10 quick tips for better hair

If you’ve suffered through your fair share of bad hair days, you know how much of a damper they can put on your day. The truth is, there’s a good chance you’re the reason behind your hair’s wild ways. The smallest mistake in your haircare or hairstyling routine could be having a big impact on your hair’s health and manageability. We asked hairstylist Anthony Nader, who has worked on the locks of model royalty Miranda Kerr and Gisele Bündchen, for his top tips for getting better hair, every day of the week.

#1 / Find your perfect hair colour

Choosing the right hair colour for your complexion will go a long way to help make your whole face light up. As a general rule, the lighter the complexion, the lighter your hair colour should be. The more olive your complexion, the more the warmth your hair colour needs. The more warmth in your complexion, the more ash your hair needs to be.

#2 / Always use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair 

If you cheat and use a fine-tooth comb it can stretch, and even snap, the hair strand. 

#3 / Make friends with dry shampoo 

Over-washing your hair can strip strands of moisture. Reach for dry shampoo when you need to get extra wear from your wash. The good news is, gone are the days of chalky dry shampoo. The sprays are getting finer and work wonders on smooth long hair lengths. Dry shampoo paste is great for shorter styles, as it gives a more textured feel.

We love: Matrix Style Link Minerals Play Back Dry Shampoo, Garnier Fructis Pure Volume 48H Dry Shampoo, R+Co Badlands Dry Shampoo Paste (available in salons only)

#4 / Put vitamin E on your eats list

It helps the body’s blood circulation by increasing oxygen – which aids the body to produce new hair, so it’s excellent for reducing hair loss. Find it in almonds and avocados.

#5 / Only use a small amount of styling product 

The golden rule is, less is more. Never overload your hair with product, as it will only weigh down strands.

#6 / Protect your hair from frizz

When should you use your frizz-fighting products? Always on damp hair, before blow-drying. The ingredients absorb far better into wet strands than when they are applied on dry strands.

Try: Redken Frizz Dismiss Rebel Tame, John Frieda Frizz Ease Forever Smooth Anti-Frizz Primer, L’Oréal Paris Elvive Smooth-Intense Anti-Frizz Serum

#7 / Don’t sleep with wet hair in a top knot – unless you want split ends

The friction from your pillow against your damp strands is damaging. Instead, wear your hair out and swap to a silk pillowcase, which is softer on hair.

#8 / If you’re unhappy with your hair, address your cut first

Amazing hair all starts with a strong foundation in your haircut, then you can change the style depending on the event you’re going to.

#9 / Get better staying power from your curls

If your waves are dropping mid morning, change the way you roll your hair tong or straightener. Roll your hair on a horizontal section, not a vertical section. It will create volume – not a skinny curl. After styling, spray over lightly with hairspray and then shake it out.

#10 / Don’t be heavy handed with conditioner

To avoid flat, oily roots, keep conditioner from mid-lengths to ends and you’ll notice an increase in volume.

We recommend: Natural Instinct Daily Hydrating Conditioner, TRESemmé Perfectly (Un)Done Weightless Silicone-Free Conditioner, Redken Beach Envy Conditioner

Feel like you're in a hair rut and need some help getting out? We've got the solution to your six most common hair woes.

For more beauty advice from Women's Health, head over to womenshealth.com.au

Main image credit: Getty