Some people seem to be born with the kind of hair that invariably looks as if they’ve just stepped out of a salon – soft, strong, long and lustrous, with a healthy amount of shine and that enviable bounce we all covet. But, for the rest of us, chasing the kind of locks we dream of can often feel like a relentless pursuit, with split-ends, frizz and dullness all recurring obstacles in our way – and seeing it come so easily to others when it’s such a struggle for us can feel frustrating.
The truth, however, is that those with perpetually perfect-looking locks often have very good stylists hidden in the wings, and while their looks may appear to be effortless, there is often a lot of time and effort that goes into creating the end result you see.
Nevertheless, achieving shiny, bouncy and voluminous locks may still seem like an impossible dream for most of us, and it can feel difficult to know where to begin the journey from where you are now, to where you want to be. Often, we focus too much on primping, preening and polishing in a bid to create the perfect visual, but in reality, the key to perfection is going back to basics. Strength is the foundation for gorgeous locks, and taking the time to implement a robust routine designed to restore health and vitality will go a long way.
With a few simple techniques, strong hair can be yours – and from there, the vibrance, shape and lustre you crave will come naturally. Here, we take a look at some easy ways to get started on the path to silky, shiny success.
The right product for the job
Our busy lifestyles can mean we don’t take as much time as we should to choose the perfect shampoo and conditioner combo for our hair, but doing so is an essential step in improving condition and health.
Working out your hair type is a great place to start – do you suffer with dry, brittle ends, oiliness throughout, or is your hair relatively normal? Take a look at the K18 range from ozhairandbeauty.com and choose a product that is designed for your specific hair type, and you’ll be surprised how quickly you begin to notice a difference in how your locks look and feel. Natural products like these will help to nourish and protect hair without irritating the scalp, which is just what you need when you’re trying to start afresh.
Cut back on heat styling tools
Heat damage is one of the number one factors contributing to dull and lacklustre locks, as well as causing split ends – so if you regularly rely on straighteners or a curling iron to style your hair, then it might be time to cut back. Where possible, allow hair to air dry rather than getting out your hairdryer, and try to give your locks at least a few days off from heated styling tools. If you’re working from home, it’s the perfect opportunity to go au naturel – and when you do need to get dressed up to the nines for a special occasion or event, try to keep to the lower ends of the heat settings.
The reason heat is so damaging to the hair is because it dries it out, sapping it of moisture and making it more brittle and prone to breaking – so cutting back is one of the best possible things you can do to start your hair transformation.
Reassess your diet
It is often said that beauty starts from within, and when it comes to your hair, this couldn’t be truer. Hair is predominantly made up of water and proteins, which means it’s essential to include plenty of these in your diet in order to provide it with the building blocks it needs to remain healthy
Start by drinking at least eight glasses of water a day, and look at the foods you eat to ensure your choices are high in protein – aim for a portion with each meal. And of course, don’t forget to load up on plenty of fresh produce like fruits and veggies, as well as plenty of nuts and seeds, as these contain vital nutrients that will help to increase vitality and shine. If you struggle to eat a balanced diet, then consider supplementing with a protein powder, or add a scoop of biotin to your daily breakfast.
Indulge yourself with regular scalp massages
A regular scalp massage can do wonders for the strength and health of your hair, as the process stimulates blood flow and helps to get those vital proteins and nutrients heading in the right direction. It also helps to distribute the natural oils your scalp produces evenly throughout the hair, protecting and strengthening it and giving it that coveted healthy looking glow.
Brushing your hair regularly has a similar effect, so take some extra time over your daily routine and spend several minutes brushing each morning and night – being careful to do so gently so as to avoid any breakages.
Try shampooing less often
How often you really need to shampoo will depend on your hair type. Some people need to shampoo every day, especially those with oily hair – but anyone with dry or normal hair can get away with only doing so every other day.
Choosing a natural shampoo is important, but you also need to remember that your hair is most vulnerable when wet, and can be easily broken when washing, towel drying and combing through. With this in mind, the less you handle it when wet, the better – so avoid over-washing and only do it when you need to. And of course, be sure to apply a good quality conditioner or intensive hair mask a couple of times a week to maintain hair health and keep it looking smooth and feeling soft.
Turn the temperature down
It’s not just heat styling tools that can cause damage to the hair – in fact, hot water can be just as detrimental and, in some cases, can even burn your scalp. You’ll find your hair quickly begins to feel better just by turning the water down a little each time you wash it – and you may even start to enjoy cooler showers, which can be better for your health in a variety of other ways, too.
