton pillowcase against your face, consider an alternate option. "Silk pillowcases help reduce friction when sleeping, which helps protect against breakage and frizz," says Holdsworth. "They can also help retain moisture, while a cotton pillowcase would absorb oils and moisture from the hair," she says.

While getting a blowout, using a flat iron or curling iron can give you a sleek look, but they can also increase your chances of damaging your hair. “I love soft rollers and flexi rods for those wanting more control in the outcome without heat,” says Holdsworth.

Still, if you use heat, a protectant such as Mizani Heat Screen Hair Protectant Spray or Carol’s Daughter Monoi Multi Styling Milk can help mitigate some of the damage.

Although hair care products can help protect your hair, getting regular trims from a hairstylist is also essential. Split ends not only cause your hair to look unhealthy and blah, but getting them snipped can encourage hair growth. Plus, a hairdresser can help determine the best regimen and products for your hair.