12 Tips To Make Hair Beautiful

A beauty truth is that bad hair days are annoying. They are, however, no laughing matter: According to a Redbook poll, 74% of women feel less confident when they have a bad hair day. So, when your hair is in good condition, it undoubtedly looks better, and the chances of that happening are far less likely—or, at the very least, far less frequent.

The problem is that your strands are constantly prone to hair damage, including dullness, thinning, dryness, breakage, frizz, and other issues. With all of these potential strand stresses, it’s no surprise that maintaining healthy hair takes effort. While there is no secret shortcut to healthier hair, making the effort to keep strands strong is worthwhile. Maintaining great hair can be simple with a few small changes to your routine.

Sunnie Brook, a celebrity hairdresser based in Los Angeles, shares her haircare pro-tips to help you establish healthy habits in your haircare routine for great hair days ahead!

Brush your hair before you shower.

Taking 60 seconds to detangle strands will keep them strong no matter what your hair texture is. “Your hair is more vulnerable to breakage when it’s wet,” Brook explains, “so always brush knots out of your hair when it’s dry.” Another advantage of brushing dry hair is that it distributes natural oils from your scalp to the ends of your hair. Another advantage: it’s already smooth and ready to style after a shower!

Condition correctly — and with care.

Unless your hair is exceptionally long (read: Rapunzel-like), a nickel-sized drop of conditioner is sufficient for most textures and lengths. “Apply conditioner to the mid-shaft and ends of your hair first, then work your way up to the scalp,” Brook suggests. It’s critical to keep your scalp hydrated as well. Allow it to sit for a full minute before removing it. If you’re a dry shampoo junkie (no judgment! ), this is especially important to avoid a dry scalp.

 Take time for hair masks.

“Use a moisturizing hair mask or deep conditioner at least once a week, and more frequently if you use hot tools frequently,” Brook recommends. Matrix Biolage HydraSource Deep Treatment Pack, which leaves hair soft and shiny without weighing it down, is her go-to.

Be mindful of key ingredients.

Looking down the haircare aisle can be overwhelming: with so many options, how do you choose? As you choose your products, narrow them down by looking for strengthening ingredients that will nourish your strands. Brook recommends including coconut oil, Argan oil, aloe vera, or spirulina in your routine.

Eat a balanced diet.

You’re probably aware that you are what you eat. “Your hair is mostly made of protein, so eating a balanced diet of protein-rich foods is essential,” Brook says. Add the following items to your shopping list:

Fish

Meat

Eggs

Beans

Berries, spinach, and avocados are also good sources of hair food, as are foods high in vitamins C and E, which help boost collagen production and result in stronger strands.

Turn down the temp of your shower.

“Taking a super hot shower on a daily basis can irritate your scalp and possibly weaken your hair as it grows out,” says Brook. Maintain a warm temperature in the shower and finish with a quick cold-water rinse to seal the cuticles shut, boost shine, and maintain healthy hair.

Shield strands from the sun.

Pollution, like UV rays, causes damage to more than just your skin. “Apply a leave-in styler to protect your strands” when styling your hair, says Brook. She suggests the antioxidant-rich Coola Organic Scalp and Hair Mist SPF 30, which protects against a wide range of environmental factors.

Don’t skip your scalp.

A healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy hair. “If you have dryness, itching, or any scalp issues, your hair will suffer,” says Brook. Brook recommends her long-time go-to for clarifying the scalp, Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo and Conditioner, to maintain a balanced scalp. The end result? Fresh, voluminous hair.

If you prefer a more sleek look, try the Head & Shoulders Smooth and Silky collection, which prevents frizz. Try Head & Shoulders Masque Conditioner Treatment if your scalp is flaky and your hair is dry. The 2019 Beauty Award winner has been shown to reduce scalp and hair dryness.

Sleep on silk.

Make the most of your beauty sleep by switching from cotton to silk pillowcases. “It protects the cuticle of your hair by reducing friction between your hair and the fabric,” Brook explains.

“Sleep with your hair in a loose topknot—secured with a silk scrunchie—or try a low loose braid if you have thick or textured hair to give you more control of your strands during the night,” she says.

Style smarter.

To avoid heat damage, “invest in professional hot tools with ionic technology, which will infuse moisture into your hair as you style,” she advises. Also, choose a curling iron or straightener with a solid ceramic core rather than one with a ceramic coating: “This will distribute heat evenly onto your hair, quickly locking in your style so you don’t have to re-apply the iron to get your desired look,” Brook explains. When using hot tools, follow her smart steps:

If nothing else, use a heat protectant spray before applying heat to your hair to protect it from future damage. Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil Primer is Brook’s top pick.

Allow your hair to air dry as much as possible before blow drying. If you have curly or wavy hair, pull it back into a tight bun on day one, then shape it with an iron the next day.

Get a trim.

Regular haircuts are necessary to keep your strands healthy and prevent them from breaking off at the ends. If you don’t want to lose a lot of length, ask your stylist for a “dusting,” in which only the tips are snipped, removing damaged ends while keeping the length. Brook suggests going in every two months, but if you have a short or defined cut, you may need to go in sooner.

After shampooing, blow dry your hair; on day two, use a curling iron or straightener; and on day three, slick strands back to avoid heat styling. Then rinse and repeat.