3 Realistic Hair Goals for Every Hair Type

Hair goals should never be one-size-fits-all. After all, hair trends and styles will look different on various hair types and textures. But that’s not to limit you! What you’d want to achieve is hair that’s healthy, nourished, and maintained – that you can style and wear in many ways. Discover your best hair yet with these ideas tailored to what your momma gave you.

When you think of straight hair, you picture strong, long, smooth, and silky locks. This hair type often looks sleek and shiny because oil from the scalp can spread easily down the hair strands. The downside? It can also result in greasy roots or limp, flat hair. You want hair that’s bouncy and well-balanced (not oily or dry) to highlight the beauty of your straight locks.  

Straight hair does look good when worn down, but don’t limit yourself to that. If your hair is way too fine, smooth, and silky to hold up a style, it likely just needs more texture. In this case, make texturizing sprays your new hair BFF. They add grit and lift to your locks, making it easier to hold a hairstyle like a braid or an updo, and even keep a bobby pin securely in place.

If your hair is super straight, you might end up having oily roots and lifeless-looking hair. The solution? Refresh your roots with dry shampoo to absorb the excess oil. Blow-drying your hair in the opposite direction of its natural fall or how your hair typically settles can also create added volume at the crown.

Use a nourishing hair mask if you’re growing out your hair. Do this weekly or daily, depending on your needs. This can help bring life to your locks, helping tame frizziness and dryness while making it softer and more manageable.

Wavy hair is versatile and generally easier to manage. The multiple bends in each hair strand make it more flexible to various styles. You can pleat your hair into braids or style it into more defined beachy-vibe curls, for example. If this is your hair type, below are some best-case-scenarios you can aim for.

Keep your waves from looking dull and shapeless – a common challenge for sparse or fine hair. Missing body and definition? Use a sea salt spray for added texture or a styling spray for stronger hold and structure.  

Wavy hair has a natural, je ne sais quoi charm – effortless but stylish. Just make sure to condition it well so it doesn’t end up looking too frizzy or unkempt (like you literally just got out of bed). Try a messy bun, a loose ponytail, or wear your hair down and just comb it with your fingers.

If your waves are more defined and your hair strands are coarser in texture, go boho. Use a lightweight styling cream to add definition to your waves without weighing them down.

Curly hair is fun to style and play around with, especially when you know how to maintain it. Keep it healthy and moisturized without over-conditioning, a.k.a. piling on too many products. You want curly hair that’s well-defined, vibrant, bouncy, and voluminous, yes? Here are some curly hair goals to go after.

You know you’ve achieved the effortlessly styled curls you’re going for when you have people asking, “Natural ‘yan?” The trick is to keep your curls defined but not too big and poofy. Then, make sure your hair is clean, so oils and dirt don’t drag your strands down. You can also use a curl-enhancing mousse to keep them bouncy and controlled.

As you already know, the curlier your hair, the harder it is for oil from the scalp to travel through. This can lead to dry strands that are prone to breakage, frizz, and damage. Prevent this with nourishing hair oils (applied to the ends) to keep your curls hydrated, shiny, and protected.

Curly hair strands can be more prone to tangles and breakage because of their bendy shape. Keep your hair strong with Dove Biotin Hair Fall Rescue Shampoo and Dove Biotin Hair Fall Rescue Conditioner, which are enriched with biotin to strengthen and repair hair. It’s a good hair-nourishing combo for hair that’s brittle and prone to damage. That way, you can confidently wear your curls in different styles. Try a high ponytail or secure your hair loosely using a clamp.

Coily hair, often characterized as kinky or springy, features strands in a zigzag or S-shape. This versatile hair type can range in texture from dense and tightly coiled to tiny, compressed spirals.

Effective care for coily hair begins with establishing the right washing routine. Because your hair doesn’t get as oily as other hair types, you can skip a shampoo day and focus on conditioning. Get started with some of these coily hair goals.

Keep your coils healthy with emollient-rich products. These will maintain moisture in your locks and prevent breakage. Add definition with hair gel or mousse when styling for a more voluminous look.

Have fun with your coils and wear them down with confidence. The secret is to keep your long, lovely curls looking neat (read: not buhaghag) and well-defined. Using your fingertips, run hair oil through your hair, gently tugging and stretching the strands. This will give you hair coils that look moisturized and full of life.

If your coils are tight and coarse, they can benefit from deep conditioning. This can help prevent your hair from becoming too dry and brittle. Get a moisturizing treatment at the salon at least once a month and do at-home treatment masks in between sessions.

Here’s to staying true to your roots and slaying your hair goals. Work with – not against – your hair’s natural texture and type. You’ll be surprised by how great your hair can look with the different styles you can achieve.