Ever wondered how to get a gorgeous glossy mane? It’s simple: follow these 10 Commandments of caring for your hair.

1. Thou shalt do your homework: Before heading to the hairdresser for a change it’s important to know your stuff. Go with an idea of what you do and don’t want. Wash your hair the night before going for a colour, hair that is too clean or dirty can interfere with the results. Wear your hair as you normally do, so the hairdresser can get a good sense of your style.

2. Thou shalt Know Thyself: It’s tempting to want to look like your favourite celebrity but you’ve got to remember that if your skin is pale you’re not going to look like Salma Hayek does with dark brown hair. Nor will you resemble Gwen Stefani with bleached blond hair if your skin is tanned. Be yourself when it comes to choosing a hair colour. Pale skin looks best with blonde or light brown hair, while those with a medium or dark skin should opt for more coppery colours and dark browns. If your hair is wavy you should be able to dye it five to six shades lighter while those with straighter hair should steer clear of highlights as these can look very obvious in your hair.

3. Thou shalt know how to communicate: Having a great hairstyle and colour is all down to a trusting and great relationship with your hairdresser. If you click with a stylist then try your best to stick with them. A good hairstylist will get to know you and your tastes. Honesty is the best policy when it comes to your relationship with your stylist. If you’re unhappy about something or want to try something new then say it. It’s also a good idea to bring along a picture of what style you’re after to your appointment so the hairdresser can get a good idea. A good hairdresser is open to suggestions and will work with you to attain gorgeous hair.

4. Thou shalt take baby steps: Change takes time. If you’ve got your sights set firmly on going blonde and your hair is currently black then it’s best to take things slow. Drastic dye jobs can destroy your hair, that’s why it’s a good idea to ease your hair into it by going two shades lighter than your base colour or four to five shades lighter in highlights at first. To get the result you want can take up to four to five sessions, so be patient. Your hair will thank you in the long run.

5. Thou shalt avoid temptation: Just like us, hair has its vices too. From constant blow drying and straightening, it’s any wonder we’ve got any hair on our heads. As much as these tools leave our hair looking fabulous they’re often doing more damage than good. Give the heated styling tools a break once in a while and leave your hair to dry naturally.
6. Thou shalt treat thine hair gently: Hair is incredibly resilient but it’s also very delicate. That’s why it’s so important to treat it gently on a daily basis. Small changes in your routine can make a huge difference to the health of your hair. Never brush hair when it is wet, as this is when it is at its most vulnerable. Instead wait until it’s damp to brush and style. Tying hair up all the time with hair elastics can pull and tangle the hair, damaging it. Now and again leave your hair loose or use a crocodile clip to tie it up.

7. Thou shalt feed thine hair: Not literally feed your hair, but nourish it. Treat your frazzled locks to a deep conditioning treatment at least once a month. This will keep frizz at bay and strengthen your hair. You can also treat your hair from the inside by eating a healthy and balanced diet that contains lots of lean proteins, oily fish, pulses and good fats like nuts. Water also plays a big role in the health of your hair so be sure to up your intake of H2O.

8. Thou shalt use protection: Our skin is not the only thing that can get damaged from the sun, our hair does too. Factors like pollution, chlorine, the sun and excessive heat styling can leave hair looking less that lust-worthy. Combat these factors by investing in a good heat protection spray, these contain unique polymers that create a film on the hair to protect it from any external factors.

9. Thou shalt go for regular trims: We know it’s tough to part with those extra inches of hair but going for a regular trim really does do wonders for the health of your hair. The longer you leave split ends the more hair you’ll have to part with as the hair can split further and further up the hair shaft. Fine hair should go for a trim every six weeks while thicker hair can go every eight weeks. Plus split ends look even more obvious with highlights, so it’s imperative you get a trim before dying your hair.

10. Thou shalt love thyself: At the end of the day everyone is uniquely beautiful. Learn to work with what nature gave you and treat yourself and your hair with kindness.

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