We asked top stylists to spill their secrets on things women with fantastic hair do daily, and here’s their list — all of which you can do from the comfort of your own home.
1. She keeps it cool in the shower
When you’re washing your hair, you don’t want the water too hot, warns David Edery, owner of Attitudes Paris Salon in Houston. Excess heat can blast the volume out of your hair, leaving you with limp locks. Instead, opt for warm water — this temperature allows you to work up a nice lather while still staying hot enough to rinse suds clean. And when it comes to the final post-conditioner rinse, the colder the better. Chilly water locks in those coveted nutrients into each strand, adding a beautiful, healthy luster.
2. She steers clear of snarls
Before you go ripping a comb through your strands, think about what you’re doing — and be gentle. Use a wide-toothed comb for particularly tangled locks, and always brush your hair from bottom to top to avoid creating more knots and snarls.
3. She limits her time in the sun
You see the damage that a day without sun protection does to your skin, but even though your hair suffers just as much, it can be harder to tell. To prevent sun damage, Rik Rak Master Stylist Marcelo suggests applying a leave-in conditioner at least every other day. Careful application from mid-shaft to the ends of hair can combat damage from the summer big three — UV rays, wind, and saltwater.
And if you’re headed to the beach where the heat will be coming at you from all directions, spritz a generous application of heat protectant with SPF onto damp hair before going out, followed by a reapplication after swims — same as you would do for your skin.
4. She takes her vitamins
Even if your diet is impeccable, it’s possible you’re missing out on some crucial hair-boosting vitamins. Not sure if you need them? Dr. Frank Lipman, founder of Eleven Eleven Wellness Center, says the answer is in how healthy (or not-so-healthy) your skin and nails look. For example, if your fingernails are ridging and/or if you have dry, flaky skin, chances are your hair is crying out for help, too. But that’s easy to reverse: Once you start taking the right combo of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbs, you can get fuller, shinier, and stronger hair in just a few months. Bonus: Your nails and skin will also benefit.
5. She eats the right foods
For all the attention we pay to the hair follicle once it leaves the scalp, half the battle for beautiful hair is already lost (or won) by what you’re putting in your body every day. According to Dr. Robert Dorin, New York City-board certified diplomat of the American Board of Hair Restoration, what you eat plays a huge role in gloss, growth, and volume.
“A diet rich in iron, zinc, Omega-3 fatty acids, and protein will help stimulate your hair follicles for growth.” Dorin recommends alternating between lean red meat, chicken, and fish during the week for optimum hair health.
6. She stays loyal
It’s a common misconception that switching up your hair care brands keeps your hair healthier because it never gets time to adapt, but experts disagree. Instead, they suggest finding what works for you and sticking with it. Remember: Your hair doesn’t know the difference. And while it’s perfectly fine to change things up when searching for that perfect combination that leaves you with killer strands — once you find it, don’t let it go.
7. She doesn’t skimp on moisturizer
The skin that makes up your scalp needs moisture just like the skin on your face does, especially if it’s going to provide a healthy foundation for hair to grow, explains Riawna Capri of CLEAR Scalp & Hair. She adds: “A general rule of thumb is to condition every time you shampoo.”
But the moisturizing doesn’t end once you leave the shower. Even if you’re not heat-styling your hair, you should comb through a protective product, says Oribe Hair Care stylist Adam Livermore. It can reduce frizz, dryness, and split ends, and even protect your color!
8. She always sleeps on silk
Silk’s smooth texture won’t rough up your hair cuticle when you sleep the way cotton does, leaving you with smoother hair in return, explains Suave Professionals celebrity stylist Marcus Francis. Fewer frizzy strands in the morning? Now that’s the dream (no pun intended).
