Even with the world’s best cut, colour and style, hair that’s unhealthy will appear thin, brittle and lifeless. To keep your hair looking its best, you have to make sure it’s healthy. Here are some tips for improving your hair’s condition so you can look and feel beautiful.

1. Don’t over-shampoo

Washing your hair every day can strip it of natural oils, leaving it dry and dull. After you wash, allow enough time for natural oils to replenish, giving your hair can a natural sheen. Depending on your hair, this can mean waiting one or two days- or even weeks - before you shampoo again.

If you’re used to shampooing every day, your hair has probably been overproducing oil to compensate. When you cut down on the frequency of your shampoos, your hair will probably feel very greasy at first. You can wear your it up as you wait for its natural balance to be restored.

2. Be careful with heat.

Heat styling, including blow drying, curling and straightening, breaks the chemical bonds in your hair and makes it susceptible to damage. Let your hair air dry whenever possible, and only curl or straighten when it’s absolutely necessary.

Always use a heat protectant before heat styling.

3. Use deep conditioning treatments.

Deep conditioning treatments will help heal damaged hair. Make them part of your routine. The frequency will depend on the texture of your hair and the degree of hair damage. Be careful not to keep treatments on too long or apply them too often, or they will make your hair flat and greasy.

4. Be gentle when you comb and brush.

Use a wide toothed comb to undo tangles gently. Never allow your comb or brush to rip through your hair, and never brush your hair when it’s wet.

5. Avoid permanent chemical treatments.

Permanent hair dyes, perms and chemical straighteners can make hair weak and brittle and contribute to hair loss. Try to avoid these treatments as much as possible. If you can, opt for semipermanent colours and learn to work with your natural hair texture.

When you do have permanent treatments, leave them to a professional, so you can be sure chemicals aren’t left on too long and there aren’t any accidents that need correcting with even more harsh treatments.

6. Make sure your diet is a healthy one.

Beautiful hair comes from within. Make sure your diet includes plenty of protein and omega-3 fatty acids and contains all the essential vitamins and minerals. If you’re cutting calories in order to lose weight, take care that you’re not missing out on important nutrients.

7. Relax

Stress and lack of sleep can contribute to hair loss. While some stress is unavoidable, you should try to minimize it as much as you can. Find a stress reduction technique that works for you, such as exercising, listening to music or taking a long walk. You can use a long deep conditioning session as an opportunity to relax and meditate.