How to Make Your Hair Look Naturally Healthy and Beautiful

Keeping your hair healthy and stylish at the same time can be a balancing act. With the right approach, you can keep your look natural and beautiful without a ton of styling products every day. Read through some of these tips to change your beauty habits and make your hair look amazing!

Method 1
Method 1 of 12:
Don’t brush your hair while it’s wet.

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    Brushing while wet can cause damage to your hair. Before you get into the shower, grab a brush or a wide toothed comb and start at the ends of your hair.

    Gently detangle and work your way upward toward your scalp, being careful not to tug or pull on your hair as you go.[1]

    If you have curly hair, you can wait until after your shower and brush your hair while it’s damp with a wide toothed comb.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 12:
Shower with warm water, not hot.

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    Hot water strips your natural oils from your hair. Thankfully, you don’t have to take ice cold showers, either! Turn down your water temperature until the water is warm, but not scalding hot. It will help protect your hair and keep it from getting too dry after you wash it.[2]
    • The optimal temperature is below 112 °F (44 °C). If your shower is steaming, it’s probably too hot.

Method 3
Method 3 of 12:
Use products that are silicone- and sulfate-free.

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    These ingredients can dry out your hair. When you’re shopping for shampoo and conditioner, look for bottles that say “silicone- and sulfate-free” on them. They won’t dry out your hair as much, and you’ll keep more of your natural oils on your scalp.[3]
    • Also avoid products with alcohol in them, as that can dry out your hair too.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 12:
Concentrate your shampoo on your scalp.

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    There’s no need to get shampoo over every strand of hair. When you’re in the shower, get your hair wet and put a glob of shampoo into your hands. Rub the shampoo onto your scalp, and use your fingers to gently massage the product into your hair.

    When you rinse, the shampoo will run down to the ends of your hair and make sure it’s all squeaky clean.[4]

    Putting shampoo straight onto the ends of your hair can dry them out and cause damage. Plus, the ends of your hair are very rarely dirty or greasy.
    • While it might feel good, try to avoid the temptation to scratch your scalp with your nails as you shampoo. This can damage your scalp and lead to issues like dandruff and irritation.

Method 5
Method 5 of 12:
Do a hair mask once a week.

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    Give your hair a little extra love every week or so. When you’re still in the shower, rub a hair mask or a deep conditioner onto the ends of your hair and let it sit for about 10 minutes.

    Wash the product away before you get out of the shower to give your hair extra moisture and shine.[5]

    Look for hair masks and deep conditioners with avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or olive oil in them for natural hydration.
    • You can make your own hair mask by combining 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of coconut oil, 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of olive oil, and 1/2 cup (120 mL) of honey.
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Method 6
Method 6 of 12:
Wrap your hair in a towel to dry it.

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    Rubbing your hair with a towel can cause damage. When you get out of the shower, gently squeeze out the excess water and blot your hair with a towel.

    Wrap it up to get the majority of the water out before you let it air dry.[6]

    If you’re feeling fancy, try using a microfiber towel instead of a cotton one. They’re gentler and cause less frizz when you dry your hair.

Method 7
Method 7 of 12:
Use heat styling tools sparingly.

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    Aim for once a week at most. Hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can really dry out and damage your hair. When you do use them, make sure you spray a heat protectant onto your hair to keep it from getting too damaged.[7] [8]
    • Try using no-heat hairstyles, like braiding your hair while it’s wet to create soft waves.
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Method 8
Method 8 of 12:
Wear your hair down often.

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    Wearing your hair up can cause breakage. If you love a slick bun or a high ponytail, try to let your hair down every once in a while.

    If you ever notice that your hair seems dry or brittle, give it a rest from being tied up all the time.[9]

    Try using a scrunchie instead of a hair band. They’re softer on your hair and they don’t tug as much on your scalp.

Method 9
Method 9 of 12:
Eat a balanced diet.

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    The right nutrition can give you long, healthy hair. Make sure you’re eating plenty of lean protein, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and plant oils in moderation. Eggs, spinach, leafy greens, berries, and avocados are particularly good for your hair health.[10]
    • If you want to, you could take a daily multivitamin to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients that you need.
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Method 10
Method 10 of 12:
Wear a swim cap while you swim.

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    Protect your hair from harsh chemicals. When you go swimming, put on a swim cap and make sure all your hair is tucked tightly underneath. When you get out of the pool, take a quick rinse to avoid drying out your hair with chlorine.[11]

    If you have blonde hair, it’s especially important to rinse afterwards. Chlorine can turn blonde hair green if it’s left in long enough.

Method 11
Method 11 of 12:
Get a trim every 6 to 8 weeks.

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    Trims help your hair look healthy and beautiful. Head to the salon and get a little bit taken off to get rid of split ends and damage. If your hair grows slowly, you could even push it to every 2 months.[13]
    • Trims don’t help your hair grow faster, but they do help your ends look fuller and healthier.
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Method 12
Method 12 of 12:
Sleep on a silk pillowcase.

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    Cotton pillowcases cause a lot of friction. When you go to bed, switch out your pillowcase for a silk or satin one to smooth down your locks while you snooze. You can find fairly inexpensive pillowcases online or at most home goods stores.[14]
    • Silk pillowcases can also help maintain your natural curls overnight.

Community Q&A

  • Question
    Can a 2 in 1 shampoo work too?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    2 in 1 shampoos are okay in a pinch, but they aren't the best products for long hair. Actual conditioner is much better at hydrating and moisturizing your hair, while 2 in 1 shampoo can leave your hair feeling a little dry.
  • Question
    My hair is short and I don't think I should use conditioner. What should I do?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    If your hair is too short for conditioner, you don't have to use it. You can add some moisture back in with a leave-in conditioner if you'd like to. Simply spray it all over your hair when you get out of the shower to leave your hair feeling hydrated and moisturized.
  • Question
    How do I make my hair grow faster?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Make sure you're eating a balanced diet and getting all of your vitamins and minerals. Taking a daily vitamin can help your hair grow faster and longer. You can also avoid heat styling tools and let your hair air dry as much as possible to avoid damage and breakage.
  • Question
    What should I use to moisturize my hair?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you use moisturizing shampoo, it should help, but if you use some argon oil or any oil really, it's very moisturizing.
  • Question
    How do I make sure I don't get frizzy hair after washing?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Don't rub your hair because it creates friction. Instead, move your hands into your hair, pull them out and repeat. This will help reduce the frizz.
  • Question
    How should I deep condition my hair?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It might sound right but don't use lots of conditioner. Brush your hair right after shower and find a conditioner that is good for YOUR hair.
  • Question
    Is there any damage that happens to my hair when I style it?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Not unless styling requires heat.
  • Question
    I have damaged hair. How can I heal it?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You could use organic hair products containing vitamin B5, which helps coat and repair the hair shaft. You could also cut your hair regularly to get rid of the damaged parts. Don't over wash your hair, stop using a brush that is harming your hair, stop rubbing your hair with a towel and don't blow dry it for too long.
  • Question
    Do I have to condition my hair?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Of course not. You don't have to do anything you don't want to do. But it will probably improve the health of your hair...
  • Question
    Is it better to wash my hair with shower gel or shampoo?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Shampoo would be the better option, as shower gel is not meant for your hair.
Show more answers

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/a28494129/healthy-hair/
  2. ↑ https://www.wsj.com/articles/burning-question-what-is-the-best-water-temperature-for-your-bath-or-shower-1451931152
  3. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4458934/
  4. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/healthy-hair-tips
  5. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/a28494129/healthy-hair/
  6. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/habits-that-damage-hair
  7. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/habits-that-damage-hair
  8. ↑ Matt King. Director of Education, Fox and Jane Salon Group. Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.
  9. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/habits-that-damage-hair
  1. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/your-guide-to-aging-hair/
  2. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/healthy-hair-tips
  3. ↑ Matt King. Director of Education, Fox and Jane Salon Group. Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.
  4. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/a33448/haircuts-how-often-trim-hair/
  5. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/a28494129/healthy-hair/

About This Article

Hannah Madden
Co-authored by:
Hannah Madden
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Hannah Madden is a writer, editor, and artist currently living in Portland, Oregon. In 2018, she graduated from Portland State University with a B.S. in Environmental Studies. Hannah enjoys writing articles about conservation, sustainability, and eco-friendly products. When she isn’t writing, you can find Hannah working on hand embroidery projects and listening to music. This article has been viewed 87,149 times.
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Co-authors: 32
Updated: December 23, 2021
Views: 87,149
Categories: Keeping Hair Healthy
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