If the last time you looked in the mirror, you thought to yourself, “Yeesh! My hair looks like it could use some serious TLC!”we get you. Sad-looking strands are par for the course, especially if you’re guilty of making common hair care mistakes. You don’t have to live that dry, lackluster hair life, though.
We’re going to be embracing healthy hair like never before in 2022. Achieving healthy hair is going to be more than using a weekly hair mask, though—it’s an overall aesthetic that focuses on shiny, bouncy strands that look as healthy as they feel.
Want to get healthier hair in the new year? For all the secrets on how to get hair that looks and feels healthy, keep scrolling. With these solutions, you’ll know how to keep your hair healthy so that the next time you look in the mirror, you’ll be left impressed—not wanting!
Good hair day by @taylorhardeehair.
15 Healthy Hair Habits
Good hair day by @its_micaaah.
Use products formulated for your hair type.
All hair is different, which is why we recommend consulting with your stylist to come up with a game plan for your hair. They’ll be able to advise you on what hair care products and routine will be most effective on your hair type. For example, a healthy hair routine for curly hair will significantly differ from that of one for oily hair.
Conversely, straight and fine hair benefits from using products that are lightweight, so it isn’t weighed down. Curly hair needs plenty of nourishing, frizz-fighting formulas made to help you achieve bouncier, smoother ringlets.
Get routine trims.
Trimming your hair nixes split ends and can help prevent dry, brittle hair from breaking off prematurely. It might sound counterintuitive, but routinely trimming your hair can actually help keep your hair healthier and, therefore, longer. If you’re trying to grow your hair out, request a dusting or an “as needed” trim every time you go to the salon.
Steampod Hair Straightener + Curling Iron
A flat iron for fast, smooth styling on all hair types.
Take it easy on the heat styling.
One of the worst things we do to our hair is damage it with heat styling tools, including blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons. You don’t have to give it up entirely, but do scale back if and when you can. Embrace air drying, or allow your hair to dry a quarter to three-quarters of the way before going in with your tools.
If you do opt to heat style your hair, be sure to use a flat iron like L'Oréal Professionnel Steampod. This innovative iron uses the power of steam to style your mane two times faster, two times smoother, and with 91 percent less breakage*.
*Compared to Steampod heating plates alone
Use low heat settings.
When you do use a hot tool, keep the settings on the lower side to prevent excess damage. This means turning down the temperature setting on your flat iron or curling iron and not turning the air power all the way up on your blow dryer.
Good hair day by @muratalimese.
Take advantage of heat-protecting products.
One last note on heat styling: Always make sure to use a heat protectant spray, cream, or oil before you use your favorite tools. We’re sharing some of our favorites below.
Don’t overdo chemical processing, either.
Healthy hair’s mortal enemy is chemical processing, so try not to overdo it. This includes bleaching and all demi, semi, and permanent dyes, Brazilian blowout straightening treatments, and perms.
Good hair day by @thelma_smit_hairstyling.
Brush your hair gently and often.
Brushing your hair helps distribute nourishing, natural oils from your scalp all the way down your hair shaft. It also nixes tangles.
Use nourishing, strengthening masks.
Pretty much every hair type can benefit from using a hair mask about once a week. These products—some of which we’re highlighting below—hydrate, strengthen, and nourish.
Good hair day by @hanaleireponty.
Protect your hair from the sun.
Knowing how to keep your hair healthy means understanding the powers of the sun! Damaging UV rays can affect the quality of your hair, so wear a hat, use an umbrella, or stick to shaded areas when you’re outdoors for long periods.
Use a water filter.
Hard water can really take a toll on your hair. (Not to mention, it can sometimes fade your color faster!) Use a water filter or water softener when possible.
Good hair day by @alis_cristache.
Consider using a mix of products.
If you want to reap the full benefits of your products, be sure to use all of the formulas in the system. The products are made to work together and offer your mane maximum hair benefits.
Don’t over (or under) wash.
Channel your inner Goldilocks by washing at the perfect frequency for your hair. Under-washing can lead to scalp issues or excess oil production, but so can over-washing. When in doubt, ask your stylist for guidance.
Good hair day by @shellycakess.
Avoid tight ponytails.
As cute as that high pony looks, it might negatively affect your hair health. Pulling your hair taut can potentially lead to traction alopecia, and repeatedly wearing a ponytail over the same part of your hair can weaken the shaft and lead to dullness or breakage. Swap out the tight elastic for a scrunchy or claw clip.
Keep chlorine away.
Chlorine is a potent chemical that can disrupt the healthy shine of your hair. The next time you go for a swim, either put your hair up or rinse with water first.
Good hair day by @thegoldenponytail.
Try a color-correcting shampoo.
Lighter-colored hair, including blonde, gray, silver, or caramel, is especially prone to turning brassy over time. This can make your hair look unhealthy and dull. To revive the shine and nix the yellow and orange tones, use a blue or purple shampoo.
Best Products For Healthy Hair
Now that you’re loaded up with all those pro-tips for how to have healthy hair, let’s help you get there faster with some amazing healthy hair products.
Resistance Bain Extentioniste Shampoo
A length-strengthening shampoo for weakened and damaged hair.
Resistance Fondant Extentioniste Conditioner
A length-strengthening conditioner for weakened and damaged hair.
Kérastase Resistance Bain Extentioniste Shampoo
Landauro says that one of the best shampoos for healthy hair is Kérastase’s Resistance Bain Extentioniste, especially if your end goal is to promote longer locks. It helps to
strengthen and fortify hair for reduced breakage and boosted shine. To achieve the best results, follow your shampoo with the matching Resistance Fondant Extentioniste Conditioner.
Color Extend Blondage Color Depositing Purple Shampoo for Blonde Hair
A purple toning shampoo to prevent brass in blonde hair.
Color Extend Blondage Color Depositing Conditioner for Blonde Hair
A purple, brass-busting conditioner for fragile blonde hair.
Redken Color Extend Blondage Color Depositing Purple Shampoo
If you’ve got lighter locks that are starting to lean brassy, incorporate a toning shampoo into your routine. This one, from Redken, helps preserve that salon-quality look for hair that looks shiny and healthy. Use the Color Extend Blondage Color Depositing Conditioner to soften strands and further prevent brassiness.
Extreme Strengthening Shampoo for Damaged Hair
A rich hair-strengthening shampoo for damaged hair and split ends.
Extreme Strengthening Conditioner for Damaged Hair
A strengthening, detangling conditioner for damaged hair and split ends.
Redken Extreme Strengthening Shampoo And Conditioner
This bestselling shampoo and conditioner system helps strengthen, nourish, and smooth hair while boosting shine and strengthening fragile strands. It's formulated with the brand's exclusive RCT protein Complex, which gives hair much-needed TLC from root to tip.
Resistance Sérum Extentioniste Scalp & Hair Serum
A strengthening scalp serum that creates visibly stronger hair from the root.
Kérastase Resistance Sérum Extentioniste Scalp & Hair Serum
Pro tip: Don’t put scalp care on the backburner. This strengthening scalp and hair serum creates visibly stronger strands from root to tip while reducing the appearance of split ends.
Thermal Active Heat Protectant Spray
A heat protectant styling spray.
Biolage Thermal Active Heat Protectant Spray
Before pressing the “on” button of your hot tool, spritz on some of Biolage’s Thermal Active Heat Protectant Spray. It prevents your hair from burning while simultaneously strengthening and conditioning your hair in the process. Oh, and it also delivers a medium hold, so your hard work isn't lost.
Shu Uemura Art Of Hair Satin Design Blow Dry Lotion
If you prefer a cream protectant over a spray, we recommend applying a dollop of this luxurious blow dry lotion from Shu Uemura to your strands. In addition to heat protection, it helps give frizz the boot while leaving hair silky and polished.
Inforcer Anti-Breakage Masque
A hair strengthening mask to protect hair prone to breakage.
L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Inforcer Anti-Breakage Masque
Stop breakage in its tracks by deep conditioning your hair with this luxurious mask once a week. It conditions hair, promotes hair growth, and can help your hair look thicker, too!
Soleil Multi-Protection Beautifying Cream
Leave-in cream to protect against UV's, humidity and frizz
Kérastase Soleil Multi-Protection Beautifying Cream
If you do plan on spending some time in the sun, make sure to use this leave-in treatment from Kérastase as a secret weapon against those UV rays. It provides all-day anti-humidity protection while protecting against external aggressors.
25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner
A lightweight leave-in conditioner with heat protection that detangles, calms frizz, and treats damage and dryness.
Mizani 25 Miracle Milk
This leave-in treatment has “miracle” in its name for a reason. It boasts 25 different hair benefits, including hydration, strengthening, repairing, and de-frizzing. It's the perfect solution across all hair types, too.
Interested in more expert hair tips? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.
Shine Flash Hair Spray
An anti frizz hair spray for glass-like shine and finish.
Barbie x Steampod Hair Straightener + Curling Iron
A limited-edition Barbie-themed Steampod flat iron for fast, smooth styling on all hair types
Root Lifter Volumizing Spray Foam
Volumizing hairspray for added bold fullness and added thickness.
Miss Mess Dry Texturizing Spray
A multi-benefit dry finishing spray with a light hold that adds volume and texture.
Elixir Ultime L’Huile Original Hair Oil
Nourishing treatment and anti-frizz oil that blends Argan Oil and Marula Oil to add shine, hydration, and strength to all hair types and textures.
Forceful 23 Anti-Frizz Super Strength Hairspray
An anti-frizz, strong-hold hair finishing spray.
