Good hair days aren’t just worth hoping for; it’s worth making an extra bit of effort to actually achieve them. Fortunately, it can be foolproof, especially when you have expert-vetted hair health tips at the ready.
In addition to keeping Hair Strong in your lineup, keep reading to see what a dermatologist and a hair stylist recommend day in and day out to grow, maintain, and style your longed-for locks.
1. Wash Like a Pro
On your wash days, it’s key to focus not only on your strands but also your scalp. “A clean scalp is the foundation of healthy hair,” says Rogerio Cavalcante, hair stylist and owner of The Second Floor Salon in NYC. “Use lukewarm water, gently massage your scalp with your fingertips (not nails), and avoid products with harsh sulfates or alcohols that can strip moisture.”
As for how often you should wash, Cavalcante suggests doing so every other day or every three days at most. “Going an entire week without washing can lead to buildup and scalp irritation,” he cautions. Again, he emphasizes that a healthy scalp is key to maintaining healthy hair.
2. Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Good Brush
To get your hair health trending in the right direction, Cavalcante suggests buying a wooden or boar bristle brush. “They will distribute natural oils from your scalp down the hair shaft,” he shares. “This keeps your hair naturally conditioned and reduces the chance of breakage.”
3. Use Heat Sparingly
There’s a good chance that heated tools are in your styling lineup—but they’re not exactly doing you any favors to promote hair health and prevent damage. As such, Cavalcante advises heeding the following tips for applying heat to your hair:
- Always use a heat protectant spray
- Heat the tools to 365 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to avoid burning your hair
- Limit use to once or twice weekly
“If you find yourself constantly fighting your hair’s volume or texture with a flat iron, consider a smoothing treatment like keratin instead of frying your strands every day,” he shares. “It’s a much healthier option in the long run.” Air drying whenever you can and using cooler settings on your blow dryer will also help.
4. Lean into Sun-Safe Hair Habits
Harsh UV rays aren’t only damaging to your skin. Cavalcante says they also wreak havoc by drying out your hair, fading color, and potentially burning your scalp. That said, he advises using hair products with UV filters if you’re spending time outdoors. He also gives the green light to hats for a physical barrier of protection.
5. Let Your Hair Loose
Tie your hair back daily? Doing so might be convenient and low-fuss, but it also stresses your strands. “Super tight ponytails or sleek buns every day can lead to hairline breakage or even traction alopecia,” Cavalcante warns. Be sure to let your hair loose often, use accessories that won’t cause breakage, and avoid anything too tight or taut.
6. Eat Your Way to Better Hair Health
The right hair care products and habits will do a lot of the heavy lifting to support your hair, but your diet can also inch you closer to longer, stronger, more luscious locks. “To promote the health and growth of hair follicles, maintain a balanced diet that is rich in iron, zinc, and vitamin D,” advises board-certified NYC cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, MD.
Some of the top foods on her list include:
- Red meat
- Beans
- Chickpeas
- Fish
- Eggs
“Foods with antioxidants—such as strawberries and dates—can also protect the hair and scalp from UV damage, oxidative stress, and free radical damage to prevent breakage,” she adds.
7. Supplement to Supercharge Results
On the vitamin and supplement front, Dr. Green adds that biotin and B vitamins can help support overall hair health and growth. “Hair growth relies on vitamins and minerals, and a deficiency in these nutrients can significantly impede hair growth,” she explains.
Consider taking a supplement like HUM’s Hair Strong daily. It contains biotin, folate (vitamin B9), and vitamin B12, as well as zinc, Fo-Ti, and PABA. Together, these help support hair growth, fullness, strength, and even color.
8. Don’t Skimp on Nighttime Hair Care
Before you hop into bed, Cavalcante suggests applying a small amount of a nourishing oil—like argan or jojoba—to your ends to keep them hydrated and prevent breakage. “A silk or satin pillowcase also helps reduce friction and frizz,” he adds. (Bonus: The luxe material can simultaneously benefit your skin health, as well.)
9. Bonus: Give Your Locks Some Weekly TLC
The hair health tips above can certainly help your strands on a daily basis. But for extra credit, Cavalcante advises giving them some extra pampering with a deep conditioning or repairing mask once weekly. “Look for masks with ingredients like keratin, protein, or natural oils that restore strength and elasticity,” he shares.
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