10 ways to healthier hair

Seek expert advice

Treat yourself to a professional consultation with a hairstylist to ensure you begin with the right shampoo. Washing your hair too much may lead to product build-up and clogged follicles.

Image:Paul Suesse/ bauersyndication.com.au

Add moisture

Use a deep-conditioning treatment every seven shampoos. The scalp needs moisture to stay balanced, the same as the skin on your face and body. Scalp sensitivity can be caused by stress, hormonal changes, harsh chemicals and exposure to sun, wind and hot and cold conditions.

Image: Dave Wheeler/ bauersyndication.com.au

Washing hair

Rinse shampoo and conditioner from the hair thoroughly. Dense hair should be sectioned and parted both to apply the products evenly and to rinse them properly from the entire head. This will prevent any build-up of residue and an irritated and flaky scalp.

Image: bauersyndication.com.au

Avoid over-styling

Layer your styling products, being careful not to apply too much as that will result in dull or dusty-looking hair. Begin by creating texture and finish with a product like Matrix Biolage ColorLast Shine Shake $30 to gloss up the hair.

UV protection

Protect hair from free radicals and UV rays. The sun’s rays fade colour and free radicals can damage the integrity of your hair, making it appear faded and tired. Try Matrix Total Results Color Care Miracle Treat 12, $19.

Heat protection

Always apply a heat-protectant product before using styling tools. Without one, your hair may become dry, brittle and suffer from structural damage.

Image: bauersyndication.com.au

Longer and stronger

Women with shoulder-length or longer hair tend to tie it back in a tight pony before sport or gym workouts. Even when using snag-free elastics, this can cause breakage. The solution is to use a scrunchie instead.

Alternatively, braid your hair and tie firmly at the bottom with a QVS Super Stretch Super Grip Elastics $5.99 per pack. This will ensure any breakage is confined to the ends of your hair, which will be trimmed at your next salon visit.

You could also invest in a Tangle Teezer, $34 that will help you gently detangle knotty or wet hair and prevent strands from snapping.

Add shine

Schwarzkopf Extra Care Moisture Gloss – a three-step system designed to add shine to lacklustre hair. It contains liquid hair repair to fill gaps in the cuticles. There’s a shampoo and conditioner $6.39 each and a 10 days shine mask $9.99.

Avoid frizz and flyaways

L’Oréal Paris Eversleek – frizz and flyaways are tackled by this sulphate-and-silicone-free range that includes argan, sunflower and olive oils to nourish hair. The Humidity Defying Leave-In Cream $19.99 will be a star in summer.

Smooth and straight

Tresemmé Keratin Smooth – this line is all about getting smooth, straight hair without any damage. The 7 Day Keratin Smooth Heat Activated Treatment $14.49 is designed to be used with flat irons for results that last. Apply before blow-drying.