Joybuy Insights

Hair Care: How to Choose a Routine That Suits Your Hair

Dry hair, persistent frizz, colour that fades, or lengths weakened by your hairdryer – hair care products cater to a wide range of needs. Yet the promises printed on the bottles don't always make choosing any easier. A shampoo labelled as "repairing" doesn't necessarily replace a leave-in treatment, while a very rich oil can weigh fine hair down.

Before you buy a hair oil, shampoo, conditioner, or hair serum, take the time to distinguish the benefits that are genuinely documented on the product page from those that are mostly marketing speak.

Common Pitfalls When Buying Hair Care Products

1. Confusing Instant Shine with Lasting Repair

Silicones, film-forming agents, and oils can temporarily smooth the hair fibre's surface and enhance hair shine. This visual effect is pleasant, but it doesn't necessarily mean the fibre has been repaired deep down. For dry, damaged hair, it's better to opt for a routine that combines gentle cleansing, a detangling conditioner, and a targeted treatment for the lengths.

2. Choosing a Texture That's Too Rich

A very nourishing oil or mask can suit thick, curly, or severely dehydrated hair. On fine hair, however, too much product can reduce volume and leave a greasy feeling. The amount you use, where you apply it, and how often you use it matter just as much as the formula itself.

3. Taking a Numerical Promise as a Universal Guarantee

Claims like "up to 230 °C", "48 hours", or "several times more shine" usually refer to very specific conditions. When a figure comes from an instrumental test or a study conducted by a brand, treat it as data linked to the stated protocol, not as a guaranteed result for every user. A heat protectant for hair doesn't mean you can skip lowering the temperature or reducing repeated passes.

Three Criteria to Check Before You Choose

1. Your Hair Type and Washing Frequency

For normal hair, a shampoo like Le Petit Marseillais Force & Shine with apple and olive leaf, formulated without silicone and made from 98% naturally derived ingredients according to its product page, can fit into a regular washing routine. The choice also depends on how sensitive your scalp is and how often you wash.

Very dry or frizz-prone hair may need a more nourishing formula, for example a sulphate-free and silicone-free shampoo, to be followed with a conditioner or leave-in treatment. Always check the INCI list, especially if you're sensitive to fragrances.

2. The Exact Function of the Product

  • Shampoo: cleanses the scalp and hair, but only stays in contact with the fibre for a short time.
  • Conditioner: makes detangling easier and improves softness after washing.
  • Hair oil: provides a smoothing finish and enhances the feeling of nourished hair.
  • Hair serum or leave-in treatment: used on damp or dry hair to tame, protect, or make styling easier.
  • Shine spray: mainly works on the finish, adding luminosity and controlling stray strands.
  • Heat protectant treatment: applied before using a hairdryer, straighteners, or curling iron, following the manufacturer's instructions.

A finishing product doesn't automatically replace a cleansing treatment or a conditioner.

3. Temperature and How You Apply It

If you regularly use heated styling tools, choose a formula that clearly states it should be applied before styling. Dessange's Hydra Brush serum mentions protection against hot tools and an anti-frizz action claimed to last up to 48 hours, according to an instrumental test communicated by the brand. Apply it to the lengths and ends, without saturating the roots.

With an oil, start with a very small amount. Products like OLAPLEX Hair Oil N°7 or FINO Premium Touch recommend application on damp, dry, or towel-dried hair, depending on the product. A small dose lets you assess the texture before adding more.

Our Selection Based on Your Profile

Recommended for: Beginners on a Budget
Le Petit Marseillais Force & Shine Shampoo Apple and Olive Bottle 300ml

Le Petit Marseillais Force & Shine, Apple and Olive Leaf Shampoo, 300 ml

Why this choice suits this profile: Its 300 ml format works well for a simple routine for normal to fragile hair, without needing to buy lots of products from the start.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page states a silicone-free formula and a pH suited to the hair fibre, which reduces the risk of a texture that's too heavy for daily use.

Main benefit and key features

Apple and olive leaf extracts, 300 ml format, bottle said to be fully recyclable, and made in France.

Recommended for: Premium Enthusiasts
OLAPLEX Hair Oil N°7 Bonding Oil 30ml

OLAPLEX Hair Oil N°7 Bonding Oil, 30 ml

Why this choice suits this profile: Its small size is aimed at those looking for a targeted finishing oil for lengths that are exposed to heat styling.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The instructions specify use on wet, damp, or dry hair and recommend a small amount, which reduces the risk of weighing the hair down.

Main benefit and key features

Contains the Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate complex and claims heat protection up to 230 °C according to brand information.

Recommended for: Specific Uses and Heavy Users
Dessange Hydra Brush Leave-In Serum Hair Exposed to Heat Tools 110ml

Dessange Hydra Brush, Leave-In Serum, 110 ml

Why this choice suits this profile: This leave-in serum is ideal for people who regularly use a hairdryer or heated styling tools and want a quick solution.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its leave-in texture and dosage of two to three pumps make targeted application to the lengths and ends easy.

Main benefit and key features

Hyaluronic acid, rose oil, heat protection, and anti-frizz action claimed to last up to 48 hours according to a brand instrumental test.

Recommended for: Coloured and Dull Hair
Biolage Colorlast Conditioner 200 ml

Biolage Colorlast, Conditioner, 200 ml

Why this choice suits this profile: Used after shampooing, it meets the needs of coloured hair that lacks softness, flexibility, or ease of styling.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page clearly states its function as a conditioner for coloured hair, with a leave-on time of 1 to 3 minutes.

Main benefit and key features

Orchid extract, paraben-free formula, detangling action, and a low pH claimed to help maintain colour vibrancy.

Looking for other options?

We've put together a comprehensive, real-time updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and European safety regulations.

FAQ on Hair Care

Which treatment should I choose for dry, damaged hair?

Start with a suitable shampoo, then add a nourishing conditioner and a leave-in treatment on the ends. A hair oil can complete the routine, but a small amount is enough. Products containing conditioning agents, plant oils, or hydrolysed proteins can improve the feeling of softness, without replacing a trim for very damaged ends.

Can I use an oil before a heated styling tool?

Not always. Check that the product page explicitly mentions heat protection for hair. If it doesn't, use a heat protectant serum designed for that purpose, then apply an oil as a finishing touch once your style is done. Follow the temperature recommended by your tool and avoid any direct contact with your eyes or an irritated scalp.

How long should I keep a hair care product?

Refer to the best-before date or the symbol indicating the period after opening, both found on the packaging. Store products away from heat and light, close bottles properly, and watch for any changes in smell, texture, or colour. If irritation occurs, stop using the product and rinse thoroughly.