While youthful, vibrant hair may seem like something that only money can buy, there are a few simple tips and tricks you can use to bring life and luster back to your tresses without shelling out a fortune at the salon. From knowing how often to shampoo to the types of products that work best, here are five hair care tips to help you restore the youthful, vibrant appearance you once had.

1. Maintain a Regular Shampooing Schedule
How often you shampoo your hair will depend on several factors, including your hair type, your daily activities, and your lifestyle habits. In general, people with finer, thinner hair should shampoo less often (perhaps 2-3 times a week) to protect their hair’s natural oils and moisture. Those with thicker, coarser strands, however, may need to shampoo every day or every other day in order to keep their hair clean, healthy, and voluminous.
In general, people with finer, thinner hair should shampoo less often (perhaps 2-3 times a week) to protect their hair’s natural oils and moisture.
2. Use the Right Kind of Heat Protection
Using heat styling tools like flat irons, curling wands, blow dryers, and the like can damage your hair, zapping it of its moisture, elasticity, and shine. To protect your hair from the damaging effects of heat, use a good quality heat protectant spray before styling. Heat protectants contain anti-oxidants, proteins, and natural oils to create a barrier around individual strands, preventing heat from completely desiccating your hair.
To protect your hair from the damaging effects of heat, use a good quality heat protectant spray before styling.
3. Choose the Right Kind of Hairbrush
The right kind of hairbrush can make all the difference in preventing breakage and split-ends. Natural bristles, like boar’s hair, work best on delicate, fine hair; they help to spread your scalp’s natural oils all the way to the ends of your hair, which keeps the shafts hydrated and healthy. On the other hand, if you have thicker, more textured hair, go for a plastic or synthetic brush with wide, spaced-out bristles — these will help to detangle your locks without causing any extra breakage.
4. Take Care When Drying Your Hair
One of the key ways to prevent excessive damage and replenish moisture to your hair is to be mindful when drying it. Use a super soft cotton towel to blot your hair and gently remove excess water — squeezing or rubbing your strands can cause extra breakage. Additionally, keep the temperature of your blowdryer to a low or medium setting and never direct the heat directly at the roots or you’ll risk burning them and drying them out.
Use a super soft cotton towel to blot your hair and gently remove excess water — squeezing or rubbing your strands can cause extra breakage.
5. Invest in Hydrating Hair Masks
Hair masks are an effective (and enjoyable) way to add moisture and nourishment to your locks, as well as provide a jump-start to your elasticity and shine. Look for ones that are specifically tailored for your hair type, as some are better for dry, coarse locks and others are better suited for fine and light strands. Using a mask every 1-2 weeks can help to restore your hair’s natural vibrancy and boost its overall health.
By abiding by these five easy hair care tips, you can bring your hair back to life and restore it to a youthful, vibrant appearance. Remember: your hair needs to be nourished, treated kindly, and given the attention it deserves in order to look and feel its best!