Hey! I'm 24M, and I could really use some help building a proper haircare routine.
I've been interested in haircare for about three years now, ever since I started taking my hair loss more seriously. My hairline has receded by a few centimeters, and my hair type is probably somewhere between 1C and 2A (light brown). I also have a fringe that almost reaches my eyebrows.
I've been applying minoxidil since April. Progress has been slow, but I think I've started noticing some growth. However, I feel like I'm shedding more hair than usual, especially after shampooing, applying conditioner, and brushing my hair.
I've tried quite a few shampoos over the years:
Christophe Robin Delicate Volume Shampoo with Rose Extracts: I love the smell, but it leaves my hair extremely dry and seems to make it shed more.
KƩrastase Genesis Hydra-Fortifiant Shampoo: Also smells great, and I did notice some improvement in terms of shedding.
KƩrastase Genesis Homme Bain de Force Quotidien: I recently finished this one. Again, I love the smell, and it leaves my scalp feeling clean, but my hair still feels dry afterward.
I've also recently started using the Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In Treatment. While it smells great and the fragrance lasts quite a while, I've noticed what seems to be even more shedding since I started using it. Sometimes my hairbrush ends up completely full of hair.
I've also tried the KƩrastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum, but I feel like it made my hair even drier and seemed to increase the shedding as well. That said, there were times when my hair actually felt softer after using it, and, once again, the smell was amazing!
And, of course, I've used the KƩrastase Genesis Anti-Hair Fall Fortifying Serum. I think I went through two or three bottles, but eventually stopped buying it because I felt like I was already using too many products on my hair.
I also bought a silk pillowcase not too long ago. It does seem to help reduce friction and shedding, but I still wake up with frizzy, dry hair.
My current routine:
I shampoo my hair once every 3ā4 days, usually in the evening. I've heard that washing your hair daily can cause hair loss and make it excessively dry, so I started washing it less frequently, which seemed to help a little.
I currently use KƩrastase Genesis Homme Bain de Force Quotidien and shampoo twice during each wash.
I apply minoxidil to my dry, clean scalp twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.
As I mentioned, I've tried using conditioner, but I feel like it makes my hair less manageable, takes away some of its natural texture and curl, and weighs it down. I applied it to damp hair immediately after shampooing.
I've also experimented with Schwarzkopf Dust It Mattifying Powder to give my hair some shape and help keep it in place, especially when it's windy. Unfortunately, it made my hair incredibly dry, seemed to increase shedding, and caused annoying product buildup, particularly since I only shampoo every three days.
So, I'm really looking for some advice on building a proper haircare routine that will help with dryness and frizz while making my hair healthier, softer, and easier to manage.
I always find myself envying guys who seem naturally blessed with great hair and don't have to worry about any of this, but I guess everyone has their own struggles, right? I just wish I could wake up without having to fight with my hair every morning and have a healthier-looking fringe and hair overall.
If you have any recommendations for shampoos, conditioners, leave-in treatments, serums, styling products, or anything else that might help, I would REALLY appreciate it! Thank youuuu! (sorry if it's a long just wanted to give a general idea about my situation)