Between hot tools, chemical processing, product buildup, environmental stressors and more, our hair goes through a lot. But true health hair goes deeper than simply addressing damage. “Maintaining healthy hair involves more than using the right shampoo and conditioner,” says trichologist Meerika Khanna. “It’s about cultivating habits that benefit your hair from the inside out.” That means achieving healthy hair isn’t limited to products—there are best practices for getting the strongest, healthiest strands.
Healthy hair starts with the right products, tools and regular trims.
Although genetics and diet can have an impact on the overall health of your strands, choosing the right products for your hair type, minimizing damage and prioritizing scalp care can all go a long way. After speaking with a multitude of experts, we’ve curated the best products, tools and tips for healthy hair. (For more haircare advice beyond this, see our roundups of the best hair growth serums and the best shampoos for frizzy hair.)
Tips For Healthy Hair: Top Products
- Hydrating Shampoo: Innersense Hydrating Cream Hairbath
- Repairing Hair Mask: Living Proof Restore Repair Mask
- Detangling Brush: The Hair Edit Detangle And Massage Brush
- Nourishing Scalp Serum: Divi Scalp Serum
- A Tried-And-Tested Hair Dryer: T3 AireLuxe
Choose Products Based On Your Hair Type
Khanna and celebrity colorist Sharon Dorram emphasize the importance of choosing hair products according to type. “The products we use every day to shampoo and condition drastically affect the health and condition of hair,” says Dorram. Not only is it important to use products that match your specific hair type and needs, but it’s imperative to be mindful of ingredients. “There is no mystery in staying away from sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, polymers and silicones—all of which contribute to dry, brittle hair,” says Dorram.
Your hair type should steer you toward the most appropriate shampoos and conditioners. Those with dry, frizzy hair should look for moisturizing products made with natural oils, glycerin and shea butter. “People with fine hair should choose volumizing products that don’t weigh hair down,” says Khanna. And anyone with damaged strands will benefit from bond-building formulas.
Incorporate A Deep Conditioning Treatment
Former salon owner Dawna Jarvis recommends a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week. “It helps restore moisture, improve texture and reduce breakage, especially for those with dry or damaged hair,” she says. “Opt for treatments designed to penetrate the hair shaft and offer internal repair rather than those that merely coat the hair with silicones.”
Invest In The Right Hair Tools
Haircare tools like brushes and hair dryers should also be chosen with your hair type in mind, and celebrity stylist Marilisa Sears says they’re worth the investment. “If you invest in the right tools now, you will save yourself a mountain of grief going forward,” she says. She recommends doing some research to determine what will work best for you. “If your hair breaks frequently, a natural boar bristle brush could exacerbate the issue, and it would be better to purchase a high-quality paddle brush,” she says.
Celebrity stylist Jill Buck also emphasizes the need for professional tools. “Don’t follow the above steps and then dry or fry your hair with a cheap tool,” she says. “Make small investments for heat-controlled tools that have been tested and re-tested to minimize damage when used properly.”
Prioritize Scalp Care
“Regular scalp care is indispensable for optimal hair health,” says Khanna, because it promotes strong and vibrant hair growth. In addition to giving yourself a weekly scalp massage, it’s ideal to avoid hairstyles that can cause tension on the head and hair, says hair restoration expert Dr. Angie Phipps. “Chronic pulling on the hair over time can cause permanent hair loss,” she says. “This includes tight ponytails, buns, braids and extensions.” Buck also recommends a scalp serum. “I can’t emphasize enough starting these routines before you need them,” she says. “Once a follicle dies, it dies.”
Encourage Healthy Hair From The Inside Out
As the saying goes, you are what you eat—and so is your hair. “What you eat significantly influences your hair’s health,” says Khanna. “Nutrient-rich foods provide the building blocks for healthy hair.” She recommends eating plenty of protein, including lean meats and legumes and ensuring your diet is rich in both omega-3 fatty acids from fish and nuts and key vitamins and minerals (such as vitamins A, C, D, and E, zinc and iron). “These nutrients nourish hair from within and support hair growth, strength and shine,” she says.
Schedule Regular Trims
Even if you’re growing your hair, regular trims will keep split ends at bay and help promote overall hair health. “It doesn’t have to be a significant length—just enough to keep the ends fresh,” says Jarvis. “When your hair has a split end, and you don’t trim it, it travels higher up the hair strand and eventually breaks off.” Regular trims help prevent this breakage for healthier growth, she says.
