Having beautiful, healthy hair requires more than just a good shampoo and conditioner. To help your hair look its best, it pays to get hair tips from the experts. We spoke with professional hairstylists to get their top recommendations for creating gorgeous, head-turning locks.
Find the Right Shampoo and Conditioner
The foundation of great hair starts with using the proper shampoo and conditioner for your hair type. Celebrity stylist Ashley North advises, “Choose a gentle shampoo that won’t strip your hair of moisture. For conditioner, use one tailored to your hair goals like hydration or damage repair.” She recommends looking for formulas free of sulfates and parabens.
Renowned stylist Tyler Drewitz agrees the shampoo and conditioner combo is crucial. “Take the time to find products that work for your hair. If you have fine hair, avoid heavy conditioners that will weigh it down. If you have curly hair, find a conditioner rich in moisturizers.”
New York City stylist Julia Roberts particularly recommends the Pureology and Oribe hair care lines. “I’m always impressed with the hydration and color protection those brands provide,” she says.
For deep conditioning treatments, Los Angeles stylist Ashley Stone likes to use masques from Briogeo and Act+Acre. “Their concentrated formulas with oils and kinds of butter revive dry hair,” she says. Take time once a week to apply a restorative masque.
Don’t Skimp on Trims
“Getting consistent trims is crucial for avoiding split ends and keeping hair healthy,” says salon owner Lauren Wiebel. She advises getting a trim every 8-10 weeks to snip away damaged ends before they travel up the hair shaft. For those with color-treated hair, more frequent trims may be needed to keep color vibrant.
Houston stylist Michael Jones agrees with the importance of trims. “I recommend my clients get a trim every 6-8 weeks. Any longer than 8 weeks and you risk getting scraggly ends.” Jones cautions against trying to cut your hair at home. “Leave trims to the professionals. They know exactly how to trim for maximum health.”
Use Heat Styling Responsibly
Using hot tools too often can cause serious damage. Stylist Tyler Drewitz warns, “Don’t grab the flat iron or curling wand daily. Give hair a break by letting it air dry or using heat-free styling methods.” When heat is used, always prep hair with a thermal protectant spray or serum first.
Miami stylist Sofia Diaz echoes this advice. “I see a lot of heat damage, so I tell clients to limit using hot tools to 2-3 times a week max,” she says. “Let those gorgeous natural textures shine through.”
To further protect hair, West Hollywood stylist Scarlett James recommends not using heat tools above 400°F if possible. “Invest in high-quality heat stylers with adjustable temperatures and LCDs,” she advises.
Deep Condition to Restore Moisture
“Regular deep conditioning treats hair to an extra dose of hydration,” advises Wiebel. Look for weekly masks with ultra-nourishing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or macadamia oil. Apply generously and let sit for 15-30 minutes before rinsing.
Charlotte stylist Amy Brenneman takes deep conditioning a step further. “I’m a huge proponent of overnight conditioning treatments once a month,” she explains. “This gives the hair ample time to absorb all the nourishing ingredients.” For overnight treatments, she likes using hair masks from Briogeo, K18, or Olaplex to repair damage.
Protect Against UV Rays
“UV exposure can damage hair just like skin,” Drewitz explains. Wear wide-brimmed hats in the sun, use leave-in conditioners with UV filters, and limit chlorine exposure by rinsing after swimming. This protects strands and color.
Nikki Lee, a stylist in San Diego, sees a lot of sun damage in her beach locale. She reminds her clients, “Just like skin, hair needs SPF too! Look for products containing at least SPF 25 to protect your strands.” She also suggests shields like visors and hoods for the scalp.
Brush With Care
Aggressive brushing can cause breakage. “Always brush gently, working in sections from tip to root,” instructs North. Use detangling products to prevent tugging and ripping. Limit brushing to when hair is conditioned in the shower for the easiest glide.
Washington D.C. stylist Simone Sanders takes brushing advice a step further. She says, “I recommend using a wet brush or wide-tooth comb when hair is wet for gentle detangling.” Sanders also suggests brushing before shampooing when hair is dry. “This helps distribute your scalp’s natural oils.”
Know When to Seek Expert Help
Sometimes professional guidance is needed to get your best look. North says, “Hairstylists can recommend the right products, colors, cuts, and styles for your hair type and goals.” Don’t be afraid to book time with a stylist when you need experienced advice.
Roberts agrees, saying “Even if you’re comfortable doing your hair, get an occasional consult with a pro.” Hairstylists stay on top of the latest products, tools, and techniques. Booking a service appointment now and then will give you personalized recommendations.
Atlanta stylist Alicia Smith summarizes, “We went to school for this! Let us help take your hair to the next level.” She suggests bringing photos of styles you may want to try to appointments.
With these tips from the pros, you can achieve healthy, beautiful locks. Nurture hair daily with the right products and techniques for your hair type. Your mane will be red carpet-ready in no time!