Hair strands have a very complex structure, comprising of the shaft, root, follicle and bulb. But did you know that our hair consists of 91% protein and is made up of amino acid chains? By taking care of your locks properly, you can achieve healthy, shiny hair.

Brush with care

When brushing or combing wet hair, be gentle. Our strands can only stretch a certain amount before snapping. Try using a comb and adding lots of conditioner to help detangle and smooth out knots.

Cool it on the tools

Whether you love sleek straight hair or bouncy curls, to create these looks most of us rely on heating tools – be it straighteners, flat irons, hairdryers or curling tongs. Which, of course, cause hair damage over time. To avoid heat damage, invest in a heat protection spray and try using your tools less. Try Sebastian Trilliant Thermal Protection and Shimmer-Complex R315 or Pantene Heat Defense Gloss Spray R64,99.

Be split end wary

Everyone has split ends. And it doesn’t just happen because of heat damage. As our hair ages, it splits. Visit your hairdresser for a trim every ten weeks or so.

Washing products

Everyone has there own preference and brand when it comes to shampooing and conditioning our tresses. Try stick to a product so that it can have time to work on your hair. Remember not to wash your hair too often, as you will land up stripping your hair from its natural oils. For healthy shiny hair, try Charles Worthington brilliant shine shampoo and conditioner, both R94,99 or Pantene PRO-V Strength &Shine Force Brilliance shampoo and conditioner both R34,99.

Treatment time

If your hair is in need of some TLC, invest in a treatment or conditioning mask you can apply at home once or twice a week. If you’re not a fan of waiting around with product in your hair, ask your hairdresser for a treatment next time you visit them. Try Dr. Miracle’s restorative treatment pack, R44.95, and if you have very dry hair give Schwarzkopf Gliss Ultimate Repair Anti-Damage Mask a go, R79.

Wrap up

Now that you’re on your way to healthy hair, add some shine and nourishment when styling with a smoothing serum, spray and an oil – they’ll control any frizzy or stubborn hairs to. Try Wella Mirror Polish Shine Serum, R199 or Lee Stafford Poker Straight Shine Serum, R94,99. Adding a drop of hair oil will do wonders to your hair. Try Moroccan Oil treatment oil, R380, 100ml or Redken All Soft Argan-6 oil, R320, 90ml.

If you missed out on part 1 of our Luminous Vitality series, we share our steps to glowing skin. Or you can skip to part 3 and learn the secrets to perfect skin, and the role make-up can play in part 4.

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