Japanese hair care routine: 6 steps to achieve healthy hair

If you're dealing with damaged hair and unsure of how to care for it or assess its condition, we've compiled 6 Steps to Healthy Hair based on the Japanese Hair Care Routine. This will help you explore methods for caring for and rejuvenating your hair from the inside, giving your hair optimal vitality and health. Join Japan With Love in this article to discover the secrets behind the soft and glossy hair of Japanese women, turning your dream of healthy hair into reality.

1. From Japanese hair care routine, assess your current hair condition

Before anything else, think about your hair care habits. It's important to ask specific questions about your hair-related issues and assess the current condition. Identify the problems you want to address and understand that hair care, especially for damaged hair, takes time.

Common hair conditions and issues:

Dry and Damaged Hair: Use products like hair oil or hair masks containing argan oil and other nourishing ingredients to restore moisture and nutrients to the hair.
Curly and Frizzy Hair: Learn about hair care products for curly hair and apply proper styling techniques to avoid unwanted frizz.
Oil or Dry Scalp: Choose a suitable shampoo for your scalp condition and avoid overwashing to prevent excessive oil production.
Split Ends: Regularly trim the ends of your hair to prevent split ends and use hair care products containing split-end prevention ingredients.
Hair Loss: Use shampoos and conditioners with natural ingredients such as oat water to reduce hair loss.
Color or Chemical Damage: If you regularly dye your hair, pay attention to using color-safe hair care products and minimize exposure to chemical substances.
Scalp Issues: Choose a gentle shampoo with ingredients that help address scalp issues such as itching, oiliness, dryness, and flakiness.
Lack of Volume: Use volumizing products and styling techniques to achieve an impressive look with fullness and volume.

Understanding your hair condition and choosing the right products and care habits will boost your confidence in building your personalized hair care routine.

2. Set goals based on Japanese hair care routine

In your daily hair care journey, setting specific goals for your hair is crucial. This not only helps you choose the right products but also establishes positive habits to achieve healthy and beautiful hair.

Some hair care goals you can set:

Smoothness and Shine: Aim for soft, smooth, and shiny hair. Use conditioners or hair masks with moisturizing ingredients to improve hair smoothness.
Volume, Texture, and Body: If you want thicker, textured, and voluminous hair, choose products that enhance volume and regularly trim your hair to maintain its fullness.
Strength, Repair, and Hydration: Focus on hair rejuvenation and restoration from the inside. Use best Japanese hair mask with ingredients like keratin for strength and hydration.
Long-Lasting Color: If you dye your hair, the goal is to maintain a long-lasting color. Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner to protect the color.
Defined Waves and Curls: For curly or wavy hair, select hair care products specifically designed for these hair types to maintain shape and definition.
Overall Hair Health: The ultimate goal is to have healthy hair from roots to ends. Combine hair care products with moisturizing ingredients and scalp care to create a favorable environment for healthy hair growth.

With specific goals and concerns about your hair, start building your hair care routine by choosing products and implementing appropriate care steps.

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3. Japanese hair care routine: 6 steps to achieve healthy hair

Healthy hair is a common aspiration, and regular hair care is crucial to achieve it. In this Japanese hair care routine with 6 basic steps, from washing to scalp care, we'll explore simple yet effective ways to keep your hair shiny and healthy. Embark on a hair care journey for beautiful and confident locks!

3.1 Step 1: Cleanse scalp & hair

Cleansing hair is the vital first step in the hair care process, similar to daily skincare. It removes excess oil, old hair care products, dirt, and accumulated dead skin cells on the hair and scalp.

- Here are 4 Japanese hair washing steps:

Gentle Hair Brushing: Brush your hair gently before washing to detangle and reduce the risk of hair loss.
Shampooing: Cleanse hair and scalp with lukewarm water to remove surface dirt. Rinse thoroughly without vigorous rubbing.
Mix Shampoo and Create Lather: Mix shampoo with a bit of water and create lather by rubbing it between your palms before applying to different scalp areas. Use the fleshy part of your fingertips for a gentle massage instead of your nails to avoid scalp damage.
Rinse Off Shampoo: Rinse off shampoo, focusing on the hairline, behind the ears, and the neck sides.

- Japanese hair care tips for you:

Choose a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo to protect hair and scalp health.
Mix equal parts of shampoo and coconut oil (1:1 ratio) for stronger and less oily hair.
Use fingertips to create lather instead of nails.
Shampoo every 3-4 days with moisturizing shampoo to maintain natural oil and balance scalp microbiota.
Wash and rinse with lukewarm or cold water to avoid the harmful effects of hot water.

3.2 Step 2: Conditioner - Moisturize & protect hair

In Japanese hair care routine, an essential step after shampooing is using a conditioner to nourish the hair. Conditioner not only helps detangle but also provides moisture and protects hair from harsh environmental factors. Here are the details and some tips to better understand this step:

- Benefits of conditioner:

Conditioner contains nourishing elements like protein and keratin, making hair softer, reducing tangles, and preventing breakage.
It creates a protective layer outside the hair, shielding it from environmental factors such as temperature, UV rays, and pollution.
Conditioner adds moisture to the hair, preventing dryness and keeping it soft and glossy.
Effective Conditioner Use:
Allow the conditioner to soak into the hair for about 1-2 minutes before rinsing with cool water. This gives the nutrients time to penetrate the hair.
Use a wide-tooth comb to gently brush through the hair, ensuring even distribution and enhancing moisturizing effectiveness.
Choose a lightweight conditioner without silicone to avoid weighing down the hair. Products like Honey Infused Conditioner offer perfect hydration without causing heaviness.

- Japanese hair care tips for detangling:

Start detangling when the hair is wet. Use your fingers to gently comb along the length of the hair to remove larger knots.
Always begin detangling from the bottom, working your way up to reduce pressure and minimize hair loss. This helps prevent overall tangling and reduces breakage.

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3.3 Step 3: Proper hair drying

After a shower, letting your hair air-dry is a common choice, but it often leads to frizz and tangles. Conversely, using a hairdryer on wet hair can damage it. Here's how to dry your hair correctly:

- Prepare your hair:

Use a soft towel to gently absorb excess water from your hair.
Instead of rubbing, gently squeeze each strand of hair to remove excess water without damaging the hair structure.

- Use the hairdryer correctly:

Use the low heat setting on the hairdryer to avoid heat damage.
Once your hair is mostly dry, switch to the cool setting for a few minutes to lock in moisture and soften the hair.
Only dry your hair about 70-80% to prevent it from losing moisture.
Maintain a distance of 15-20 cm between the hairdryer and your hair to avoid excessive heat on the hair and scalp.
Divide your hair into small sections to ensure even drying.
Before using the hairdryer, apply a product like a hair serum to reduce the impact of high heat on your hair.

3.4 Step 4: Moisturize & style care

Moisturizing your hair is crucial not only when using heat tools but also as a necessary step in Japanese hair care routine. Even when avoiding heat, maintaining moisture keeps your hair soft, strong, and naturally beautiful. A honey-infused hair oil is an excellent daily moisturizing solution. Formulated with Mirsalehi Honey, it not only hydrates but also controls frizz and prevents dryness. Apply damp or dry hair, morning or night.

- Daily moisturizing tips:

Use a small amount of oil depending on your hair thickness: 1-2 drops for thin hair, 2-3 drops for medium hair, and 3-4 drops for thick hair.
Warm the product in your palms before applying to ensure even distribution.

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Before using heat styling tools such as a hairdryer, curling iron, or straightener, ensure your hair is well-prepared. This not only protects your hair from negative effects but also enhances the styling process, ensuring long-lasting results. Use a lightweight styling primer to prepare your hair and prevent stiffness. The next step is using a heat protectant, like a hair serum, to shield your hair from high temperatures and sunlight. Divide your hair into small sections and evenly spray the heat protectant before using styling tools.

- Japanese hair care secrets - Heat styling tips:

Avoid using heat styling tools on wet or damp hair to prevent damage.
After applying the heat protectant, let your hair air dry for a few minutes before using heat tools.

3.5 Step 5: Treatment

This step is crucial in the hair care process, aiming to rejuvenate and soften the hair from within. Treatment products are designed to address specific hair issues, including damage repair, reducing hair loss, or enhancing moisture.

- Choosing appropriate treatment products:

Deep Nourishment and Restoration: Deep conditioning products like hair masks or hair oils containing ingredients such as keratin, argan oil, or honey help rejuvenate the hair from deep within, reducing damage and increasing softness.
Moisture-Boosting Products: For dry and dehydrated hair, using a moisturizing hair spray can be a good option. These products help provide and maintain moisture for the hair over an extended period.
Anti-Hair Loss Products: If you're dealing with hair loss, a combination of nourishing scalp and hair nutrients along with anti-hair loss ingredients can reduce this issue and stimulate new hair growth.

- Hair mask:

Hair masking is a crucial step in the Japanese hair care routine, delivering nutrients and moisture deep into the hair strands. A honey-infused hair mask is an excellent choice for this process, containing nourishing elements from honey to nurture and restore the hair from within.

For effective hair masking, apply the mask from the mid-length to the tips of the hair, avoiding the scalp. Then, use a shower cap or plastic bag to wrap the hair and retain moisture. Let the mask sit on the hair for 15-30 minutes or even overnight. Afterward, rinse your hair with cool water. This process optimally allows the hair to absorb nutrients, leaving it soft, smooth, and healthy.

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- Scalp treatment:

For scalp treatment, various methods and products can be used depending on the specific condition of the scalp. Here are some popular options:

A scalp spritz may contain moisturizing and soothing ingredients. It helps cool and balance moisture on the scalp, and can also assist in controlling oil.
Coconut oil has high moisturizing properties, softening the scalp and preventing dryness and cracking. However, if your scalp tends to be oily, the use of coconut oil may need to be controlled.
If you have issues with oily scalp, products containing salicylic acid or zinc can help control oil and prevent the appearance of blackheads.

3.6 Step 6: Inner beauty with a healthy diet

Hair care isn't just about external products; it also stems from a healthy diet. Your diet significantly influences the health of your hair and scalp. Here are some suggestions to ensure you're providing the necessary nutrients for healthy hair:

Protein:

Since hair is primarily composed of protein, supplementing protein in your diet is crucial. Foods such as meat, fish, eggs, nuts, and soybeans are good protein sources. Ensuring an adequate protein intake helps make your hair strong and healthy.

Vitamins and minerals:

Vitamins like A, C, E, and minerals such as iron, zinc, and omega-3 play a vital role in hair health. Leafy greens, berries, flaxseeds, and salmon are rich sources of these nutrients. Adding foods rich in vitamins and minerals to your diet enhances the overall health of your hair.

Water - essential nutrient:

Maintaining adequate hydration is crucial for hair health. Water helps keep your hair adequately moisturized and promotes hair elasticity. Ensure you maintain sufficient daily water intake to support the well-being of your hair.

Avoid harmful foods:

Steering clear of fast food and sugary items is an essential part of a healthy diet for your hair. A diet low in sugar and processed foods helps maintain the optimal health of both hair and scalp.

Keratin-rich foods:

Keratin is a crucial protein for hair. Foods such as fish, poultry, nuts, and pomegranates are rich in keratin, providing essential nutrients for hair structure.

By paying attention to your diet, you can help provide the necessary nutrients for your hair to be healthy and resilient from the inside out. And above are 6 steps to take care of healthy hair according to Japanese hair care routine.

4. Conclusion

In summary, following the Japanese Hair Care Routine with the 6 steps mentioned above will give your hair a fresh and vibrant appearance, full of vitality and health. Kiichin, a hair care brand from Japan, will be your reliable companion on your hair care journey. With a mission to provide a refined and effective hair care experience, Kiichin proudly offers high-quality hair care products that leave your hair soft, smooth and healthy.