You likely know that scalding hot water is a no-no in the shower; it robs skin of vital moisturizing agents, making chaffing and chapping more likely. Guess what? The same methodology applies to your hair as the skin on your head (scalp) is a key player in maintaining the health of your locks. So, when you're washing up, stick to warm or room temperature water when possible, and rinse out conditioner with cooler water to lock in the hydrating, conditioning benefits advises Dallas-based stylist Marc Marcell.
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Trim, snip, cut -- just do it
Every six to eight weeks, get a haircut. It needn't be drastic, but it must be consistent. A bi-monthly, slight trim keeps ends from splitting and tearing up the shaft, which in turn, helps hair remain healthy and strong. As a reminder-to-self, schedule your next appointment at the end of your current appointment, every time.
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Protect to Prevent Breakage
Wearing your hair in a tight bun or chignon? Model Maggie Vandiver Parks (who has graced the pages of "Elle," "Vanity Fair" and more) recommends protecting your hair with a leave-in conditioning spray like Aussie Sydney Smooth Heat Protector Plus Leave-In Conditioner Spray, $3.99 (or try one of these top-rated leave-in conditioners), then securing your hair into a style. The spray will add sheen, sure, but will also serve as a barrier between your hair and the elastic.
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Bleach, be gone
We know what you're thinking: blondes have more fun � or do they? It's debatable, since when their hair is fried (due to bleach damaging it -- causing split ends, breakage and flyaways), that fun-loving spirit may fade. That's why, if you can, avoid bleaching to achieve a blonde hue. Instead, try a subtler, at-home highlighting kit to enhance the blonde undertones you've already got. Then, keep them vibrant with products intended to maintain the health and shine of your hair, like Sunsilk Blonde Bombshell Color Boost, $7.
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Ease-up on the elastics
Hair bands -- although life savers when it comes to keeping hair out of eyes and keenly in place -- can do a doosy on strands. Simply put, wearing elastics too often tugs hair and causes breakage. Instead, use headbands, barrettes or bobby pins; accessories that sweep strands off your face without causing damage, Marcell explains.
Aside from the obvious, superficial allure of shiny, healthy hair, there is a deeper, more anthropological explanation of why it appeals to men. Interestingly enough, one accurate indicator of health is hair. Healthy women have lustrous, shiny healthy hair, whereas the hair of sickly people loses its luster. So there you have it -- men prefer to procreate with healthy women (with shiny, sexy hair to boot).
But after wreaking havoc on our hair from habitual blowouts, bleaching and beyond -- is our hair shiny? Um, not so much. How do models and celebrities manage to rock such beautiful hair though? We went straight to the source: pro hairstylists, like Doug DiCiano, Marc Marcell, Danilo, Hallie Bowman and Mark Townsend as well as models from coast to coast. The result: 12 fabulous, fresh, and easy-to-follow laws for getting and maintaining soft, shiny, strong, healthy hair. Bye-bye, breakage; see ya, flyaway strands; so long, dull and lackluster hair.
You'll find out:
What shine enhancing hair cocktail you can mix up the night before a big event
How to tone down your heat styling habits
Why you should switch up your shampoo and conditioner
The water temperature you should use to wash and condition your hair
How often to trim your hair to keep it healthy
Which hair care products serve as a barrier between your hair and an elastic
How to keep blonde hair healthy
Why you should lay off the hair elastics
How to use oil olive to moisturize strands
Why Marsha Brady was on to something with all her hair brushing
What hair mask yields the most shine
The water temperature you should use to wash and condition your hair
What hair care products to use along with heat styling
