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Hair Care Must Haves for Shiny, Smooth and Healthy Hair

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If your hair looks dry, frizzy, dull or rough even after washing it, the problem may not be that you need more products. You may simply need the right products in the right order.

The products shown in the pin are a good example of a complete hair care routine. There are products for cleansing, conditioning, adding shine, reducing frizz, protecting the ends, styling and protecting hair while sleeping.

The part I like most about this type of routine is that every product has a job. I would not use everything at the same time. Instead, I would choose products based on what my hair needs that day.

 

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For shiny and smooth looking hair, my routine would start with the L’Oreal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss collection, followed by a good leave in treatment and a small amount of hair oil. For long hair that breaks easily, I would add the Elvive Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream. For nighttime care, I would use a satin bonnet and satin scrunchie.

L’Oreal says its Glycolic Gloss routine is designed for dull and porous hair and uses glycolic acid to smooth the hair surface and improve shine. The US version currently includes products such as the Glycolic Gloss shampoo and leave in serum. (L’Oreal Paris)

Affiliate note: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through a link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Prices and availability can change on Amazon.

Quick Comparison of These Hair Care Must Haves

 

Product Best For Main Benefit Use
L’Oreal Elvive Glycolic Gloss Dull and rough hair Shine and smoother looking hair Wash days
Glycolic Gloss Ultra Gloss Treatment Porous hair Extra shine and smoother finish About 2 times weekly
Elvive Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream Long damaged hair Helps reduce breakage and protect ends After washing
L’Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil Dry and frizzy hair Shine and softness Before or after styling
Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil Frizz and dry ends Hydration and shine Styling or finishing
Garnier Fructis Hair Food Dry hair Moisture and softness Mask or conditioner
Skala Mais Lisos Frizz and unruly hair Smoother looking finish Mask or leave in
Sedal hair treatment Dry and difficult to manage hair Softness and easier combing Wash days
Satin bonnet Nighttime protection Less friction while sleeping Every night
Satin scrunchie Gentle hair tying Helps reduce tight pulling and creases Daily
Scalp massager Scalp cleansing Helps massage shampoo through the scalp Wash days
Hair styling brush Smoothing and styling Easier blowout and straight styling Styling days

Best Hair Care Products to Start With

 

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If I were building this routine from the beginning, I would not buy every product in the picture.

I would start with four basics.

First, a shampoo and conditioner that make the hair clean and soft.

Second, a treatment for the main problem, such as dryness, porosity or damage.

Third, a leave in product or hair oil to keep the ends looking smooth.

Fourth, a satin bonnet or satin scrunchie to protect the work you did during the day.

That gives you a simple routine without making your bathroom shelf too crowded.

My starting routine

  1. Wash with a suitable shampoo
  2. Apply conditioner from the middle of the hair to the ends
  3. Use a treatment when your hair needs extra care
  4. Apply a small amount of leave in product
  5. Use hair oil on the ends
  6. Style with moderate heat when needed
  7. Sleep with a satin bonnet or use a satin scrunchie

L’Oreal Elvive Glycolic Gloss

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Best for dull, rough and porous looking hair

This is the part of the routine I would reach for when my hair looks clean but still does not look shiny.

L’Oreal describes Glycolic Gloss as a routine for dull and porous hair. The line uses a glycolic acid complex and is designed to smooth the hair surface and improve the appearance of shine. (L’Oréal Paris Centroamérica)

The Glycolic Gloss range includes shampoo, conditioner, treatment and leave in products. Some versions of the range use different percentages of the glycolic acid complex, so it is important to follow the instructions on the specific bottle you buy. (L’Oréal Paris Centroamérica)

Why you need it

When hair feels rough, light does not reflect as smoothly from the surface. This can make healthy hair look dull.

The idea behind this range is to make the hair surface look smoother and more polished.

Pros

• Good choice for dull looking hair
• Helps hair look smoother
• Useful when hair feels rough or porous
• Several products can be used together
• The US range includes products for cleansing and finishing

Cons

• You do not need the complete collection
• Some products may feel too rich for very fine hair
• Results depend on your hair condition and routine
• The percentage and directions can vary between products

Check Price on Amazon: Glycolic Gloss

L’Oreal Elvive Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream

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Best for long hair and damaged ends

Long hair can be frustrating because the ends are usually older than the hair close to the scalp. That means the ends often need more care.

This is where I would use the Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream.

The product contains fine castor oil and vitamins B3 and B5. The product listing says it is designed to help seal the appearance of split ends, reduce breakage and provide heat protection up to 450°F. (Amazon)

This is also one of the products where the application makes a big difference. I would use it mainly through the lengths and ends instead of putting a large amount on the roots.

My experience style routine

After washing, I would gently squeeze excess water from my hair. Then I would apply a small amount through the middle and ends. I would comb through gently and then style.

The goal is not to make the hair greasy. The goal is to make the ends easier to manage.

Pros

• Good for long hair
• Helps reduce the appearance of damaged ends
• Helps with detangling
• Useful before heat styling
• Easy to add to a normal routine

Cons

• Can feel heavy if too much is used
• Does not permanently repair a split end
• May not be needed for short healthy hair

Check Price on Amazon: Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream

L’Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil

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Best for dry ends, frizz and extra shine

Hair oil is one of those products where less is usually better.

I would use only a small amount and start at the ends. If my hair still feels dry, I would add another small amount rather than applying a lot at once.

The Elvive Extraordinary Oil shown in the pin is a multi use hair oil that can be used on wet or dry hair and around styling. The product is also listed with heat protection claims in some markets.

Why you need it

If your hair looks good after washing but becomes fluffy or dry after it dries, an oil can give the ends a more polished appearance.

It can also be useful after styling when you have small flyaways.

Pros

• Adds shine
• Helps make dry ends look smoother
• Easy to use
• Works as a finishing product
• Useful for frizz control

Cons

• Too much can make hair look oily
• Very fine hair may need only one or two drops
• It does not replace conditioner

Check Price on Amazon: L’Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil

Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil

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Best for a glossy finish and dry ends

The Gisou bottle in the pin is another option if your main goal is soft looking, shiny hair.

Gisou says its Honey Infused Hair Oil is designed for hydration, shine, frizz control and heat protection. The brand recommends starting with a small amount and applying it from the middle of the hair toward the ends. (Gisou EU)

I would choose this when I want the final step of my routine to look polished.

How I would use it

I would warm a few drops between my palms and lightly press them into the ends. I would avoid putting a large amount near the scalp.

Pros

• Gives hair a glossy finish
• Useful for dry ends
• Helps smooth flyaways
• Can be used before or after styling
• Available in different sizes

Cons

• More expensive than many drugstore hair oils
• Easy to overapply
• Fragrance may not suit everyone

Check Price on Amazon: Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil

Garnier Fructis Hair Food

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Best for dry hair that needs extra softness

The Garnier Hair Food shown in the image is useful when your hair needs more moisture than your normal conditioner provides.

Aloe Vera Hair Food is sold as a 3 in 1 product in some markets and can be used as a mask or conditioner depending on the product version. (Amazon Singapore)

I would use a hair mask like this on a day when my hair feels dry and rough rather than using a heavy treatment every time I wash.

Pros

• Good option for dry hair
• Can give hair a softer feel
• Easy to add to wash day
• Useful as an extra conditioning step

Cons

• May feel heavy on very fine hair
• Different Hair Food versions have different formulas
• Check the individual label before choosing one

Check Price on Amazon: Garnier Fructis Hair Food

Skala Expert Mais Lisos

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Best for frizzy and unruly hair

Skala Mais Lisos is shown near the bottom of the pin in the large purple container.

The product is commonly sold as a large 1 kg treatment and is positioned for hair that needs more control and a smoother looking finish. An Amazon linked listing identifies the product with ASIN B088PNBKTR. (Busca Melhores)

This is the kind of product I would use when my hair feels difficult to comb or looks puffy after washing.

Pros

• Large container
• Good option for people who use hair treatments often
• Helps hair feel softer and easier to manage
• Useful for frizz control

Cons

• Large size may be unnecessary if you rarely use masks
• Availability can vary in the US
• May feel heavy on very fine hair

Check Price on Amazon: Skala Expert Mais Lisos

Sedal Hair Treatments

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Best for soft and manageable hair

The pink Sedal products in the pin are another option for conditioning and styling.

Sedal products vary by country, so I would check the exact formula and product name before ordering. For example, Amazon has Sedal hair treatments and styling creams in some markets. (Amazon Mexico)

Pros

• Many products focus on softness and manageability
• Useful for dry looking hair
• Easy to add to a wash routine
• Often available in large sizes

Cons

• US availability can vary
• Product formulas differ between markets
• Check the exact product before buying

Check Price on Amazon: Sedal Hair Care

Satin Bonnet and Satin Scrunchies

 

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Best for nighttime hair protection

This is one of the easiest parts of the routine to overlook.

You can spend time washing, conditioning, treating and styling your hair, then sleep on a rough surface and wake up with frizz and tangles.

A satin bonnet gives the hair a smoother surface to move against while you sleep. A satin scrunchie can also be useful when you want to tie your hair without using a tight elastic.

How I would use them

At night, I would make sure my hair is completely dry. I would gently gather the hair and place it inside the bonnet.

If I want to tie my hair, I would use a loose satin scrunchie instead of making a tight ponytail.

Pros

• Easy nighttime step
• Helps preserve hairstyles
• Useful for curly and straight hair
• Comfortable for many people
• Reusable

Cons

• Some bonnets may slip during sleep
• Satin quality varies
• A tight bonnet can be uncomfortable

Check Price on Amazon: Satin Hair Bonnet

Check Price on Amazon: Satin Scrunchies

Hair Brush and Scalp Massager

 

 

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Best for easier detangling and scalp cleansing

The pin also shows a pink hair brush and a pink scalp massager.

I would use the brush mainly for gentle detangling. Start at the ends and work upward instead of pulling a brush from the roots through a tangled section.

For the scalp massager, use gentle circular movements while shampooing. The goal is to massage the scalp, not scratch it.

Pros

• Makes wash day easier
• Helps distribute shampoo
• Useful for gentle scalp massage
• Good addition to a simple routine

Cons

• Aggressive brushing can cause unnecessary breakage
• Hard scalp massagers can feel uncomfortable
• You do not need several brushes for basic hair care

Check Price on Amazon: Scalp Massager

Check Price on Amazon: Detangling Hair Brush

How to Use These Products Step by Step

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The biggest mistake I would avoid is using every product in one wash.

Instead, this is the routine I would follow.

Step 1: Brush gently before washing

If your hair is tangled, gently remove the larger tangles before getting into the shower.

Start at the ends and slowly work upward.

Step 2: Shampoo the scalp

Apply shampoo mainly to the scalp.

Massage gently with your fingertips or a soft scalp massager.

Let the shampoo rinse through the lengths instead of aggressively rubbing the ends.

Step 3: Apply conditioner

Apply conditioner from the middle of the hair to the ends.

Leave it on according to the bottle instructions and rinse well.

Step 4: Use a treatment when needed

If your hair is dry, rough or dull, use a hair mask or treatment.

For the Glycolic Gloss Ultra Gloss treatment, L’Oreal recommends applying it after conditioner, leaving it for about 5 minutes and rinsing. The brand recommends using its 6 percent version about twice a week or when extra shine is wanted. (L’Oréal Paris)

Step 5: Add leave in care

On damp hair, apply a small amount of leave in cream through the lengths and ends.

The Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream is specifically designed to be left in and can be used before heat styling. (Amazon)

Step 6: Dry and style

Use a hair dryer or styling brush if needed.

Do not keep high heat on the same section for too long.

Step 7: Finish with hair oil

Once the hair is dry, use one or a few drops of hair oil on the ends.

For Gisou, the brand recommends about 1 to 2 drops for fine hair, 2 to 3 for medium hair and more for thick hair, starting small and adding more if needed. (Gisou EU)

Step 8: Protect your hair overnight

Use a satin bonnet or loose satin scrunchie before bed.

This final step is simple but can make your routine easier to maintain.

How to Choose the Right Size

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When choosing hair products, the size of the bottle is not the only thing that matters. Your hair thickness and how often you wash your hair matter too.

Fine hair

Choose lighter products and smaller amounts.

Start with one drop of oil or a very small amount of cream.

Medium hair

You can normally use a little more conditioner, mask or leave in product.

Still start small and add more if your hair needs it.

Thick hair

Thick hair often needs more product to cover the lengths properly.

Larger hair masks can make sense if you use them regularly.

Long hair

Focus your treatments on the lengths and ends.

The longer your hair becomes, the more important it is to keep the ends manageable.

Quick Buying Guide

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If you are trying to solve one specific hair problem, this makes shopping much easier.

For dull hair: Start with Glycolic Gloss.

For long damaged hair: Add Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream.

For dry ends: Choose a hair oil.

For frizz: Try a smoothing treatment and finish with a small amount of oil.

For very dry hair: Add a weekly hair mask.

For nighttime protection: Choose a satin bonnet.

For tangles: Use a gentle detangling brush.

For easier shampooing: Add a soft scalp massager.

The most important thing is not buying the largest collection. It is choosing products that solve the problem you actually have.

My Recommended Simple Hair Care Routine

 

 

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If I wanted the simple routine shown by the pin without making it complicated, I would build it like this.

Wash day

Shampoo: L’Oreal Elvive Glycolic Gloss

Conditioner: Glycolic Gloss conditioner

Treatment: Glycolic Gloss treatment when extra shine is needed

Leave in: Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream

Finishing step: L’Oreal Extraordinary Oil or Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil

Weekly care

Use a deeper mask such as Garnier Hair Food or Skala Mais Lisos when your hair feels dry.

Night care

Use a satin bonnet and a loose satin scrunchie.

This gives you cleansing, conditioning, treatment, protection, styling and nighttime care without needing to use every product every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

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Can I use all these products together?

I would not use every product together. Pick one main shampoo, one conditioner, one treatment and one finishing product. Add other products only when your hair needs them.

How often should I use Glycolic Gloss?

Follow the instructions on your specific product. L’Oreal gives different directions for different Glycolic Gloss products. Its Ultra Gloss treatment is recommended about twice weekly in some versions. (L’Oréal Paris)

Can I use hair oil every day?

You can use a small amount when needed, but daily use is not necessary for everyone. Fine hair may need only a drop or two.

Should I put hair oil on my scalp?

For a normal finishing routine, I would focus oil on the middle of the hair and ends rather than applying a large amount to the scalp.

Can hair products permanently repair split ends?

No product can permanently join a split end back together. Products can improve how damaged ends look and help protect the hair from further damage.

Is a satin bonnet worth using?

If you wake up with frizz, tangles or a hairstyle that loses its shape overnight, it can be a useful addition to your routine.

What should I buy first?

Start with the products that solve your biggest problem. For dull hair, start with Glycolic Gloss. For damaged long hair, add Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream. For dry ends, choose a hair oil. For nighttime frizz, add a satin bonnet.

Final Recommendation

 

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If the main problem is dull, rough and frizzy hair, I would build the routine around L’Oreal Elvive Glycolic Gloss, then add a leave in product and a small amount of hair oil.

If your main problem is long damaged ends, the L’Oreal Elvive Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream is the product I would add next. Its formula is intended for long damaged hair and offers heat protection when used before styling. (Amazon)

If your hair is very dry, add a weekly mask such as Garnier Hair Food or Skala Mais Lisos.

And if your hair looks good during the day but becomes messy and frizzy overnight, finish the routine with a satin bonnet and satin scrunchie.

The goal is not to own every bottle in the picture. The goal is to create a routine where every product has a reason to be there.

Shop L’Oreal Elvive Glycolic Gloss on Amazon

Shop Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream on Amazon

Shop L’Oreal Extraordinary Oil on Amazon

Shop Gisou Hair Oil on Amazon

Shop Garnier Hair Food on Amazon

Shop Skala Mais Lisos on Amazon

Shop Sedal Hair Care on Amazon

Shop Johnson’s Baby Oil on Amazon

Shop Satin Bonnets on Amazon

Shop Satin Scrunchies on Amazon

Amazon listings can change by seller, country, size and availability, so check the current listing before purchasing. 

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