6 ways to get healthy hair

Follow these tips for the hair of your dreams – shiny, bouncy and selfie-worthy

From scalp care to styling solutions plus top products for luscious locks

1

MIX AND MATCH Shampoo and conditioner are sold together to make it easier to shop, but your roots and ends usually have different issues. It’s common to have oily roots and dry ends, calling for a clarifying shampoo and a rich conditioner, which would never sit side by side on a shelf.

Try 1 Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo Clarify and Shine, $15.99, Aveeno and 2 Argan Oil and Shea Moisture Rich Conditioner, $15.99, Andalou Naturals.

2

ADD AN OIL (RIGHT NOW) Everyone (yes – even if you have fine hair) will benefit from using coconut oil as a pre-shampoo treatment every week or two to help reduce cuticle damage. Really work the oil into your scalp to nourish the skin, then comb it right through to the ends. If you have curls, bleached locks or damage, use an oil blend every day to soften and defrizz. Apply it to ends only if you have finer hair. Try 3 Argan Oil Repairing Shine Oil, $14.99, Hask.

3

CARE FOR COLOUR (NATURAL OR NOT) Blonde Whether you’ve had help with the colour or were born that way, blonde hair is delicate. Heat isn’t good for anyone, but blondes need to be vigilant about using heat-protection products.

Try 4 Defence Extinguish, $28.95, De Lorenzo.

Brunette Your biggies are dullness and brassiness. At-home glosses brighten between salon appointments and give natural brunettes extra sheen. Also, you might want to investigate installing a filter in your shower. This will help to remove some of the iron, chlorine or sulphur deposits that can create brassiness.

Try 5 Clear Shine Luminous Glaze, $19.99, John Frieda.

Red Fading is a neverending battle for dyed redheads. (Not so when it’s natural; condition regularly and you’re fine.) The best advice is gentle shampoos and nourishing conditioners to keep colour fresh. But there’s something else to consider. Anything that swells the cuticle – such as hot water or hair masks – lets colour escape. Easy fix – shampoo with cooler water and keep moisture treatments to just a few minutes.

Try 6 Colour Last Shampoo and Conditioner 250ml, $6.49 each, Garnier Fructis.

4

GET AHEAD OF HAIR LOSS Key message – see your doctor. Hair loss can be triggered by lots of things, so a check-up is the best way to determine how to treat it. If you have female pattern baldness, your doctor might recommend a product with minoxidil to get things growing. While you’re waiting, a fullness spray can boost volume.

Try 7 Thickening Cream 100ml, $16, Kyn.

5

GO LOW A high, tight ponytail can snap the weaker strands around your hairline. Instead, wear your ponytail low and loose. For work or evening, add a ribbon or use a hair clip so it doesn’t look like you’re en route to gym.

6

TRY TO AVOID HEAT STYLING (BUT WHEN YOU DO IT…) Blow dryer Always use an attachment. The diffuser (curly) or nozzle (straight) keeps hot air a safer distance from your hair.

Curling iron Wrap pieces from the top down instead of the bottom up to cut down on the amount of time the already damaged ends spend on the barrel. Flat iron Small 5cm sections are the best. Any bigger and you’ll have to run the iron over your hair multiple times.

Shiny locks are one of the most flattering accessories you could ever wear