Surprising Haircare Tips to Try

If there’s anything more frustrating than hair that just won't behave, we haven’t found it yet. And if you think you’re doing all the right things – trims on the reg; protecting your locks against hot weather – and yours still isn’t playing ball, it might be time to take serious action.

If there’s one thing we’ve learnt, it’s that small changes can add up to the difference between a good – and disastrous – hair day. Here are three surprising haircare tips you have to try, for healthier, happier strands.

image credit: @elle_ferguson

TIP #1 UPDATE YOUR BLOW-DRYING TECHNIQUE

We’ve all made our fair share of blow-drying mistakes. By now you know that the best way to ensure your hair’s natural moisture stays intact is to partly air-dry it before styling. But this is only half the battle. When you do reach for the dryer, keep it at arm’s length rather than applying the heat directly against your hair. Around 10-12cm away is ideal, and keep it moving at all times. Don’t be cheap when it comes to your locks either. Invest in a good hairdryer that won’t turn your hair into hay.

bh recommends: Philips MoistureProtect Dryer, VS Sassoon 3Q Dryer

TIP #2 CHANGE UP YOUR DIET

In the same way that sugar and a bad diet can have a negative effect on your skin, they also play a part in the overall condition of your hair. Protein-based foods such as fish and beans, as well as green vegetables, are vital to the growth and strength of your hair. Sweets, grease and salt are (not surprisingly) the ones that have a negative impact.

image credit: @jesinta_franklin

TIP #3 PREPARATION IS KEY

If you’re an Aussie girl, you’ve probably got one thing on your mind this season: swimming. But before you dive headfirst into that pool, remember that as amazing as it feels for your skin and mind, it’s not so crash hot for your hair. Protecting your hair by quickly rinsing it before swimming will do wonders for its condition. The cool water helps lock in the moisture and close the hair shaft, keeping your hair protected from drying salt or chlorinated water. Alternatively, keep a serum in your beach bag and give your locks a good coating pre-dip. This will also help keep the salt water from entering the hair follicle and drying it out. Sure, it’s a habit you’ll have to get into, but the payoff is well worth it.

bh recommends: TONI&GUY Hair Care Glamour Serum Drops, Schwarzkopf Extra Care Ultimate Oil Elixir, Shu Uemura Art Of Hair Ultimate Remedy Extreme Restoration Duo-Serum

What do you do to protect the condition of your hair? Do you have any unexpected tips?

97 Member Comments

clearcrystalwater 19 Dec 2016 5:51 PM

My unexpected tip is to have an epsom salts bath and make sure you dip your head under - the magnesium is good for hair too.

That Shu Uemera serum sounds good!

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skincare junkie 19 Dec 2016 8:05 PM

Thanks for the tip! About to go to epsom bath soon

Yohanna 19 Dec 2016 7:27 PM

Wow! Ok, I must try epsom salt tip! Makes it softer?

clearcrystalwater 22 Dec 2016 3:21 PM

Yes - soft & silkier. : )

Trish_D 19 Dec 2016 5:33 PM

Following wonderful advice from my great hairdresser and using quality products no matter what, I thankfully rarely have a bad hair day.

Yohanna 19 Dec 2016 5:10 PM

I do not use any more elastic bands, do no hair breakage. I use those lady jane cord like hair bands. Also with whole food plant based diet (fruit and nut loaded!), my hair is finally grown long and thicker than ever in my whole life. I use to have bold areas on the sides of my forehead, and could not wear hair high, as people would tease me (like in school ) that I am balding...SInce birth I had bad thin hair with those bald areas. Then changed my eating and now in my 39 year of age, I have more hair than ever in my life! And NO bold areas, all covered in hair now!Yup, can wear now hair very high up!

And yes, I ate diet high in protein in 20s (did fitness and body building!) and had major hair loss, that took me years to recover from.

Yohanna 19 Dec 2016 5:04 PM

Diet: Whole food only-fruit most important, veg, tender greens and nuts/seeds (walnuts, brazilnuts...). Focus on Protein is wrong, and not proven to work. Hype that needs to be extinguished asap. And never starve, fad diets like calorie deprivation! That one is the worst for having good hair

Agree on heat styling! Spot on. Hair serums too.

Linda_Vesinger 19 Dec 2016 4:23 PM

The idea of wetting your hair before a swim is both smart and easy to do

Meedee 19 Dec 2016 2:13 PM

Im using the Schwarzkopf Ultimate Repair and Gloss Treatment on my hair and it keeps it looking wonderfully healthy with a great shine.

IndieAna 19 Dec 2016 2:07 PM

I've found that taking multivitamins have really helped with the condition of my hair

Trish_D 19 Dec 2016 5:34 PM

I agree with you, Indie.

duality 19 Dec 2016 1:46 PM

that's interesting about the swimming one - I always put some Matrix protecting oil in my hair before swimming so the chlorine or salt doesn't destroy it

blackkittykat 19 Dec 2016 1:44 PM

I very rarely blow dry my hair, and eat as natural a diet as I can leaving room for occasional treats as well. I use an argan oil hair treatment once a week which keeps my locks in good condition.

bebeautiful34 19 Dec 2016 1:30 PM

I just use hair masks and serums to keep my haur healthy. And regular trims

sparrow x 19 Dec 2016 1:19 PM

I never thought to protect my hair BEFORE swimming but it totally makes sense! Great tip with the rinsing hair first. I will definitely do that from now on!

Mayy 19 Dec 2016 1:03 PM

Need to change my diet!

Beauty Obsession 19 Dec 2016 1:01 PM

Great tips. I use a lot of moisturising products and serums as I bleach my hair. I bleached it more for summer and the ends are really brittle atm so a trim is in order very soon

cosmoslyn 19 Dec 2016 12:32 PM

10-12 cm? I have been blow drying my hair all wrong.. oh no

Hayley644 19 Dec 2016 12:30 PM

Good advice, I like using masks in my hair and coconut oil as a hair treatment.

Princess Perfume 19 Dec 2016 12:23 PM

I like the tip about wetting your hair before diving into a pool - I'll have to remember that next time I go swimming!

Jess R 19 Dec 2016 11:48 AM

Since switching to a predominantly whole foods diet (still room for treats though! 90/10) I have noticed an improvement in my skin, nails and hair. Just goes to show you don't need fancy suppliments, just good food and lots of water :)

Lucrecia629 19 Dec 2016 11:40 AM

These tips aren't actually very surprising, but they are good.

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