5 Stylist-Approved Tips for Healthier Hair

You already trim every six-to-eight weeks and employ the help of a hair mask, so what’s left to learn on the path to better hair? According to Christian Wood, the hairstylist behind Emily Ratajkowski’s faux bob and Olivia Munn’s infamous chop, there’s more. Wood shares his insider hair rules and styling tips for healthier, red carpet-worthy hair.

Sleep on Silk 

“This tip gives a literal spin on beauty sleep, making eight hours dozing off beneficial to your hair. “I always recommend my clients to sleep on a silk pillow,” Wood says. “Damage is caused while sleeping due to the hair being roughed up and tangled. A silk pillow will help give a more slippery surface for the hair and [will] avoid excess friction, resulting in less repeat styling and brushing.”

The Secret and Cheap Treatment

The secret to Emily Ratajkowski-level hair is hidden at your local drugstore. “The little tubes of conditioner you get in at-home hair coloring boxes are a must for an emergency treatment,” Wood reveals. “They contain silicone which leaves a film over the hair creating a super shiny, lustrous effect.” He doesn’t recommend using this trick daily, but keep one on hand for special events.

Use a Quick Drying Towel

“To cut styling time I always recommend clients wear a quick dry towel wrap directly after washing,” recommends Wood. Anything to help reduce heat application is always a plus, so use this product to “reduce frizz, reduce drying time, and make hair more manageable” while styling. You can try the Turbie Towel, but we also recommend Aquis’ cult-favorite turban.

Try Another Miracle Oil

Coconut oil might reign as the omnipotent, magical elixir, but there’s a new oil to try. “If I work with a client two days in a row, I don’t always want to re-wash the hair but it still needs to be re-softened and styled again,” explains Wood. “I use a simple trick off adding a few drops of almond oil in a water spray bottle and misting through the hair. This helps break down product residue so re-styling is more manageable while also adding softness and shine. Great on next day curly hair when you don’t want to wash again but the curls need reforming.”

Meet the Micro Trim

If you thought you were bad for skipping a haircut, you’re in for a surprise. According to Wood, we should all be up-keeping our hair with what he deems the ‘micro trim’: “It’s not a full hair cut but it’s just enough to keep split ends and at bay and adds movement to the hair, resulting in easier styling and manageability.”