Why might a product work for some people and not for others?
If you've ever bought a shampoo , styling cream , or hair oil that everyone has been raving about, only to find it turns out... catastrophic, don't worry, you're not alone! In the world of textured hair —whether wavy, curly, coily, or kinky —there's no one-size-fits-all solution. So why might a hair product be a revelation for one person and a disaster for another? Let's decipher the reasons behind this phenomenon.
Every hair is unique
The beauty of textured hair is its diversity. Between the different textures ( light waves, bouncy curls, tight crimps, kinky Z-shaped hair ), porosity , density , and thickness of the strands , there are an infinite number of hair combinations. A styling gel that perfectly defines the curls of someone with low porosity hair can leave a cardboard or sticky effect on more porous hair. It's all a question of adaptation!
Hydration-protein balance
Another factor that should not be overlooked is the balance between hydration and protein . Some hair needs more protein to strengthen its structure, while others already have enough and require more moisturizing care .
If your hair feels dry and brittle after a protein mask, it might be because it already has enough.
If your curls lack bounce and are too limp, a treatment rich in keratin, silk proteins or wheat proteins can give them a boost.
The ideal is to alternate between hydration and strengthening to avoid imbalances.
Porosity: a key factor
It's often talked about, but hair porosity plays a major role in the effectiveness of products.
Low porosity hair : Hair has difficulty absorbing moisture. Products that are too rich in thick oils like shea butter or castor oil can weigh it down and leave a greasy feeling on the surface.
Medium porosity hair : Absorbs moisture well and generally responds well to a wide range of products.
High porosity hair : absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as quickly. It needs richer treatments and sealing techniques (like the LOC method: Leave-in, Oil, Cream ).
A leave-in conditioner can therefore be an ally for some and a source of residue for others, depending on their porosity.
Climate and seasons influence hair's needs
A product's effectiveness also depends on your environment. A rich butter or thick oil may be perfect in winter to protect frizzy and curly hair from the cold, but too heavy in summer, causing a sticky effect. Similarly, a styling gel that works in humid climates may feel too stiff in a dry environment. Sometimes you need to adjust your routine depending on the season.
Application and technique also count
Finally, the way you apply a product completely changes its effect. A leave-in applied to wet hair won't have the same effect as it will on towel-dried hair. A hair gel scrunched into curls will give more bounce than if it's simply spread. Experimenting with different application methods can completely transform a product's effectiveness.
Compatibility between products
Sometimes it's not the product itself that's ineffective, but the combination with other treatments. Some ingredients don't mix well:
A clarifying shampoo followed by a hydrating mask works well, but an overly rich treatment applied after a gentle shampoo can weigh hair down.
Some styling gels may leave white residue if combined with a styling cream containing incompatible oils .
Sometimes testing product combinations is necessary to find the perfect match for your hair.
In conclusion: a unique hair adventure for everyone
There are no bad products, only products that don't work for your hair type , porosity , or routine . Finding what works sometimes takes experimentation, a little patience, and understanding your needs. The key is to listen to your hair and adapt your routine over time.
Want to learn more about the best hair care routines for your hair type ? Browse our blog and discover our tips and tricks for healthy hair!
