Keeping hair healthy starts at the root, literally. The TARA Application Method is a complete, highly effective routine designed to balance and stimulate the scalp, strengthen follicles, repair damaged ends, and improve hair vitality over time.
Whether your goal is to reduce hair fall, repair damage, reduce breakage, or promote healthier growth, this step‑by‑step guide will help you get the most from each TARA product.
Below you’ll find how to use each product in the correct order and why it works. Perfect for beginners and for anyone who wants to understand scalp science without jargon.
Why the TARA Application Method Works
Most hair problems stem from two imbalances:
- Congested scalp (product buildup, sebum, pollution).
- Damaged lengths and split ends (heat, brushing, dyes, bleaching).
TARA’s ideal routine addresses both with:
- Weekly scalp exfoliation
- Gentle but highly effective shampoos and conditioners
- Deep repair masks
- Leave‑in hydration
- Intensive scalp serums
TARA products complement each other to restore hair from root to tip, allowing actives to penetrate better and deliver visible results.
Step 1 — Weekly Scalp Reset
Use the Detox Exfoliation Shampoo once a week to remove dead skin cells, impurities, and excess sebum that can clog follicles and weigh down the roots. Thanks to its combination of mechanical and chemical exfoliation, it provides the most complete detox.
Ideal for: all scalp types, especially oily scalps, flaky scalps, product buildup, or low root lift and volume.
How to use it
- Apply to wet scalp (and on lengths if you use many styling products).
- Massage gently for 1–2 minutes in circular motions (use fingertips only, never nails).
- Rinse thoroughly and continue with your regular conditioner or mask.
Pro tip: Before styling, on damp hair, apply the Detox Scalp Serum to soften and rebalance the scalp.
→ Buy Detox Exfoliation Shampoo
Why exfoliation matters
Exfoliation improves oxygenation, supports healthier growth, and provides natural volume by removing buildup. It also prepares the scalp so subsequent treatment actives penetrate better and deliver maximum results.
Step 2 — Choose Your Shampoo
Weekly exfoliation primes the scalp, but your regular shampoo maintains balance.
How to use it
- Apply only to the scalp (we’ll treat the lengths in the next step).
- Massage gently.
- Leave on 2–3 minutes.
- Rinse and repeat (double cleansing is essential).
All TARA shampoos are sulfate‑free, so they are suitable for frequent use. Our formulas are highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
Pro tip: Alternate two shampoos depending on how your roots feel. This prevents imbalance and adapts to your needs.
Step 3 — Conditioner for Daily Hydration
The conditioner restores hydration, reduces breakage, and leaves hair softer and more manageable.
How to use it
- Apply from mid‑lengths to ends, avoiding the scalp.
- Leave on 3–5 minutes.
- Detangle with a wide‑tooth comb.
- Rinse thoroughly.
Why it works
Well‑hydrated hair breaks less, looks shinier, and stays smooth longer.
Step 4 — Hair Mask for Intensive Repair
Frequency of use for the TARA Repairing Hair Mask is adapted to your damage or porosity level. Below are two application options depending on your hair needs.
Recommended frequency
- Very damaged or highly porous hair: 2x per week
- Damaged or normal hair: 1x per week
- Fine hair: every 10 days
Option A — On wet hair (regular repair)
- After shampoo, apply from mid‑lengths to ends.
- Leave on at least 5–10 minutes.
- Detangle gently and rinse.
Option B — On dry hair (deep repair)
- Apply generously from mid‑lengths to ends.
- Leave on 30–60 minutes (or overnight).
- Wash with shampoo + conditioner.
Why both techniques work
Dry hair absorbs actives differently, allowing deeper penetration and more intensive repair.
Step 5 — Leave‑In Scalp Serum
A leave‑in scalp serum is the most important step to strengthen from the root, stimulate healthy growth, and deliver essential nutrients to your scalp for healthier, more vital hair.
How to use it
- Apply one full pipette, drop by drop, directly across the scalp — on dry or damp hair.
- Massage.
- Do not rinse. Style as usual.
Extra tips
- For faster results, use daily.
- They are water‑based serums, so they won’t weigh hair down.
- If you have an oily scalp, apply on damp hair.
- You can alternate serums, but we recommend using the same one for at least 3 months. Real change requires patience.
Benefits of the scalp serum
- Balances sebum production
- Strengthens from the root
- Reduces irritation
- Encourages healthy, sustained growth
→ See all Scalp Serums
Step 6 — Leave‑In Conditioner (Hydration + Frizz Control)
Your final protective touch to complete the routine. Leaves hair soft, hydrated, and frizz‑free, while protecting against heat and environmental stressors.
How to use it
- Apply a small amount to mid‑lengths and ends, on damp or dry hair.
- Do not rinse.
- Ideal before styling or using heat tools.
Pro tip: Keep it in your bag for quick touch‑ups and flawless hair on the go.
The Full TARA Routine at a Glance
| Step | Product | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Detox Exfoliation Shampoo | Once a week |
| 2 | Shampoo | Every wash |
| 3 | Conditioner | Every wash |
| 4 | Hair Mask | Very damaged: 2x/week · Normal: 1x/week · Fine: every 10 days |
| 5 | Scalp Serum | Daily or after shower |
| 6 | Leave‑In Conditioner | Daily |
Not sure where to start?
Take our online scalp quiz to discover which TARA products suit your hair and scalp. You can also email us at hi@taraformula.com or DM us on Instagram — we’ll be happy to help.
