Best Tips for Your Hair Type

By Mark Garrison

Cut through the hype -- these best-ever tricks deliver results. Shampoos... conditioners... styling products... tools... with the myriad of products, accessories, and conflicting advice out there, it's easy to get confused about the best way to care for hair.At the salon, working with our clients and products every day has helped us zero in on the very best, no-fail hair tips. Most of the time, it's as simple as 1, 2, 3 to keep your hair looking its best. Read on for the three best-ever hair tips and tricks for your hair type.


Thin Tresses
*Think lift when it comes to your hair type. Try a volumizing shampoo, conditioner, and mousse, and finish with hairspray. Avoid products (like serums, cremes, pomades, and oils) that can weigh down and flatten hair.

*It does work! The old trick of flipping your hair over your head as you dry it does give your hair volume and lift. Also try rollers, curling irons, and round brushes to add curls and movement.

*Color adds body to hair. Strategically placed highlights reflect light away from thinning hair, creating an optical illusion that hair is fuller than it really is.



Thick Tricks
*Thick hair relies on super -- and frequent -- salon service to look neat and fabulous. Schedule appointments often.

*Minimize bulk by cutting long layers into hair.

*Split ends will add frizz and bulk to thick hair and give it a messy look, so keep them under control.



Curls
*Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. It will make your hair more manageable and able to look its best every day.

*Go au natural and hands-off! Don't touch hair until it's 90 percent dry (let hair dry naturally or use a diffuser) to minimize frizz. Finger tousle to style when dry.

*Finish and set your curls with a shot of cold air from your blow-dryer. Run serum, oil, or creme through your dry hair with your fingers to add shine and smooth flyaways.



Damaged Hair
*Give damaged hair a break by letting it air dry naturally as often as possible.

*Beat the heat. Avoid flat irons and always use a nozzle on your blow-dryer to put distance between the dryer's heat and your hair.

*Rehabilitate stressed tresses from within. Deep conditioners build elasticity in hair. Balance your hair's urgent moisture and protein needs with treatments, hair care, and styling products designed for damaged hair.