Perfect Hair Tips

Hair experts reveal their most closely-guarded hair secrets.

1. 'For extra body, wait until hair is completely dry, then take small sections and spray at the roots with a firm-hold hairspray and dry again, lifting the hair away from the direction it would naturally fall.'
- Mark Hayes, international creative director for Vidal Sassoon

2. 'Make the best of what you have, rather than damaging your hair trying to turn it into something it isn't. Healthy, shiny, well-conditioned hair - whether it's curly, straight, long or short - is what you should be aiming for.'
- Sam McKnight, ambassador for Pantene

3. 'Don't wash thick hair every day, as this will strip it of its natural oils. lnstead, rinse every other day, but apply a conditioner to the ends for a moisture surge.'
- Mark Hayes

4. 'Never brush curly hair while you're drying it - this will only lead to serious frizz and zero shine.'
- Lee Stafford, celebrity hairdresser

5. 'Warm styling product in your hands before distributing evenly through hair - it will work better and more efficiently.'
- Richard Ward, celebrity hairdresser

6. 'For a tight ponytail, damp down white parcel string with water, hold the ponytail in position and tightly wrap the hair with the string and tie. As the string dries, it'll swell and secure the ponytail.'
- Adam Reed, creative manager at Charles Worthington

7. 'Alternate your shampoos - if you have coloured and fine hair, use a shampoo for coloured hair one day, then use one for fine hair the next day to get the best of both formulas.'
- Frédéric Fekkai, international celebrity hairdresser

8. 'Invest in a professional hairdryer - salon dryers are 3200 watt, and most consumer models are 1800 watt, so you'll be able to style your hair in half the time.'
- Richard Ward

9. 'To reduce static, use a mixed-bristle brush to smooth the hair, after you've sprayed it lightly with a light-hold spray, then brush through. This will leave hair ultra-glossy and static-free.'
- Adam Reed

10. 'If you see a woman with hair you love, ask who her stylist is, then visit for a blow-
dry only - don't commit to a cut. If you like what they do with your hair, you could book in for a trim.'
- Frédéric Fekkai

11. 'Wash your hair properly - never rinse out shampoo or conditioner with bath water.' - Nicky Clarke, celebrity hairstylist

12. 'Most people think you should condition coloured hair to death after you've been swimming, but the most important step is to shampoo out all the chlorine first.'
- Lisa Shepherd, hairdresser

Author: COSMOPOLITAN