By Alison McGill
The foundation of great hair is healthy hair, and there is a lot you can do to tune up your locks and keep them in peak condition. Regular trims, the right products, and eating right are just a few things topping the list.
To learn more about caring for your hair, we spoke to Tony Masciangelo, hairstylist and co-owner of Toronto’s Alcorn Hair, who shared five tips for achieving your dream hair.
Don’t Skip The Salon
Regular trims are essential for maintaining healthy hair. “Breakage and split ends happen, and you need to keep on top of these issues to ensure hair looks and feels it’s best,” explains Masciangelo. In a pinch, you can trim your own ends, but Masciangelo says it’s always best to leave this task to the pros (home pandemic haircuts definitely taught us this!).
Fun fact: Your hair grows approximately 1/2 inch per month.
Watch For Damaging Hair Accessories
The claw clip is back in a huge way, and we love the ‘90s vibe, but did you know it can cause major stress on your hair? Masciangelo says though they are head and shoulders better than hair elastics, claw clips can still tug at hair and cause breakage. Choose plastic over metal clips which will cocoon hair while still firmly gripping it and holding it in place.
Take A Hot Tools Break
“Heat styling can actually hinder hair growth,” Masciangelo says. “The no-blow-dry moment is still very much a thing as many of us have embraced a more natural vibe.” If you can go au naturel with hair styling once a week that is a bonus. If you do use hot tools, be sure to use a heat protecting product to reduce damage.
Use Pro Recommended Products
Trust your stylist. This is the person that knows your hair and what it needs best. Coloured hair, textured hair, and fine hair all have specific needs. You will also need to switch up your products according to season as summer months have different hair challenges than winter months. “Typically drug store products don’t contain enough of the ingredients needed to moisturize and nourish hair,” Masciangelo says. “Invest in a few key professional ones and your hair will thank you for it!”
Practice Solid Selfcare
“A healthy diet combined with regular exercise regime will ensure healthy hair growth,” explains Masciangelo. “Any type of movement you do is great because it will bring fresh oxygen to your cells and boost hair growth.” To give your hair a mega-nutritional boost, add Omega 3 and fish oil supplements into your diet. They promote growth and shine—once you start taking supplements you will soon notice a major change in your hair density and texture.
