9 Products That Make Your Hair Healthier — Instantly

Experts will tell you that the best way to get healthy hair is to wash it less often and step away from the styling tools. But since most of us think clean hair is nonnegotiable and have pretty strong feelings for our blow-dryer and curling iron, here's a list of the products that will nurse your hair back to health.

A Restorative Shampoo

Hair's natural oils keep it looking shiny — and many traditional shampoos strip them away completely. Look for labels with the words "anti-breakage," "strengthening," "restorative," or "repair," since they mean that the shampoo uses ingredients that help to thicken the hair and temporarily seal split ends. We like Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo , which works with the keratin in your hair to help repair the damaged protein structures.

A Superabsorbent Towel

A microfiber hair towel soaks up water quickly, so there's no need to torque your hair in a terry-cloth vise — which can do a surprising amount of damage — or rub it into a frizzy state to get it dry. One of the best is the DevaCurl DevaTowel Anti-Frizz Microfiber Towel  which, while created for curly hair, absorbs water quickly on all hair textures.

A Heat and UV Protectant

Since flatirons can hit a scorching 410 degrees, it's important to make sure your hair doesn't feel the burn. A dollop of DryBar Hot Toddy Heat & UV Protectant  protects hair with artichoke leaf extract to prevent dehydration and preserve the hair cuticle.

A Hair Color Add-In

Going blonde used to mean major damage to your hair — the kind of damage you couldn't come back from without a significant chop. That was before Olaplex. Scientists actually found a new set of molecules that creates a buffer between your hair and the chemicals — and it was a game changer. Ask your colorist to use the first two steps of the system in the salon, and buy Number 3 for an in-shower strengthener at home

A Deep Conditioning Mask

At least once a week, do more thorough damage repair with a deep conditioning mask such as Ouai Treatment Masque . Ingredients including tamarind seed extract, artichoke leaf, and smart keratin, promotes hydration and seals the cuticle to protect it from UV rays.

An Iconic Blow-dryer

Nothing makes hair feel like straw more quickly than the blast of heat from a blow-dryer. A good ionic one emits charged particles that can cut drying time in half and encourage the cuticle to lie flat. We like the InfinitiPro by Conair , which features an electronic brushless motor to dry strands even faster.

A One-Pass Flat Iron

There's almost nothing that damages hair more than going over and over your strands with a flat iron. The T3 SinglePass Professional Straightening and Styling Iron  has ceramic plates that glide over hair delicately and leave it shiny with only one pass.

A Split-End Hiding Cream

Though the only way to get rid of split ends permanently is to trim them, R and Co High Dive Moisture & Shine Crème  can hold the frayed strands together all day. Sunflower seed extract conditions the hair and locks in moisture, while Vitamin E conditions to prevent damage.

A Gentler Brush

Using a brush with rough, wiry bristles can cause breakage. And if you're using a brush while you blow out your hair, a metal one can heat up fast and actually burn the cuticle. Instead, go for a rubber paddle brush with smooth synthetic bristles — ones with little balls on the ends, such as the Wet Brush Shine Brush . It's also great for extensions and wigs.

source:allure