Hydration hair heroes: our favourite moisture boosters

You don’t have to just accept dry and damaged hair as the norm. You can add moisture and hydrate your hair with our favourite products, below.

How to fix frizzy hair: your step by step guide (and the frizz-busting products we love)

If you have curly hair you’ll know what a challenge it can be to keep the frizz factor under control.

To effectively tackle frizzy hair, you need to focus on adding moisture, minimising heat and friction and using the right products for you. This means gentle sulphate-free cleaning, deep conditioning and the best styling techniques that help to smooth the hair cuticles.

Gentle cleansing: That means investing in sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that add moisuture. Avoid over-washing as this can strip the hair of its natural oils and make the frizz factor even worse.

Invest in deep conditioner: Doing a weekly hair mask or using deep conditioner once a week will repair frizzy hair and add intense hydration.

Use leave-in treatments: Serums, leave-in conditioners and hair oils can lock in moisture and protect against the humidity that can lead to frizzy hair.

Chill out on heat styling: Use styling tools on the lowest settings and use a heat protectant spray to keep hair from getting frazzled.

Cold water rinse: End your shower with a cold water rinse as this seals the hair cuticle making it look shinier, and reducing the frizz factor.

Gentle drying: Carefully blot hair dry with a microfibre towel or cotton T-shirt instead of rubbing vigorously with a towel. And always wait for hair to dry a bit before brushing it as this can cause frizz and breakage.

Dry hair? These the the best hair masks to rehydrate

If your hair is damaged and dry then there’s one thing you need to invest in… a hair mask.

The beauty of a hair mask is that they get deep into hair strands and the cuticle to repair breakage and strengthen from root to tip. If you have dyed hair they are also a must.

“The key with hair treatments is to keep them up and ensure they are used weekly to keep hair condition at its best,” recommends Sam McKnight, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Hair by Sam McKnight.

Read on for our list of the best hair masks for dry, damaged hair.

If you want to look after your hair this summer do these three things

Hold back on heat styling

Holidays are the time to go a bit more natural, so hold back on using heated styling tools or hairdryers to give your hair a break.

And don't forget to book your next appointment ready for when you get home, too.3 easy ways to prepare your hair for summer.

Freshen up

Not sure whether to book in a cut or colour before or after your holiday? We’ve got the stylist-approved answer: do it before!

Freshly-trimmed locks will ensure the hair is in the best condition to handle the heat, while newly dyed hair will look incredible in holiday photos.

Pack sun protection

Our hair needs UV protection too, so to shield your strands from the damaging effects of the sun by packing a protective hair spray or cream.

Summer hair SOS

Our hair gets a beating in the summer by sunshine, chlorine in pools and hats but the good news is you can look after it with our stylist-approved tips.

Get a haircut

Not sure whether to book in a cut or colour before or after your holiday? We’ve got the stylist-approved answer: do it before! Freshly-trimmed locks will ensure the hair is in the best condition to handle the heat, while newly dyed hair will look incredible in holiday photos.

Hair needs SPF, too

Our hair needs UV protection so to shield your strands from the damaging effects of the sun by packing a protective hair spray or cream.

Put the hairdryer down!

Holidays are the time to go a bit more natural, so hold back on using heated styling tools or hairdryers to give your hair a break.

And don't forget to book your next appointment ready for when you get home, too.3 easy ways to prepare your hair for summer.

These are the hair masks to beat dry and damaged hair

If you have dry and damaged hair then you need to get your hands on a hair mask!

The beauty of a hair mask is that they get deep into hair strands and the cuticle to repair breakage and strengthen from root to tip. If you have dyed hair they are also a must.

“The key with hair treatments is to keep them up and ensure they are used weekly to keep hair condition at its best,” recommends Sam McKnight, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Hair by Sam McKnight.

Read on for our list of the best hair masks for dry, damaged hair.

All you need for super soft locks is this budget friendly hair product

Is your hair heat damaged and flyaway? Exposure to sun, excessive blowdrying, curling and straightening, can leave hair dry and frazzled, stripping it of its natural oils.

It's unrealistic for most of us to completely abandon our favourite heat styling tools, but you can bring your hair back to life with Argan oil (just £7.59 from Amazon).

Argan oil from Amazon

Add moisture to hair

Step one: Apply a generous amount of oil to your hair.

Step two: Comb the oil through to the ends.

Step three: Leave it on for 30-60 minutes (longer if you have time) before shampooing it out. Remember that a little goes a long way with argan oil, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.

Budget-friendly products to revive dry and damaged hair

Having dry and damaged hair doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune on products to fix it.

In fact we’ve found some of the best brands that really work - all for under £20. Scroll through the gallery to see our recommendations.

Long hair? Follow these stylist-approved steps to maintain it

Trying to grow your hair or simply maintain your already luscious locks? Read on... 

1. Never use harsh shampoos

Shampoos that strip the scalp of its natural oils are a complete no-no! You need to understand that the longer the hair, the drier the ends.

You need to cleanse the dirt but you can't strip your hair of its nutrients. Opt for a super mild shampoo and conditioner and see the difference.

2. Never skip haircare regimes

The longer your hair, the more it gets damaged by the heat, styling and sun damage. So make sure you take some time out once a week to do a hair mask or give yourself an oil massage. Take yourself out to get a hair spa treatment with us once a month, too. 

3. Never ill-treat wet hair

Seriously, never ever start using the blow dryer on dripping wet hair! Make sure you towel dry hair thoroughly and let it semi air dry before you apply heat. Also, do yourself a favour and get a microfibre towel, which is gentler on the hair. Don't forget to add moisture with hair serum and heat protectant. 

4. Never backcomb your hair for volume

Teasing is the worst thing that you could do to your long hair. Your hair is already stressed by the weight. Instead, invest in a great texturising spray and scrunch your hair for volume.

5. Never douse your hair in chemicals

Steer clear of alcohol-laden hair sprays and products with parabens, especially when those products need to be applied to your ends. Remember, the longer your hair the more nourishment your ends need!

6. Never cancel your trim appointments

You know how we keep recommending that you get regular trims? Well, we're not just saying it for fun - it's vital to do so when you have long hair to keep it healthy and strong.

7. Never tie your hair up the same way

This is a two-fold misdemeanour: give your hair a break, switch up the position of your ponytail/bun, let your hair down or braid it. Make sure your hair is not tied too tight and you don't use a hair elastic that causes breakage. 

8. Never use plastic hair brushes

Use a ceramic or wooden bristle brush. It is less harsh on your scalp and also makes sure the natural oils get evenly distributed through the hair. 

This is an edited version of beauty journalist Kannagi Desai's article on the Popxo website. Read the original version here.

Fix swimming hair with these simple steps

Hot weather, chlorinated swimming pools and salty sea water can all wreak havoc with your hair, resulting in dry lengths, damaged ends and dull, faded colour.

So, how do you keep your hair looking full, shiny and healthy during the warmest months of the year? A few small tweaks to you everyday routine can make all the difference.

Don’t forget the SPF for your hair

UV rays can damage your hair as well as your skin. Investing in a hair protector that has UV filters has the same effect as sun cream, shielding the strands from harmful rays (which can break down the structure of your hair as well as fade any colour). 

Fight humidity with serum

Rising temperatures can leave any hair type frizzy and fluffy, and a good hair serum is the fastest way to restore order. The best hair serums will work to smooth frizz while also adding shine, making your hair look as healthy as can be. What’s more, today’s best options come with a whole host of added benefits, from colour-protecting ingredients to nourishing actives and deep-hydrating extracts.

Hydrate with a hair mask

Just like hydrating yourself with a glass of water (or a cool G&T), using a hair mask puts moisture back into the hair giving it a new lease of life. It also helps weakened hair follicles to regain strength and elasticity, helping to avoid further sun damage.

Give your scalp some TLC

Just like the skin on your face, your scalp can become dry and sensitive when it is exposed to the sun. You may even find your parting becomes pink and burnt if you leave it unprotected. Like your skin, you should treat your scalp to some extra TLC in the summer, using products that specifically address your issues. For instance, applying a weekly soothing scalp mask in the summer is a great way to calm and moisturise your scalp. Daily hydrating scalp toners can also be very beneficial – a healthy scalp is key to hair growth.