What shampoo is in your shower right now? Why did you buy it? Was it because it smelled nice, or because a friend recommended it, or maybe because it claims to address some of the problems you’ve had with your hair? Do you feel like it works?

If you’re not in love with your shampoo and conditioner, it’s not the end of the world, but you could be depriving yourself of the benefits that the right shampoo and conditioner could be providing you. If you desire more manageability for your hair (and who doesn’t?), perhaps changing up the core of your routine could do the trick.

Generally speaking, the two most important aspects of any hair product made for curly girls are moisture and hold. Without moisture, curls can look dull and frizzy, and without hold, the shape and pattern of the curls can be inconsistent. Because of this, many people with curly hair prefer not to shampoo at all (a practice known as co-washing), and while this is a healthy practice for holding on to moisture in the hair, the scalp does need to be cleansed more deeply every few washes to prevent product buildup.

My recommendations: Bumble and Bumble’s Curl Shampoo and conditioner, Moroccan Oil’s Hydrating shampoo and conditioner.

If your hair likes to live in the middle of the spectrum, it can be confusing to pinpoint exactly what your needs are. To do so, let’s look past the wave pattern of your hair; what is the texture (fine, medium, coarse), is it prone to dryness or frizz? While it’s always better to ask your stylist for something more specific to you, there are a few products that are likely to suit people with wavy hair.

My recommendations: Bumble and Bumble’s Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Shampoo and conditioner, Living Proof’s No Frizz shampoo and conditioner.

Straight hair, like the other categories, can vary from limp and fine to thick and coarse. However, symptoms that are fairly universal with straight hair are lack of volume and oiliness. This may require more frequent cleansing, which creates a need for a more gentle formula.

My recommendations: Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day Shampoo and conditioner, Bumble and Bumble’s new Thickening Shampoo and conditioner.

So, before you spend any more money on styling products to get your hair under control, consider starting with changing up the beginning of your hair routine, you may be pleasantly surprised by the results!