Daily styling, exposure to environmental extremes and a poor diet can all conspire to leave hair looking lacklustre, flat and downright bland. But rather than waiting until any damage is irreparable, there are steps we can all take to keep damage under control – and prevent future breakage. We spoke to fashion, health and beauty blogger, Chloe Morello, to find out how she keeps her hair in tip-top condition.
Trim your tresses
Chloe’s first piece of advice is to visit the hairdresser every six to eight weeks. Not only will this keep split ends at bay thanks to a regular trim, it will also give your hairdresser the opportunity to pamper your locks with much-needed treatments – injecting the extra strength and shine you might be lacking. “I definitely think you should go (to the hairdressers) every two months,” says Chloe. “Not only is it important to pamper yourself, but also experts are able to tend to the health of your hair.”
Back home, and you can keep long hair looking healthy in-between visits with Pantene Beautiful Lengths Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner (RRP $7.99 each). Beauty expert Zoe Foster is a fan, and not just because of the quality of haircare provided by Pantene – Beautiful Lengths has got together with cancer charity Look Good…Feel Better to donate real hair wigs to support those with cancer. “When you use the new Pantene range, you’re not only protecting and nourishing hair, but also supporting women who have lost their hair to cancer treatment,” says Zoe.
Pamper your hair
Treating your hair at the salon is one step Chloe recommends, but she also says there’s no reason not to take some time out once a week to pop on a hair treatment at home. To ensure you get the most of your chosen treatment, try wrapping your hair up in a hot towel, kick back and let the steam infuse your hair with moisture. Try Herbal Essences new Hello Hydration Rinse-Off Treatment (RRP $6.99) or Honey, I’m Strong Rinse-Off Treatment (RRP $6.99) After rinsing, turn off the hot water and let the cold quickly run through your strands. This helps seal the cuticle, giving your hair a sleek, shiny finish.
But not all treatments have to come from the hair-aisle at your local supermarket – Chloe recommends something you might find in your very own kitchen cupboards. “Coconut oil!” she says. “Apply straight from the jar to your hair. Leave it a few minutes and wash out, to reveal the silkiest hair of your life!” Chloe also recommends drinking a spoonful of coconut oil whilst you’re at it, allowing the goodness to work from the inside out.
Daily care
For the day-to-day maintenance of healthy hair, Chloe’s advice is to drink more water and up your protein and natural oil intake. Just as important, however, is preventing damage when it comes to styling.
Chloe suggests keeping your hair out of tight top-knots, high ponies and ballerina buns whenever possible, as the hair elastic causes strain on the lengths and results in snapping. “When you can, try and stick to a looser hairstyle like a braid, as it’s much easier on the hair and doesn’t pull,” she says.
If you must use heat-tools to style your hair each day, the best advice is to use a heat protector spray beforehand. Try Pantene Styling Treatment Mist Smooth Straight or Pantene Styling Treatment Mist Soft Curls (RRP $9.99 each).
If you’re after a way to style your hair without heat-tools, Chloe suggests creating beachy waves by putting hair into plaits before bed. “Plaits are easy on the strands and are great to wear to bed as the hair isn’t pulled as you roll around while you sleep,” she says. Then when you awake, simply release the hair from the plait and you’ll have effortless, beachy waves! “Just spritz with hairspray and you’re good to go,” says Chloe.
Fast becoming one of Australia’s most popular beauty bloggers, Chloe Morello has been chosen by Veet as their new beauty producer. With over 200,000 subscribers on her Youtube channel it’s fair to say she knows beauty. Giving advice through her online tutorials, Chloe covers all things fashion, makeup and health, and will be regularly sharing her tips and advice on Veet’s Facebook page.