The 10 commandments for dream hair

Invest a little time and effort into your locks and you’ll reap the benefits.

For thick, shiny, tumbling tresses, thou shall:

1. Make a regular appointment with your hairdresser

Don’t wait until things get desperate – get your hair trimmed every five to six weeks, even if you’re growing your hair.

It’s all about hair health, and that includes keeping the end trimmed so they don’t get frizzy and break.

2. Feed your hair

The healthier your diet, the thicker and shinier your hair.

Up your protein intake, as well as vitamin C and fatty acids you get from oily fish.

Another secret weapon – seaweed. If you’re not a sushi fan, try kelp tablets.

3. Go easy on the styling

Minimise the amount of styling products you use, including dry shampoos and hairspray.

Dream hair is about cut and condition, so work with your hair’s natural texture to avoid drying products.

4. Commit to your hair length

If you want long hair, be aware it’s going to take work to keep it healthy.

If you don’t have the time or the inclination, go for something shorter – but realise that short hair needs to be well-maintained too.

5. Tool up

Invest in a good bristle paddle brush to smooth the cuticle down and boost shine.

A great brush will also massage the scalp, making it healthier and stimulating hair growth.

A big round brush is another must for great hair as it can create root lift and help the straightening process when blow-drying.

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6. Hold the shampoo

Shampooing your hair every two, or even better, three days is fine.

Rinsing and conditioning is great, but not daily shampooing.

7. Get intense

Intensive conditioning that is. Do it at least once every two weeks.

You don’t have to leave it in for hours – just five minutes, if that’s all the time you have.

You’ll be surprised what a difference it makes.

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8. Hit the bleach

Having a few highlights bleached into your virgin hair damages the hair a little but it also doubles its thickness, making it look and feel thicker.

Coloured hair is also easier to style, so you can get a great finish around your face.

9. Change it up

Give hair an instant lift and boost volume by switching your part to the opposite side.

Also avoid centre parts as they make your hair lie even flatter to your head.

If you’ve applied product to your hair in the morning, run damp hands through your hair to revitalise the products power and give your hair some oomph.

10. Be aware of the band

Putting your hair in a ponytail in the same position every day can lead to hair breakage – even more so if you’re using an elastic band.

The same goes if you wear a ponytail to bed.

Avoid band breakage by using a scrunchie or a covered band, and by changing your hairstyle every couple of days.

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Written by Nikki Yazxhi.