Get beautiful hair…
From top blow-drying and styling tips to the hair care products you need to revive dry and damaged tresses, we’ve asked the hair experts to reveal their best hair tips and tricks of the trade.
Whether you’ve got short hair, long hair, fine or thick hair, we’ve got 50 great hair care tips to turn your lackluster tresses into luscious locks. We’re not talking expensive products, pricey treatments or fancy gadgets, each of these 50 ideas are quick and simple to fit into your existing routine.
Regular trims
Regular trims keep your hair healthy and allow it to grow quicker. Depending on the thickness of your hair you should try and fit in a visit to the hairdressers every 6-to-8 weeks.
Ketchup for blondes
If you have blonde hair or highlights, wash your color with tomato ketchup after getting out the swimming pool. The red tones and vinegar help to neutralize the green that can appear when your peroxided locks mix with chlorine.
Condition before the beach
Dampen you hair with water and coat it with conditioner before going in the sea or the swimming pool. This will not only keep knots at bay and make it easier to style afterwards, but it’ll protect your tresses and stop the salt from drying hair out. The fresh water minimizes the amount of salt water or chlorine your hair can absorb, creating an invisible protective layer.
Home dye tricks
Wiping Vaseline or moisturizer around your hairline and ears before using an at home dye kit will prevent the dye from staining your skin.
Comb don’t brush
Comb your hair when it’s wet rather than using a hairbrush to prevent split ends. Check out the Body Shop’s detangling comb (£4), it’s soft and gentle on hair and great for kids!
Use your hands
Always run your fingers through your hair after styling with tongs or straighteners, especially if you’re curling your hair, it will give it more texture and make the finishing piece look less uniform.
Blast of cold water
Seal your hair cuticles by blasting them with cold water once you’ve rinsed the conditioner out – this will give your hair more of a shine. It sounds horrible, but it works!
Protein and Growth
Sometimes, hair being very dry on the ends can make the roots look a lot worse than they really are so make sure to condition them with a protein-rich product. If you’re prone to an oily scalp, clarifying shampoos will help to strip the oil from the hair for a longer lasting, oil-free feel.
A proper wash
You’d be surprised at how many people don’t know how to give their hair a thorough wash! When shampooing your hair make sure you massage your scalp using the tips of your fingers in circular motions at least five times to give it a full cleanse – and make sure your rinse your hair through. Take time on it and you’ll notice the difference!
Bristle brushes are best
For smooth, sleek hair always use a real bristle brush. It will also help reduce split ends as bristle brushes are softer on hair. Only brush your hair twice a day though, as over brushing can leave it feeling greasy and lank.
Mason & Pearson are famous for their high quality bristle brushes, but they do come at a price.
Lighter shades
It’s important to remember that the more ‘grey’ coverage you have the lighter your overall shade will appear, so be careful when choosing a color to keep this in mind. Start off with a tone one to two shades darker than how you would like your overall finish to look like and you’ll be amazed at how light it comes up.
Protect your hair
SPF protection for your hair is almost as important as it is for your skin, but often we forget to protect our hair. Invest in a good SPF spray or wear a hat when sitting out in the sun.
From the horses mouth
Renowned hair stylist, Anthony Mascolo says: ‘A hairstyle is a journey. Your hairdresser should tweak it regularly so you don’t get tired of it – or him.’ Sounds like it’s time to grab the bull by its horns and go for that chop you’ve been considering for months!
Use dry shampoo – but sparingly!
We’re big lovers of dry shampoo in the office. It’s great for absorbing grease and adding volume to lackluster roots – as long as you don’t overdo it!
Recent reports have revealed that a heavy dependence on Batiste et al can give you a scary array of scalp issues, including dandruff and blocked pores. According to celebrity stylist Benjamin Mohapi, who discussed the subject recently with Marie Claire, over-spraying can even end up causing scalp pimples or, in the worst case scenario, cysts – eek!
Don’t panic – we’re not saying you should give up your instant refresh habit altogether – but you should be aware of how often you’re spritzing, and opt for a ‘less is more’ approach to keep potentially damaging build-up to a minimum (you probably don’t need as much as you think!)
Top tip: Use a build-up removal shampoo on a regular basis to keep your scalp clean and healthy.
Fringe trim
Trimming your fringe doesn’t need to be tricky. Pull the section of hair down across your face, twist it and trim. Start by cutting a very small amount off each time (1/2mm), this might take longer, but it will prevent any scary accidents of cutting too much off.
Repeat the twist process until you get the right length for you.
Overnight moisture
To give hair a boost of moisture keep a hair mask on over night and sleep in a shower cap or wrap a warm towel around your head. We love fun polka dot shower caps like this one, available from Bombay Duck.
Conditioning oily tresses
If you suffer with oily hair, shampoo your hair daily and don’t forget to use a weekly treatment mask or deep conditioner, as despite popular assumption, it won’t make your tresses greasier! In fact, it will help strengthen and nourish your hair, allowing it to grow faster.
Finding the balance
Keep the back of your parting centered at the crown whether your have a side or center parting. This balances your hair and prevents one side from looking flatter!
Pre-shampoo treatment
Hair oil can be used as a pre-shampoo conditioning treatment to give your scalp and hair extra nourishment. Simply massage it into hair from root to tip and leave on for at least 20-minutes before shampooing hair as normal.
This is a great hair tip for the colder months when windy weather and central heating can dry hair out.
Volumise your blow dry
To create more volume while you blow dry your hair lift sections of hair towards the ceiling and direct the heat to your roots. This dries the roots in an upright, lifted position. Don’t forget to finish with a spritz of hairspray.
Teenage tresses
A common problem with younger hair is greasy roots, and in some cases spots around the hairline. If you suffer from either spot prone skin or overly greasy roots, avoid any hair on your face such as a fringe. Use a volumising shampoo like John Frieda’s Luxurious Volume Thickening Shampoo (£5.99) to clear the scalp and give lank hair some body.
The tights trick
To get your hair super straight and silky take an old pair of tights and cut a piece out that will pull over your head. Knot the top. Before bed, brush your hair with a paddle brush and pull the tights cap over, gently tucking in the ends. Take out the next day and enjoy your new smooth sleek hair.
High gloss finish
Use a glossing spray and increasing how thoroughly and often you brush your hair will give you a high-shine finish. Brushing improves how much your hair reflects the light making your colour seem more intense.
Walnut Oil Dye
You can stain your hair brown with walnut oil. To keep this colour for a prolonged period, use color protection products to bring out brown hair. TRESemme’s Colour Thrive Brunette Shampoo and Conditioner will protect and boost your color for longer.
Focus on the roots
Always remember when washing hair to concentrate more on shampooing the roots, and conditioner mainly on the ends. Only put conditioner on the roots if really needed as it can cause your hair to look flat and lank!
Cradle cap cure
For those with problematic scalps or kids suffering with a bout of cradle cap, try massaging almond oil onto the scalp and leaving for 20 minutes, and then wash hair as usual. Use each time you wash your hair for two weeks.
Sleeping beauty
Ensure your hair is 100% dry before you go to bed. Whilst asleep, your head is in direct contact with the pillow for 6-8 hours and so if it’s wet, water can’t evaporate, the result is that your scalp over-compensates by creating extra sebum. So, in essence, hair gets oilier quicker if you go to bed with it wet.
Spoon full of protein
Damaged hair lacks protein, generally through over processing the hair with color or styling. This requires protein rich shampoos and conditioners, try the Resistance range by Kerastase. When the hair is better, stop using the protein shampoo as it’s no longer required and can start to damage the hair with over use.
Dry tresses
While damaged hair requires a dose of protein, dry hair simply requires moisture and lots of it! Dry hair is generally caused by over drying and styling the hair. Use moisture retaining styling products to reduce the drying out effect. Kerastase and Aveda have some great options. They’re pricey – but you won’t need to use a lot.
Disguising greys
Rather than trying to cover the grey try weaving in highlights, this works like a camouflage effect making the grey look more like blonde highlights.
Friendly shampoo
Our scalps age just like the rest of our skin. Your scalp provides a base for hair to grow and provides the nutrition it needs. It is the soil from which the hair grows. Frequent shampooing with harsh cleaners really ages the scalp. Try to find a mild shampoo that is sodium and sulphate free to slow down this process as much as possible.
Inch by inch
Only blow-dry small sections of your hair at one time. Trying to blow-dry hair sections more than an inch thick will not work as the heat won’t pass through.
Silver Shampoo
Remove any dull blonde or brassy tones with a silver shampoo. It contains color pigments to neutralize any yellow tones and leave the color much brighter. Don’t be scared of the purple color – it is a wonder product!
Greasy roots
Greasy hair can be caused by conditioner being applied to the roots, touching the hair frequently or just by the over production of oil from the scalp. Try shampooing the hair with cooler water and massage your scalp softly to reduce the amount of oil being produced.
Tackling the bob
It is essential that you get the right length bob for your face, as a bob can be any length from the jaw to the shoulder. If you have a round face ensure your bob is longer than jaw length otherwise it will just accentuate the roundness of your face. If you have a slightly longer face, don’t have the bob too long or it will make your face look longer.
Jennifer Aniston’s long bob and soft blonde color compliment each other and her face shape perfectly and provide a relaxed, effortless look.
Radishes
Use boiled radish juice to help get rid of dandruff. Simply massage into scalp and then rinse. Yep, seriously!
Beach hair
If you don’t fancy a swim, then spritz on lots of leave-in conditioner and then braid your hair into a plait while you’re out and about in the sun. In doing so, you will not only keep it off your face for maximum tanning exposure, but you will also be minimizing the amount of hair on show to the sun. In the evening you can take the braid out and voilà you have a wavy, tousled look for your evening cocktails and dinner.
Bungee vs hair band
If you have thick hair or want to keep it up and in place all day, use a bungee band rather than a hair band when putting it up in a pony tail. You simply hook one end of the bungee into your hair with your other hand keeping the ponytail in place, wrap the bungee band round as many times as you can and then hook the other end.
Celebrities swear by these bands as they don’t damage your tresses like some hair bands.
Half up, half down style
When putting your hair into a half up, half down style use your eyebrows as a guide to make sure you get the proportions right.
Angelina Jolie has added a fringe and a pair of sparkly earrings to give her evening look the glam-factor.
Men’s styling
If you’re struggling to find a styling product that keeps your hair in place, try using your other half’s. Mens’ hair products tend to be much stronger than women’s!
Volumised ponytail
To give your ponytail some volume, use your hairbrush to scoop up and smooth your hair into position and fasten. Backcomb the ponytail, focusing on the top section and spray with hairspray.
Homemade hair mask
Revive your hair with a homemade hair mask using 1 banana, 1 egg, 1 avocado, 2 tbsp honey, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil mixed together. Apply from root to tip and leave on for 30 minutes and you will feel the benefits!
Rollered curls
For natural looking waves and curls, put hair in rollers straight after lightly towel-drying freshly washed hair. Leave your hair to air dry in the rollers and then take out and use your fingers to smooth out hair, and voilà!
Powers of olive oil
Using olive oil on frizz-prone hair not only improves its appearance, but it also improves the elasticity and strengthens it too. Use it sparingly though, especially on fine hair, as it’s very strong and can leave hair feeling greasy if used too liberally!
Salon perfection
When blow-drying your hair use the cold setting for the last few blasts.This cold shot of air will smooth the hair and help lock it in place. Secure your style with a spritz of hair spray.
Opt for a hairdryer that offers a high wattage when you’re buying your next one. John Frieda’s Salon Shine Ionic Hairdryer (£59.99) has a 2200W, which is the same power as salon hairdryers. We’ve tried it out and can testify that this hairdryer provides great results!
Beer rinse
Rinsing your tresses in flat beer helps improve the shine. Shampoo your hair, then coat from root to tip with beer, rinse and then condition has normal.
While there is no scientific evidence to prove beer works, women across the world have been using it for years and if it is good enough for them, it’s good enough for us!
Less is more
Best tip for moisturising your hair: don’t overdo it with the product, a little goes a long way and your hair will only take on what it needs, the rest is surplus and therefore a waste of money.
Fight the frizz
Frizzy hair is the bane of many people’s lives. Try stronger holding products such as mousses to control the hair. Creams will add moisture and weight, while serums with give the shine and finish that the hair naturally lacks.
Improve your diet
To strengthen your hair, you need to eat a high protein diet, particularly at breakfast and lunch, so jam-pack your diet full of omega-3 fatty acids such as oily fish and walnuts to keep your hair feeling stronger and looking glossier! Although this will only make hair grow at a rate of 1/2 inch a month.
Blow-drying technique
When blow-drying, start at one side, then do the back, the other side and lastly front. The back is hardest so never leave until last!