Let’s admit it, we all have that one friend in our lives that could have walked straight out of a L’Oreal advertisement. With long silky locks that move in slow-motion every time she flicks her hair, we can only watch in envy (and slight jealousy) as we admit to ourselves that we can never be her.

In the age of blow-drying, extreme bleaching and crazy dye jobs, being that girl requires a whole lot more effort that many of us do not have the time (or commitment) for. Before you despair over your frizzy hair, consider the following few steps that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine that may help to revive your hair. Regard these rules as the ‘holy grail’ to getting luscious locks, and you’re on your way!

Wash your hair 2-3 times a week, maximum

The perennial question bugging experts: how often should we wash our hair? After much debate, the optimal number of times is determined to be 2-3 times a week. On days when you are not shampooing your hair, tuck your tresses into a shower cap as water can cause your hair to be frizzy and prone to breakage. Opt for dry shampoo to keep your scalp fresh and oil-free.

Washing your hair too often strips your hair of its natural oils which are produced to to condition and protect your locks, experts say. This can result in your hair over-producing oils, which can create a vicious cycle of oil-production and shampooing.

Thus, for optimal hair condition, shampoo your hair 2-3 times a week. This, however, definitely depends on how often you exercise and your hair type – so vary accordingly!

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Be smart about your shampoo

Opt for sulfate-free shampoo for shiny and luscious hair. Sulfates can dry out your hair and strip it of essential oils, causing your hair to be dry and damage-prone. It can also remove shine from coloured hair, causing it to look dull. Thus, opt for a mild sulfate-free shampoo that will rejuvenate your scalp. Be sure to shampoo only your scalp and not the ends of your hair!

Avoid hot showers

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While hot water might be a great way to relax at the end of a long day, it is a big ‘NO’ for your hair. Blasting hot water at your tresses will damage it the same way heat styling treatments do – it dries out our hair and creates tangles that can result in breakage.

This rule applies especially when conditioning: rinse conditioner off with cold water to allow moisture from the conditioner to be better absorbed by your ends. Also, towel-dry your hair before conditioning, for excess water prevents the conditioner from being absorbed by your hair.

Brush/comb your hair the right way

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Part of achieving healthy hair is brushing your locks regularly – but make sure not to tear through them. When your hair is wet, make sure to use a wide-toothed comb (NOT a brush!), working from the ends of your hair up, as it is more vulnerable to damage and breakage. Use a brush only when your hair is dry to work through tangles.

Save your old T-shirts

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Instead of wrapping your wet hair up with your towel, use an old T-shirt instead. Cotton T-shirts are more gentle on your hair cuticles, so you don’t have to work doubly hard to untangle your hair afterwards.

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