Cut less, treat more
You don't really want to cut your hair if you're growing it out, but be sure to handle split ends before they tear further up the strand. Our stylists recommend cutting less, with Bodt suggesting a "dusting" of the ends to keep things tidy.
You can avoid damage with weekly treatments, which'll in turn lessen your need for trims. Streicher recommends starting with the Garnier Fructis Smoothing Treat 1 Minute Hair Mask + Avocado Extract, $5.79, especially for new hair mask enthusiasts.
Rotate your hair masques
Dry hair can be challenging, so Bodt recommends rotating weekly masks: "For hair to grow you need three treatments: one for protein, one for moisture, and something to help rebuild hair bonds." Get your hair on a schedule — protein one week, moisturizing the next, and then consider a bond builder like the original (and a favorite of Bodt's), the Olaplex No. 3. Hair Perfector, $28. Bodt advises leaving it on for an hour or — even better — sleeping in it and washing it out in the morning.
Hold up on the heat styling
This might hurt a little: Step away from the heat. "So much damage can be done mechanically from hot tools," cautions Bodt. "If it can burn through a tissue or your shirt, it can do the same thing to your hair."
If air drying is not for you, be sure to use a heat protectant when you use your heat styling tools. Bodt has seen a lot of client success with switching to gentle tools like the Dyson Supersonic, $399. Also, she points back to washing your hair less as a good strategy for avoiding heat damage: "Obviously, if you're washing less, you're also not heat styling so much during the week, which allows the hair to grow and do its thing."
Let your hair down
Both stylists are against tight ponytails which can cause breakage and puts unnecessary tension on the scalp and hairline. Loose buns, alligator clips, or even softer tools like Silk Small Slipsilk Scrunchies, $20, will keep you on track.
Brush gently
Excessive brushing can lead to breakage, so Bodt advises detangling in the shower with a wide-toothed comb or wet detangling brush (such as The Knot Dr. The Pro, $14.99), starting at the ends to avoid creating knots and tangles.
There are also products to address the issue of "hair fall" from excessive brushing — check out the Kerastase Genesis line, specifically the Kerastase Genesis Serum Fortifiant Hair Serum, $51, a daily fortifying treatment designed to address weakened hair experiencing breakage from over-brushing.
