How to Look After Your Hair for Healthy Strands

Let’s be real: The number one reason to look after your hair and follow a proper hair care routine is to keep your strands looking as healthy as can be. A gorgeous mane is the dream, after all. And with blowouts and hair color techniques becoming standard practice, it helps to give your strands a touch of TLC whenever you can. If you’re looking for the best way to look after hair and help maintain a healthy-looking mane, we’ve got you covered! Below, we’re sharing eight tips on how to look after hair, including using the right hair care products, so you can keep your locks looking and feeling their best.

1. USE A NOURISHING HAIR CARE SYSTEM

The foundation of any solid hair care routine is a nourishing hair system. Use a duo of shampoo and conditioner that’s formulated to hydrate and protect your strands, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair & Defend Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair & Defend Conditioner. Formulated with goji, this sulfate-free pair strengthens hair and defends against damage. It is also an excellent option for those with color-treated strands.

2. CLEANSE WITH LUKEWARM WATER

There is no denying that hot water feels amazing when it’s pouring over your hair and skin in the shower. However, super-hot temps can do more harm than good to your strands. The truth is, hot water strips your hair of its natural oils, leaving you with drier hair. So, in order to look after hair the best way possible, turn down the dial for every cleansing session.

3. DETANGLE FROM ENDS TO ROOTS

When it comes to dealing with tangles and knots, you want to be as gentle as possible to avoid breakage. Instead of trying to force a comb through your strands, take a step back, and prep your strands with a leave-in conditioner. The L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Break Proof Lotion helps to soften your strands and provide slip to make the detangling process an easy one. Simply work a dime-sized amount of lotion evenly through your strands and detangle your hair section by section. Once complete, style your hair as desired.

4. OPT FOR A HAIR TREATMENT

Hair treatments aren’t only reserved for damaged hair; every mane can benefit from a little extra attention. Think of incorporating a hair treatment into your routine as a treat for your mane. It gives your strands a little extra love and improves the overall manageability of your hair. Try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Deep Nourishing Treatment Serum, which is infused with lightweight flower oils. The hair treatment hydrates and nourishes your hair, leaving you with softer and silkier strands.

Editor’s tip: Speaking of a treat for your hair, hair masks are perfect for the same reason. The perfect way to spoil your strands, a hair mask can easily fit into your hair care routine. Try switching things up and using a mask in place of conditioner once or twice a week.

5. LET YOUR HAIR AIR DRY

We say this all the time, but you’re better off air-drying your strands than using a blow-dryer. Too much heat can damage your strands, which is the total opposite of how to look after hair properly. Instead, add a few air-drying styling products like a hair mousse, cream, or hairspray to your routine to style your tresses with ease. We love the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse, which comes in handy for adding some oomph to your mane sans any heat.

6. REACH FOR HEAT PROTECTANT

Chances are, there are specific styles you still love that require you to use a heat styling tool. In that case, it’s always best to prep your strands for heat with a heat protectant. The L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray works to calm frizz, seal shine, and protect your mane from heat damage.

7. GET REGULAR TRIMS

While cutting your hair may frighten you, holding on to broken and split ends isn’t doing you any favors. Stay ahead of the game by getting regular trims to keep your hair at its healthiest.

8. PROTECT YOUR STRANDS AT NIGHT

Have you ever noticed that your hair sports a dry look and feel after you hit the hay? As it turns out, your bed linens could be to blame. Try sleeping with your hair covered by a satin bonnet to protect your mane or switch to sleeping on a silk pillowcase, which won’t tug on your fragile strands.

Next: How to Keep Your Hair Color Looking Healthy