How to get perfect hair every day of the week

You know those girls who *always* have a flawless head of hair? Those people who turn up to work looking like they’ve just stepped out of a hairdressing salon? Yep, you know the ones. Meanwhile, you’ve probably got your hair pulled up in a giant topknot/dry shampoo situation because it just won’t do what it’s told - and anyway, messy buns are totally trending, right?

Good hair is hands down the easiest way to make you look that little bit more pulled together, but truth is, attempting to make your hair look perfect every day is a serious task. Especially if it’s super uncooperative. And sometimes, waking up early just to spend a whole heap of time doing your hair is just not on the cards. Hell, if you’re anything like us, you probably struggle pulling your clothes on in time to make the morning bus.

So, what is it that women with fantastic hair do on the daily? To find out, we spoke to Keune Global Creative Artistic Director Ilham Mestour for her professional tips on how to get your best hair every day (no matter what your hair type), especially when you’re short on time.

Wavy hair

So, just what is perfect wavy hair? Mestour says flawlessly wavy hair usually sits flat on the scalp, with a series of natural s-shape bends throughout the lengths and ends. And while that may sound simple enough (just a bit of curler action, yeah?), the hairstyle can prove rather tricky for those with hair that doesn’t hold a wave. 

What to do
The secret? Use lightweight hair products that won’t weigh your hair down – think something that will provide moisture and shine without adding that annoying heaviness, such as products from the Keune Care Satin Oil range.

In terms of technique, it turns out you don’t need to over-complicate it by using a zillion different hair styling tools. Phew! Mestour recommends adding a soft mousse or hairspray wax (we like OUAI’s Soft Mousse and Drybar The Kicker Finishing Spray Wax) and simply, “Scrunch, scrunch, scrunch! This is the perfect technique to maximise wavy hair definition”.

Mestour says if you would like to further enhance those waves, reach for a curl defining cream (we like Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream).

If you’re super short on time in the morning (read: always snooze your alarm), you can easily pull this look together the night before. Mestour says, “To maintain your perfect wave, put your hair in a high ponytail and wrap it around in a topknot." The next day, use your fingers or a paddle brush for detangling. Mestour says to then add a little anti-frizz serum (try Redken Shine Outshine 01 or L'Oréal Paris Elvive Smooth-Intense Serum) to give your locks a bit of shine and definition, and you’re out the door. 

What not to do
One of the biggest mistakes we make with styling wavy hair? Going to town on the ol’ styling products. And the wrong ones at that. Mestour says people commonly tend to over-style their wavy hair with products (and techniques) that are actually meant for curly hair. “There is a big difference between natural wavy vs natural curly hair,” says Mestour.

Straight hair

Never underestimate beautifully sleek, shiny hair (Kim Kardashian knows what’s up). According to Mestour, if you do it right, straight hair will have a “mirror-like shine” and will look “so well hydrated and taken care for so that the hair reflect[s] light and is frizz-free”.

What to do
To get that next-level shine, Mestour says to introduce moisturising products with a low pH level into your haircare routine, because these types of products tend to lock in moisture. “And wash it frequently because natural oils will be more visible in straight hair and you don’t want greasy looking hair,” she says. In-between washes she recommends using a dry shampoo and dry conditioner to remove excessive oils.

For styling, opt for multitasking products that tackle dehydration, frizz and heat damage all in one. “Don’t over-compensate with products,” she says. “Use ones that incorporate multiple benefits in one bottle.” We like Oribe Balm D’Or Heat Styling Shield because it has heat protection as well as super nourishing oils.

What not to do
Put down that excessively hot hair straightener! Mestour says this is a big no for shiny hair. “Straightening it more with a straightening iron on a high [level] of heat, this will damage the hair and will remove the moisture out of it, so it will lose its natural shine,” she says. 

And if you're one to go to bed with wet hair, this could be seriously causing some damage to your strands. Instead of hitting the pillow with damp hair, pick up the hair dryer and give it a quick blast before bed. “Never sleep with wet hair, because the hair is most open to damage when it’s wet, and the friction will ensure damaged and frizzy hair. Also, swap your normal pillow to a silk version.”

Curly hair

According to Mestour, perfectly curly hair should look bouncy, shiny and “well-cut in the perfect shape, matching the face shape of the person”. If you have naturally curly hair, make sure you ask your hairdresser what kind of hair cut will work with your face shape.

What to do
The key to flawless curls? Extra hydration, shine and definition. Look for products that will add plenty of moisture to dry hair to keep your curls looking vibrant and healthy. “Products with coconut oil like Keune Miracle Elixir Keratin Spray are great for hydration,” says Mestour. For added shine, reach for a treatment mask like Wella Professionals Shine Define Mask or Briogeo Curl Charisma™ Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Crème.

For styling, a quality heat protect spray is a must, and will save your locks from sizzling. “Always use a heat protector preferably combined with a UV filter, and use your styling tools on medium heat vs high heat to maintain the integrity of the hair,” says Mestour.

To maintain your curls, Mestour recommends sleeping with your hair in the ‘pineapple technique’. Not familiar with this one? It’s basically when you gather your hair at the very top of your head and slip an elastic or scrunchie around the base of your ponytail once (the looser the better, because you want to avoid any kinks). The next morning, remove the scrunchie, shake out your hair (ditch the hair brush), and refresh your curls by spritzing them with something like Schwarzkopf OSiS Bouncy Curls.

Mestour says, “Every curl is different, so there is no one size fits all with curls. Try out what techniques or products fits you curl pattern and your personal style!”

What not to do
“Over-cleansing your hair with shampoos etc., [and] everyday washing is a big no-no when you have this type of hair,” says Mestour. “It needs its natural oils to look great.”

“It is best to only wash it once a week with a sulphate-free shampoo or do the co-washing technique and use a terry cloth/microfibre towel to remove the excess water.”

Looking for more hairstyling products that will up your hair game? Check out these argan oil shampoos that are *seriously* hydrating.

What are some of your go-to styling products? Let us know in the comment section below.

Main image credit: sarasampaio