Let’s be real, healthy hair isn’t just about looking good in selfies or having a good hair day. It’s about feeling confident, cared for, and a little more put together in a world that can sometimes feel, well. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, breakage, or your hair just feels a little “blah” lately, the good news is that small changes in your routine can make a big difference.

Here are 10 tried and true tips to get your hair looking and feeling its best.

1. Start With the Right Shampoo

Healthy hair starts at the scalp. Look for shampoos without sulfates or parabens, and opt for gentle, nourishing ingredients like argan oil, aloe vera, or coconut extract. If your scalp tends to get itchy or flaky, try tea tree oil or a clarifying formula once in a while.

2. Stop Overwashing

Raise your hand if you’re washing your hair every day 🙋‍♀️. It might seem like the clean thing to do, but too much washing can strip your hair of the natural oils that keep it strong and shiny. Most people do fine with washing 2–3 times a week.

3. Condition Like You Mean It

Conditioner is essential for soft, manageable hair. It restores moisture, smooths frizz, and helps prevent breakage. After shampooing, apply it from the mid-lengths to the ends, where hair tends to be driest. Avoid the roots to prevent buildup and keep your scalp balanced and fresh.

4. Massage Your Scalp

A little TLC for your scalp goes a long way. Massaging your scalp for a few minutes in the shower boosts blood circulation, which helps with growth and can even feel like a mini spa moment.

5. Keep Build-Up at Bay

Between styling products, dry shampoo, and environmental gunk, your scalp can get congested. Once a month, use a clarifying shampoo or apple cider vinegar rinse to gently reset your hair.

6. Feed Your Hair from the Inside

Hair is made of protein, so make sure you’re getting enough! Eggs, nuts, salmon, leafy greens, and berries are your friends. Vitamins like B-complex, D, E, and iron also support hair growth and strength.

7. Drink more Water

Yes, water helps your skin and your hair. Hydration keeps your hair’s structure intact and helps avoid dryness and brittleness. Aim for 6–8 glasses a day (or more if you’re active).

8. Go Easy on the Heat

Hot tools like straighteners and curling wands can style your hair instantly, but overuse leads to dryness and breakage. Always apply a heat protectant before styling, and give your hair regular breaks by embracing heat-free styles like braids, buns, or natural waves to keep it healthy and strong.

9. Handle Wet Hair Gently

Hair is most vulnerable when it’s wet. Instead of brushing it out right away, use a wide-tooth comb and gently detangle from the ends upward.

10. Protect from the Elements

Sun, wind, and pollution can strip moisture and damage your hair over time. On harsh weather days, shield your strands with a hat, scarf, or protective style to help retain moisture and prevent dryness, brittleness, and environmental stress.

11. Skip the Super-Tight Styles

Braids and ponytails can look cute, but when they’re too tight, they tug at the roots and can lead to breakage (or even long-term thinning). Looser styles are kinder to your scalp and hairline.

Healthy hair doesn’t happen overnight, but it also doesn’t require anything extreme. It’s all about small, consistent choices, nourishing your body, being gentle with your strands, and finding a routine that works for you.

Even the simplest habits, like staying hydrated or trimming split ends, can make a real difference over time. So don’t stress about perfection, just start where you are, and let your hair thrive from there.