Hair can be a tricky old business. With what seems like a tiny percentage of women being ‘born with it’ (you know the ones, all effortless shine and volume), how can the rest of us keep our hair looking happy and healthy all season long?
We’ve learnt to work with what we’ve got and which products to ‘fake’ it with: hot irons, sticky sprays, time spent building and backcombing that we’d rather not spend… it’s a battle barely worth the short-lived spoils, so why not try a kinder approach? Your hair will always be your hair, but it can also be your happiest hair ever if you treat it well.
Let’s talk about more fabulousness. Here’s to more happy hair days!
ALSO SEE: Hair Tips From An Expert: The Do’s And Dont’s
Here’s How To Keep Your Hair Happy This Season
Combat Dullness
“Use a hint of purple to tone and add shine to grey hair. The pigment will negate any brassiness and brighten the silver or blonde tones in your hair,” says hair colour expert Katie Allan.
Try Marc Anthony Brightening Blondes Coconut Butter Blondes Shampoo and Conditioner, R149,99 for 250ml each.
Shine On
You’ve seen those shimmering manes in adverts – common sense says it can’t just be the shampoo, so what’s the secret?
Keeping your hair happy means keeping it healthy. The rest comes down to cuticles which need to be smooth and unruffled in order to reflect light.
Try L’Anza Keratin Healing Oil Hair Treatment, R415 for 50ml.
ALSO SEE: 5 Styling Tricks To Conceal Grey Hairs: No Dye Necessary
Dry-hair Rescue
“If your hair is feeling dehydrated, take a handful of solid coconut oil (the stuff used in cooking), melt by rubbing it in your hands, smooth through and leave it on overnight. Wash your hair the next day and it will look sleek and shiny after the next few washes,” says trichologist Sally-Ann Tarver.
Try Lemcke Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, R46 for 250ml.
Try A Hot Oil Treatment
Drop a phial into hot water, snap off the top and smother hair in shine-enhancers that, nicely warmed, boost blood flow for growth, too.
Hask Argan Oil Hot Oil Hair Treatment, R65,95 for 29,5ml, is perfect for an at-home pamper session.
ALSO SEE: The Easiest DIY Hair Masks To Try At Home
The Long Game
For healthy hair growth and shine, feed your hair with zinc, biotin, magnesium and vitamin C – find them in brunch-time faves like avocado, eggs and kale.
Even better, Trichotin Hair Regenesis with Co-enzyme Q10, R438 for 30 tablets, contains all of the above, plus nettle-root extract to reduce hair loss, in handy supplement form.
Words: Fiona Mckim. Additional words: Martinique Stevens
