How to Improve Your Hair

For most of us, life is a busy blur, so Christina Marcaccini, an expert in ingredient research with a focus on natural cosmetics and products, has devised five easy ways to improve your hair in a hurry.

Trim your ends. If you blow-dry or straighten your hair regularly, chances are you've got damage along the bottom of your strands. A quick snip – even just a few centimeters – is the best way to nip that problem in the bud.

"The ends of your hair don't get the benefit of our natural scalp oils so they are always going to be drier and more susceptible to breakage," says Marcaccini. "Prevention is your best course of action." Another Marcaccini tip: don't use blunt scissors on split ends. It further exposes your already damaged cuticle.

Don't play with your hair. You'd be surprised how that little nervous twirl around your finger can cause breakage. Marcaccini also suggests sleeping on a silk pillowcase. It may sound decadent, but silk pillowcases help prevent overnight tangles, a real boon for delicate hair.

Be careful how you comb. If combing your hair after a shower is a challenge, then do it while you still have conditioner on your wet strands. Use a wide-tooth comb, Marcaccini says. Starting from the ends, gently comb your way to your scalp. Then rinse out the conditioner thoroughly. Your hair will look shiny and healthy when it dries.

Also, avoid metal combs, and never tease your hair to give it volume.

"Backcombing can be extremely damaging, as it can lift and tear the hair cuticle, which is impossible to repair," says Marcaccini.

Use color-boosting shampoos or conditioners. It's tough to keep color-treated hair looking great in between treatments if you don't use products that contain silicone (which adds shine) and keratin. Keratin is particularly important because it helps repair the hair cuticles that are opened up every time you apply color. To really gild your hair, apply SPF protectant sprays before heading out into the sun.

Boost volume and thickness. Ask your stylist for a glaze treatment. It can be clear, or add a sheen of color. Glazes not only add shine, they bond to your hair strand, giving it a thicker feel and more texture. Many glazes can also be applied at home, saving you from visiting a salon every few weeks.

Add some instant length. If all else fails, consider vamping up your hair with some clip in extensions. They're much less damaging than sewn-in weaves or glued extensions, and can be purchased at salons or beauty supply stores. Your stylist can layer the pieces to fit into your hairstyle. But make sure the extensions are human hair and not plastic. "Human hair extensions are the most natural looking, and easiest to style," says Marcaccini.

Try on a new hairstyle now.