FAQ: Hair Care with Our Product Line
How should you use oil on your hair?
Hair oil can be used on both wet and dry hair, depending on the desired result. When applied to towel-dried hair, the oil penetrates the hair shaft more easily and provides a more nourishing effect, while oil applied to dry hair primarily adds shine and acts as a finishing touch. Regardless of the method, the general recommendation is to dispense a few drops into the palms of your hands and work them through the lengths and ends, where the hair typically needs the most moisture.
It’s generally recommended to keep the oil away from the scalp, unless it’s intended for scalp care, since too much oil near the roots can make the hair look greasy. It’s recommended to start with a small amount and gradually add more as needed, since hair oil is a product where using too much at once is harder to correct than using too little.
What is the difference between conditioner, shampoo, and hair balm?
The purpose of shampoo is to cleanse the hair and scalp of dirt, sebum, and product residue, which also slightly opens the hair’s outer cuticle layer. In practice, “balsam” and “conditioner” are terms for the same product category—the Danish and English words for the same thing—and are used after shampoo to close the cuticle again, reduce friction between strands, and make the hair easier to comb.
The difference becomes apparent only when comparing rinse-off and leave-in varieties: rinse-off products are rinsed out after a short time, while leave-in products remain in the hair. It is recommended to wash your hair with shampoo first, followed by a hair treatment if desired, and finally apply conditioner to the lengths and ends, as this order takes advantage of the fact that the cuticle is most receptive immediately after shampooing.
How can I best take care of my hair?
The condition of your hair is influenced by a combination of internal and external factors. Among external factors, heat styling—such as blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons—causes the most damage to the hair’s structure, along with frequent chemical treatments like coloring and bleaching. Tight hairstyles, hair ties made of rough material, and frequent exposure to the sun and chlorinated water also contribute to damage and increase the risk of split ends.
Internal factors such as diet, sleep, and stress levels affect hair growth and strength, since hair is largely composed of protein. STRØM recommends a combination of gentle hair washing, regular use of conditioner, minimal heat styling, and regular trims every 8–12 weeks to keep split ends at bay—rather than promises of faster hair growth, for which there is no scientific evidence.
What is a hair mask, and how do you use it?
A hair mask is a deep-conditioning treatment with a thicker consistency than conditioner, designed to provide concentrated care for the hair. Whereas conditioner is used after every shampoo and left on for only a few minutes, a hair mask is intended for more occasional use—typically once or twice a week—and needs more time to work, usually between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the product’s instructions.
Apply the hair mask to damp hair after shampooing, work it through the lengths and ends, and rinse thoroughly after the specified time. It is not recommended to leave a hair mask on overnight unless the product is specifically designed for that purpose, as the hair can be damaged if it dries out while you’re sleeping.