Is your hair looking dull, feeling dry and breaking off at the ends? You might be wondering how you can turn things around and get those long, shiny locks that you always see on TV and social media. Well, here are ten top tips to help you keep your hair healthy.

1. Don’t wash your hair too often

I get it, nobody likes having dirty, greasy hair and there is nothing nicer than the feeling and smell of clean, soft hair. That being said, washing your hair too often certainly isn’t good for you in the long run. By washing your hair too often you can throw off your scalp’s microbiome, which can let bad bacteria and fungi take over and cause things like inflammation. Plus, using drying shampoos on your hair too often can make your hair extremely dry and prone to breakages – something you definitely want to avoid if you are trying to achieve healthier hair.

2. Keep heat damage to a minimum

It is really easy for me to sit here and advise that you stop using your straighteners or curlers, but who the heck wants frizzy natural hair? It is true that using heat on your hair is quick and easy and can give you gorgeous hair. However, is that really worth it if you end up having to chop all of your hair off because it is so unhealthy? It is better for you in the long run to keep heat damage to a minimum. Perhaps have a day or two a week where you go natural if you aren’t going anywhere or seeing anyone. Or look up ways to style your hair without using any heat – there are plenty out there and they really work! Keep heat damage to a minimum and your hair will thank you.

3. Use heat protector products

If you really have to use heat on your hair from time to time, seriously think about investing in some heat protector spray or oil. Heat protection products aren’t overly expensive and there are plenty of them out there for you to choose from. They can be sprays, oils, mousses, whatever suits your hair and your styling best. It is definitely worth it though should you insist on using heat on your hair as it will minimise the damage caused.

4. Weekly hair masks

Do not underestimate the importance of a good weekly hair mask. There are a wide variety of hair masks available out there depending on what you are looking for. Alternatively, if you are looking for a more affordable option, you can even make your own – there are plenty of recipes for hair masks out there on the internet that use simple ingredients that you can find in your kitchen and take very little time. It is really worth making a habit out of just spending an hour once every Sunday evening, for example, doing a hair mask (try sitting with a warm towel on your head while the mask soaks in too).

5. Get regular trims

I know it is the very last thing you want to be doing when you are trying to grow your hair, but trust me it will be much better in the long run if you get regular hair trims. It can be very easy to decide to avoid a trim, both to keep your bank balance happy and because you are desperate to see your hair grow. That being said, it is much better for it to take twice the time to grow your hair but to have healthy hair at the end of it rather than super long hair that is littered with split ends and breakages. Stick to regular trims to achieve the long healthy hair you want.

6. A good balanced diet

A key to producing plenty of thick, healthy, shiny hair is eating a good balanced diet. Also consider adding in some daily supplements – just be sure to run these past a pharmacist or GP first, especially if you have any existing medical conditions or are on any medication. Plenty of fruits and vegetables with all the right vitamins and minerals is key, as well as plenty of protein to keep your hair growing and shining. Don’t underestimate how important it is to do something as simple as eating healthily.

7. Be careful with it

Treat your hair like it is super breakable glass – avoid tying it up in tight ponytails and buns too often, avoid getting it caught or trapped and do your best to avoid tangles. All of these things will only lead to split ends and breakages, so be sure to be kind to your hair to increase your chances of keeping it healthy.

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8. Invest in a Tangle Teaser

Speaking of tangles, to avoid breakages and ensure your hair gets brushed with kindness, consider investing in a Tangle Teaser. Tangle Teasers are widely available at most big drug stores, aren’t super expensive and are a great alternative to your regular hair brush as not only are they kinder on your hair but they also mean that brushing your tangles out is must less painful!

9. Never skip conditioner

It can be easy when you are in a rush to just skip the conditioner, but in reality, even if you only leave that conditioner on for thirty seconds, it is better than nothing. Conditioners keep your hair looking soft and shiny and also help to prevent split ends and breakages and sometimes even help to protect your hair from heat damage. Therefore, it is crucial not to skip conditioner!

10. Check your shampoo

Consider sticking to shampoos with a strengthening formula, look out for shampoos with proteins and moisturising ingredients. Anything with amino acids is worth trying out.

So, if you are looking to achieve healthier, shinier, softer and stronger hair, give these ten tips a try. Let us know in the comments below if you have used any of the above tips before and how you got on. Or, let us know if you have any hair care tips of your own!

Featured image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/blonde-haired-woman-standing-between-green-plants-1049687/