Healthy Hair 101

Secrets to shinier, sexier, healthier hair

By Didi Gluck

In the Shower

Go natural. "All shampoos contain cleansers," explains Christyn Nawrot, a regional educator for Phyto. But those with naturally derived cleansers are less apt to rob your hair of vital oils. (Phyto, Lavett & Chin, Ojon and Aveda use natural cleansers in all of their shampoos.)

Use products properly. For maximum benefits, before applying shampoo or conditioner, emulsify them in your hands. Then massage onto roots (where hair is most porous), crown and finally, down sides of hair.

Don't overwash. "Shampooing every day is drying to your hair and scalp," says Rodney Groves, a stylist at the Vartali salon in New York City. Instead, aim for two to three times a week - and on off days, rinse with water and condition only your ends.

Do deep-condition. "If you heat-style regularly, you must deep-condition once a week," says Caroline Greyl, president of the hair-care company Leonor Greyl. If your hair is very damaged, try using a concentrated hair mask in place of your daily conditioner (from midshaft down), suggests Eva Scrivo of the eponymous New York City salon.
Try: Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment, Leonor Greyl Masque Fleurs de Jasmin, Matrix Color.Smart Intensive Masque