Achieving Salon-Worthy Hair at Home
Getting that fresh-from-the-salon look can feel impossible to replicate yourself. But with the right techniques, tools and products - plus a little patience - you can enjoy gorgeous, healthy hair without weekly blowout appointments.
Start from Within
What you put into your body affects your hair just like your skin or nails. Focus on a balanced diet rich in the following hair-helping nutrients:
- Protein - found in eggs, meat, fish, beans, nuts
- Iron - red meat, greens, lentils
- Zinc - seafood, chickpeas, yogurt
- Vitamin C - citrus, berries, peppers
- Biotin - whole grains, avocado, nuts
- Vitamin E - plant oils, seeds, leafy greens
Supplement as needed if your levels are low. Stay hydrated with plenty of water as well.
Establish a Hair Care Routine
Just like skin, your scalp and strands need consistent TLC to look their best. Set up a routine to regularily cleanse, condition, treat and protect your hair.
Cleansing
How often to shampoo depends on your hair type. Every other day works for most. Choose gentle sulfate-free formulas to avoid drying out hair and scalp.
Conditioning
Nourishing masks twice a week give a deeper treatment. Leave-in creams with panthenol and botanical oils boost moisture between washes.
Heat & UV Protection
Always prep hair with a heat protectant before hot tool styling. And shield strands from sun exposure which fades color.
DIY Hair Treatments
Whip up some homemade spa inspiration for your tresses. Here are pro tips for 3 indulgent yet affordable at-home hair masks:
Moisturizing Avocado Cream Mask
Avocados are full of fatty acids and vitamins that deeply nourish. Whip one up with creamy Greek yogurt and honey for a hydrating weekly treatment.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 c Greek yogurt
- 1 Tbsp honey
Method
- Mash ingredients into a smooth paste.
- Apply from mid-lengths down.
- Cover and let sit 30 mins.
- Rinse out thoroughly.
Clarifying Apple Cider Rinse
Apple cider vinegar removes buildup so hair feels super clean. Balance it by diluting with water first before using.
Ingredients
- 1/4 c apple cider vinegar
- 1 c water
Method
- Stir to mix together.
- After shampooing, pour over wet hair.
- Work through and let sit 1-2 mins.
- Rinse out well.
Strengthening Egg Yolk Mask
Protein-rich egg yolks reinforce weak, damaged strands. Olive oil adds moisture for the ultimate hair-helping combo.
Ingredients
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Method
- Whisk egg and oil together.
- Apply on damp hair from roots to ends.
- Wrap in a towel and leave for 20 mins.
- Shampoo out thoroughly after.
Invest in Quality Hair Tools
Recreate salon blowouts with the right styling tools designed to smooth, volumize and get styles to hold longer:
Ceramic Round Brush
Get sleek, shiny hair with less damage. Even heat distribution also cuts down on frizz.
Vented Paddle Brush
Detangle wet strands without breakage. Soft rubber cushion is gentle on the scalp.
Fast-Drying Hair Towel
Minimize friction and frizz scrunching with cotton T-shirts. Microfiber towels absorb water quicker.
Leave-in Serum
Lightweight silicones, like dimethicone, seal the cuticle for longer lasting styles.
Texture Spray
Boost volume and create beachy waves with sea salt formulas. Apply to damp or dry hair as needed.
Humidifying Diffuser
Define curls and distribute heat gently with blow dryer attachments. Essential for curly or wavy manes.
Silk Pillowcase
Reduce bedhead and split ends overnight. Smoother surface minimizes tangles.
Give Yourself a Salon Blowout
With the fundamentals down, now its time for step-by-step instructions on styling your hair like an expert:
Prep Damp Hair
Blowdry slightly damp hair for longer lasting volume and style. Apply a lightweight leave-in treatment before heat.
Rough Dry Sections
Using a vented paddle brush, divide hair into sections. Rough dry each on medium heat/speed setting first.
Smooth With Round Brush
Working in smaller sub sections, use a ceramic round brush to smooth and direct airflow from roots to ends.
Set Style
Once hair is 90% dry, blast with cool shot button to lock in shape. Or finish with velcro rollers to enhance waves or bounce.
Refresh Style
Fluff and touch up bedhead with dry shampoo at roots. Add texture spray for extra staying power as needed.
Treat Yourself to a Massage
Bring the spa home with a weekly scalp massage using fingertips or special tools like:
Jade Roller
Glide the cooling stone across your scalp to boost circulation and relax muscles.
Silicone Scalp Brush
Soft silicone bristles gently exfoliate and stimulate for healthier growth.
Head Knocker Scalp Massager
Rotate the grooved metal roller to loosen tension for tingling relief.
Use light, relaxed pressure and work in small circles concentrating on one area for a few minutes before moving on. Pair with a nourishing botanical oil to hydrate skin in the process.
Consistency is Key!
While an occasional salon visit offers a nice refresh, regularly practicing these tips yourself improves volume, shine, strength and manageability over time. With dedication to nourishing from root to tip - your hair will always look photo shoot fabulous!
FAQs
How often should you do a hair mask treatment?
For most hair types, aim to use a targeted hair mask once or twice per week. Focus on hydrating, repairing, or protein formulas based on your hair's needs.
What ingredients make the best DIY hair masks?
High fat ingredients like avocado, olive oil, honey, and eggs are excellent for dry or damaged hair. Yogurt contains proteins for strength. Apple cider vinegar clarifies and tea tree oil soothes the scalp.
Should you brush wet or dry hair?
Be extra gentle brushing wet hair when it’s at its weakest state. Let hair air dry slightly before using a wide-tooth comb or vented brush to detangle strands from mid shaft downwards.
How do you grow your hair faster at home?
Eat a balanced diet rich in hair-healthy nutrients like protein, iron, zinc and vitamin C. Establish a regular hair care routine using repairing masks. Massage the scalp to increase blood flow. Stay hydrated and trim damaged ends regularly.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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