RULE #1 BRUSH YOUR HAIR BEFORE SHOWER
When your hair is wet it is more vulnerable to breakage, so always brush knots out of your hair when it's dry. One added benefit: brushing dry hair distributes the natural oils from your scalp down to the ends of your hair. Another plus: post-shower it's already smooth and ready to style!
RULE #2 MASSAGE THE SCALP
Anything that builds up on your scalp can compromise the health of follicles, potentially reducing the diameter of each hair as it grows, or inhibiting growth altogether. A thorough scalp massage on a regular basis is a simple and sensual act of self-care that also promotes robust growth – we recommend a shower a scalp massage brush to help release dead skin and stimulate blood flow to bring more nutrients to your roots.
Hot tools are cool – until you get burned. High-heat styling can strip away the cuticle or burn it, and your hair will never hold the body or wave you’re trying to create. Try to avoid heat altogether where possible by choosing hair styling products that add texture, volume and hold. If you must use heat, keep heat settings under 400°F, more than enough for any style.
RULE #3 LIMIT HEAT STYLING
Hot tools are cool – until you get burned. High-heat styling can strip away the cuticle or burn it, and your hair will never hold the body or wave you’re trying to create. Try to avoid heat altogether where possible by choosing hair styling products that add texture, volume and hold. If you must use heat, keep heat settings under 400°F, more than enough for any style.
RULE #4 COLD RINSE AT THE END OF THE SHOWER
As soothing as a steamy show may feel, "taking a super hot shower on a daily basis can irritate you scalp and possibly weaken your hair as it grows out," says Brook. Keep the temperature on the warm side and at the end of the shower, do a quick cold-water rinse to seal the cuticles shut, boost shine, and maintain healthy hair.
RULE #5 EAT A WELL-BALANCED DIET
Nutritional deficiency can affect both hair growth and condition. A wide range of healthy foods, such as nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats will best support healthy hair.
Protein is key to hair health, which makes sense since hair consists primarily of protein, and research shows not getting enough can result in thinning hair.
Hair loss can be caused by iron deficiency, so stock up on spinach. Fresh ginger root is rich in magnesium, phosphorus, vitamins and potassium, all required for strong hair and natural shine.
Fatty fish like salmon, herring and mackerel have nutrients that may promote hair growth. They are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to hair growth.
A study in 120 women found that taking a supplement containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as antioxidants reduced hair loss and increased hair density.
RULE #6 CUT SPLIT ENDS
The only solution for frayed tips: A good trim on a regular basis. Holding onto damaged ends because you’re attached to your length is a zero-sum game. If they’re not surgically removed, strands will split even farther and faster, and you’ll be going short in no time.
RULE #7 SHIELD STRANDS FROM SUN
UV rays don't only cause damage to your skin, and the same goes for pollution. The summer brings free-radical producing elements that attack the hair and cause oxidative stress. When you style your hair, apply a leave-in styler to protect your strands.
RULE #8 DRY YOUR HAIR NATURALLY
We know. Blow drying makes your hair as beautiful as that of your on-screen idol. But excessive heat styling can damage your hair scalp. Limit it to important events, if you have to style. Air drying or towel drying after shampoo is the best way to go.
RULE #9 GET IT WET LESS OFTEN
Water makes hair swell from the inside, which forces the cuticle up. When that happens over and over again, you get frizz and breakage. Whenever you can skip a day and use a shower cap in the shower, that's great. Instead, embrace a dry shampoo that's a hard-core oil and odor absorber.
The only solution for frayed tips: A good trim on a regular basis. Holding onto damaged ends because you’re attached to your length is a zero-sum game. If they’re not surgically removed, strands will split even farther and faster, and you’ll be going short in no time.