Top 10 Haircare Tips from Professional Stylists

Everyone wants healthy, beautiful hair, but achieving it can feel like a constant battle of trial and error. Professional stylists have seen it all, and they know exactly what works to keep hair looking its best—whether you're aiming for shine, volume, or damage control. While countless haircare products and routines are out there, sometimes the most effective tips are simple tweaks to your daily habits that can make a difference.

Here are ten expert-approved haircare tips from professional stylists to help you maintain gorgeous, healthy hair daily.

Use the Right Shampoo for Your Hair Type

One of the biggest things people need to correct is using the right shampoo for their hair type. Your hair type—fine, thick, curly, or color-treated—determines the shampoo that will work best for you. Professional stylists agree that choosing the right shampoo is essential for maintaining hair health and preventing damage.

Stylist Tip: If you have dry hair, look for moisturizing shampoos like Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo infused with argan oil to nourish and restore moisture deeply. For fine or oily hair, a lightweight, volumizing shampoo like Living Proof Full Shampoo is perfect for adding body without weighing your hair down.

Condition Only Where You Need It

Conditioner is essential for keeping hair hydrated and smooth, but applying it incorrectly can leave roots greasy and limp. Professional stylists suggest focusing conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends of hair, where moisture is needed most. Your roots generally don't need the extra hydration since they receive natural oils from your scalp.

Stylist Tip: Use a lightweight conditioner like Kérastase Resistance Fondant Extentioniste Conditioner to hydrate and strengthen your hair without weighing it down. For extra dry ends, work the product in and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.

Don't Wash Your Hair Every Day

Frequent hair washing can remove natural oils that protect and moisturize your scalp and strands. Over time, this can lead to dryness, breakage, and a lack of shine. Most professional stylists recommend washing your hair every two to three days or less frequently if it can tolerate it.

Stylist Tip: Use a dry shampoo like Batiste Dry Shampoo on non-wash days to refresh your hair and absorb excess oil. It gives your hair a clean feel while also adding volume.

Always Use Heat Protectant Before Styling

Heat styling tools like blow dryers, flat irons, and curling wands can damage your hair over time, leading to dryness, breakage, and split ends. Always apply a heat protectant spray or cream before using any hot tools to protect your hair from heat damage. This is a must-do step that professional stylists swear by to maintain hair health.

Stylist Tip: Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray is a lightweight heat protectant that reduces blow-dry time and protects hair from temperatures up to 428°F. If you regularly use hot tools, include a product like this in your routine to safeguard your strands.

Trim Regularly to Avoid Split Ends

Getting regular trims is one of the best ways to keep your hair looking healthy and prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft. Professional stylists recommend trimming your hair every 6-8 weeks to keep it looking fresh and to avoid damage.

Stylist Tip: Even if you're growing out your hair, regular trims are essential. You don't need to take off much—just enough to remove damaged ends and encourage healthy growth.

Avoid Hot Showers and Towel-Drying Your Hair

As relaxing as a hot shower may feel, it can wreak havoc on your hair. Hot water strips the hair of natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. Instead, use lukewarm water when washing your hair, and finish with a cool rinse to seal the hair cuticle and add shine. Additionally, towel-drying your hair roughly can cause breakage and frizz. Instead, use a microfiber towel or a soft t-shirt to blot and squeeze excess water from your hair gently.

Stylist Tip: The Aquis Lisse Luxe Hair Turban is a great option for towel drying without damaging your hair. It's made from gentle microfiber material that reduces friction and speeds up drying time without causing frizz.

Choose the Right Brush for Your Hair Type

The type of brush you use matters, and using the wrong one can cause unnecessary breakage and damage. For detangling wet hair, use a wide-tooth comb or a brush specifically designed for wet hair, as hair is most fragile when wet. Choose a brush that suits your hair type and desired look for styling.

Stylist Tip: Use the Wet Brush Original Detangler for post-shower detangling. It's designed to glide through tangles without pulling or snagging gently. For blow-drying, opt for a round brush with boar bristles like the Ibiza Hair G Series Round Brush, which adds shine and reduces frizz.

Invest in a Silk Pillowcase

One pro tip that professional stylists love is sleeping on a silk pillowcase. Silk is much gentler on your hair than cotton and helps reduce friction while you sleep, minimizing frizz, breakage, and hair damage. Plus, silk helps preserve your hairstyle overnight, so your hair looks smoother and shinier when you wake up.

Stylist Tip: The Slip Silk Pillowcase is a popular choice among professionals. It's made from high-quality mulberry silk and is designed to reduce friction, keeping your hair looking sleek and smooth.

Deep Condition Once a Week

Incorporating a deep conditioning treatment into your weekly routine is a great way to keep your hair hydrated, soft, and firm. Professional stylists recommend using a deep conditioner or hair mask at least once a week to nourish your strands and repair any damage caused by heat styling, color treatments, or environmental stressors.

Stylist Tip: Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector is a cult-favorite deep conditioning treatment used by stylists and clients alike. It works to repair and strengthen damaged hair, leaving it healthier, shinier, and more resilient. Another option is the Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask deeply hydrates and restores moisture to dry, damaged hair.

Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet

Healthy hair starts from the inside out. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can make a massive difference in the health of your hair. Nutrients like biotin, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and E are essential for hair growth, strength, and shine. Drinking plenty of water is also crucial to keep your hair hydrated from the inside.

Stylist Tip: Incorporating supplements like Nutrafol Hair Growth or Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements can help boost hair health. These supplements contain vitamins, minerals, and other natural ingredients supporting hair growth and strength.

Conclusion

By following these top haircare tips from professional stylists, you'll be well on your way to achieving healthier, shinier, and stronger hair. From choosing the right products to protecting your hair from heat damage, these simple changes can significantly impact you. Whether you're dealing with dryness, breakage or just looking to maintain your locks, these expert tips will help you keep your hair looking its best every day.

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