Lush tresses literally begin at the root, so it’s vital to keep your scalp healthy and clean. If you’re concerned about hair loss, make an appointment with a hair and scalp specialists to figure out the root of the problem and what products you should be shifting to.

You can also consider loading up on foods containing zinc and biotin like nuts, milk, and leafy greens, or enhancing your diet with multivitamins to help maintain the growth of healthy hair.

Products you use, from hairsprays and gels to regular shampoos and masks, can build up over time and leave residue behind. This can dull your locks and lead to an oily scalp, which makes hair look limp and lifeless. Use lightweight styling products that won’t drag your locks down and a clarifying shampoo once a month to deep cleanse your hair and scalp. And, of course, never sleep with styling product still in your hair!

Also known as vitamin B5 or “the beautifier”, this powerful naturally-occurring ingredient is well known for moisturising hair, as well as boosting body, bounce and shine. It effectively penetrates each hair shaft to hydrate and restore elasticity to your locks, plumping up your hair for enhanced volume.

Breathe life into stick-straight hair (which will always tend to look flat) by adding some waves to amp up texture and body. You don’t even need to curl all your hair – simply focus on the sides and the top layer of hair on the back of your head. Finish with sea salt spray and run your fingers through to loosen the curls for that effortlessly sexy look.

Multiple layers of colour give your mane depth and dimension, and it’s the contrast that helps your hair appear thicker yet remain natural-looking. Plus, they’re super low-maintenance so you don’t have to keep going back to the salon for touch-ups!

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It might seem counterintuitive but conditioning your hair before you shampoo can lead to sleeker, lighter, well-hydrated hair. This game-changing way of hair works to prevent your hair’s protective layer from getting stripped off during washing. You may also consider pre-shampoo treatments, which are specifically formulated to nourish hair cuticles, detangle and prime your locks for the shampoo that follows without weighing it down.

Salon treatments can be pricey, but they’re worth a trip down if your hair is very damaged, or if you’re looking for a bit of a time-out from your busy schedule. Treat yourself once every few months to a keratin treatment or a clarifying one to remove buildup.

Heat is a major hair killer, so make sure to use a hair dryer, curler or flat iron with adjustable heat settings to prevent frying your strands. And always apply a heat protectant first, making sure to comb it through your hair to distribute the formula evenly.

Extra tip: For ultimate smoothness, make sure to point the hair dryer nozzle downwards in the direction of your hair shaft.

Hair is primarily made of keratin, a type of protein, which gets depleted over time thanks to harsh chemical treatments, poor maintenance habits and even pollution. Pump up your diet with protein like salmon and eggs, and apply a nutrient-packed mask at least once a week to deeply nourish and repair your hair structure from within.

Soothe stressed, dull hair by choosing hair products that contain ingredients like coconut, avocado, or olive oil. These fast-absorbing natural oils smooth hair cuticles for that glossy look minus the grease. Massage a coin-sized amount of hair oil into the ends to combat split ends, and if you have oily hair or scalp, opt for lighter oils such as argan or jojoba oil that are similar to your scalp’s natural sebum.

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This post was first published on August 18, 2017, and updated on August 17, 2020.