• Hair products can typically be found at beauty supply stores or grocery stores.BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images
  
  While a talented hair stylist using quality tools can shape hair into creative and flattering looks, healthy hair is the foundation of any hairstyle. With so many options on the market, however, it may be difficult for some to know which products are best for maintaining hair health. Ultimately, a complete hair product arsenal includes products that keep hair clean, strong, and protected from external elements.
  
  

Shampoo

• Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Shampoo keeps the scalp clean by removing grease and debris that build up over time. Because shampoos can sometimes be dry hair out, it is best to apply it directly to the scalp rather than the hair itself. For those with dandruff or shedding problems, there are specialty shampoos to treat these issues. Clarifying shampoos help remove excess residue and there are even shampoos that return chemically treated hair to a healthy pH balance.
  
  

Conditioners

• For those who want to maintain healthy hair, regular conditioning is a must. Not only does conditioner restore moisture to the hair typically lost during the shampooing process, but it can also prevent hair breakage.
  
  For more thorough moisturizing, deep conditioning is a process in which conditioner is left on the hair for a prolonged period of time, typically from 30 minutes to one hour. The purpose of conditioner is to restore the correct protein-moisture balance to the hair. When hair is hard and brittle to the touch, it lacks moisture and thus a moisturizing conditioner is to be used. Conversely, mushy or overly elastic hair may need more protein, and so it is best to use a conditioner with a high protein content. Deep conditioning treatments work best when performed at least weekly. While not as strong or penetrating as a deep conditioner, leave-in conditioners can be applied daily or after every wash and are not washed out of the hair.
  
  

Moisturizers

• Curly or kinky hair types are particularly prone to excessive dryness, but all hair types can be affected, especially during the winter months. The most effective moisturizers are light and do not weigh down the hair. Avoid products that contain mineral oil or petrolatum, as these ingredients actually block out moisture.
  
  

Styling Products

• When it comes to styling the hair, the right product can create a sleeker look, make curls last longer, or eliminate frizz. Though the amount and type of styling products needed varies greatly according to hair type, individual preferences and styling habits. Heat protectants are vital to protecting all hair types from regular use of heat tools such as flat irons and curling irons.
  
  

Natural Products

• For those interested in natural hair products, the first place to go is the grocery store. Regular food products can be transformed into inexpensive and effective hair treatments. Honey and essential oils such as olive oil, sesame seed oil, and jojoba oil, for example, can be used as moisturizing conditioners, while eggs can be added to hair for protein conditioning. Vegetable glycerin, shea butter, and aloe vera gel can serve as daily moisturizers and apple cider vinegar can be used instead of shampoo.