Tara Coleman | Nutritionist 

taracoleman.com

1 - Start your day with 16 oz. of water.  Keep it next to your bed and drink the glass before you start your day and before coffee!  Once we start drinking water we tend to crave it more.  When we put it off then we play catch up for the second half of the day and it becomes a chore. If you start your day with 16 oz. and before you get out of bed you are up to ¼ of the way there!

2 - Try adding electrolytes.  Electrolytes are the minerals that our bodies need to absorb water.  There are also some great electrolyte powders that have a little flavor that make water more exciting. Steer clear of artificial sweeteners and opt for electrolyte powder sweetened with monk fruit or stevia.  I like Ultima and Liquid IV.

3 - Drink during the transitions.  If you are having trouble remembering to drink water, set transition triggers to remind you.  For instance, 16 oz. when you first wake up.  16oz before you get out of your car at work or log onto your first zoom, 16 oz. before lunch and 16 oz. before you end your workday.  Attaching these reminders to things that you are already doing will help trigger your memory and keep you from chugging a ton of water all at once!

 Tara Coleman | Nutritionist 

taracoleman.com

Count the colors!  The colors of your fruits and vegetables help identify which nutrient that food contains.  So a diversity of colors = a diversity of nutrients.  Plus, beautiful colorful foods are more fun to eat!  Shoot for at 3 different colors of fruits/vegetables each day.  If you are a veggie master, try 5!

Eve Dawes | Blogger & Founder of Dawes Custom Cosmetics & LikeToKnow.it

glamourandgains.com

2 tips to stay away from processed foods are to not keep them in the house and to be prepared. Plan your meals and create a grocery store list that you stick to. 

By not having processed foods at home it takes a lot more effort to go out to get them than to grab them from your kitchen cupboards. 

Also, always keep healthy snacks in your bag or car. That way if you're out longer than you expect to be you're not grabbing something unhealthy on the go.

Vanessa Barthelmes | Contortion Coach

Jadorevanessa.com

Ironically I am detoxing from sugar now after the silly season. When I personally detox from sugar I still eat mixed berries, they don't spike your blood sugar and are great with Greek yogurt.

This is something I eat once or twice a day. When I am going through the rough phase with the detox I buy a bunch of chocolate mint protein bars (sugar-free) and keep munching on them until the cravings subside.

Sally Wade | Founder of TreatTrunk.co.uk

We often talk about sugar intake but salt intake is really important too! There are lots of ways I reduce my salt intake:  

The most obvious one is cooking meals from scratch which means you can control how much salt is used in cooking rather than opting for ready meals. 

You really don't need to salt everything you cook to taste! Snacking is a huge one and you'd be surprised at how much salt is in snacks! That's why I created Treat Trunk, a healthy snack subscription box which offers nutritionist endorsed, sugar sensible healthy snacks for the whole family.

Hugh JN Bethell | Medical Practitioner & Blogger

exercisefitnessandhealth.info

I try not to recommend any particular exercise. All physical activity is good. The only important thing is that you do it and then carry on doing it. This depends on you enjoying whatever it is – if it brings no pleasure, if it is a chore, you will soon give it up.

So whatever you choose, start small and build up to a level that is manageable and fun. The biggest relative gains come from increasing from doing nothing to doing something. Of course, more is better - but don’t bust a gut unless it is sustainable and agreeable.

David Neira | IFBB Personal Trainer

Chape.fitness

Not eating enough, for fear of getting fat, is the #1 mistake. If you´re exercising you need to fuel your body properly. That means no skipping meals and get enough protein and carbs.

Protein is required to repair and maintain your muscles. You´ll need 1 gram per kilo of weight to keep your muscle mass. Often, when we hear protein, we instantly think of meat. But also fish and veggies contain protein. Tuna, salmon, halibut, lentils, beans, seeds, nuts… there is a wide variety of foods that may contribute to your muscle maintenance.

On the other hand, carbs are typically cut out of diets, but they’re totally crucial for muscle recovery after a workout. Carbs are stored in your muscles as glycogen. This glycogen is consumed during exercise, and you need to restore it to get ready for your next workout.

Another usual mistake is not getting adequate sleep. While you sleep, your body produces growth hormone and protein synthesis occurs. There is also evidence that lack of sleep leads to muscle loss and fat increase. Try to get seven to eight hours of sleep every night.

If you have problems getting asleep this is easy to say but hard to accomplish. Create or review your Pre-Bed Routine, a consistent routine that you follow each night reinforces signals to your mind and body that bedtime is approaching. 

Pay attention to what you eat and drink, don't go to bed hungry or stuffed. Check your caffeine intake, coffee, tea, and sodas can be a barrier to falling asleep.

Last but not least, training too much or too often. When it comes to health and fitness everyone thinks that “more” is “better”. That´s not true. If you’re not careful, “more” can lead to overtraining, muscle loss, injury, and illness.

Training six or seven times per week is almost never a good idea. Your body needs time to recover. So, if you feel sluggish all day, lack motivation, or become restless, give yourself a break because you´re pushing your body to its limit.

DIYactive Support Team

diyactive.com

It may sound too simple, but here we go… You must stick to your routine and not just your workout program.

Your workout routine is obviously huge but adhere to your sleep schedule, eat a green plate (fruits and veggies), and remember to drink your allotted water per day.

Most people can stick to a workout routine of 3 workouts per week, but it’s the other things in life that keep them from achieving great results. You must strive to form those winning habits!

Richard King | Blogger

The best activity for health is one that is fun for you, so it's easier to be motivated. For example, walking. The best time to go for a walk is whatever time of day you can do it consistently.

For many, that is first thing in the morning, because it is harder to come up with excuses and it is before "life interferes". You may have to get up a little earlier.

To make it a habit: "Just do it" for the first few days, then hopefully you'll start to enjoy it.

Dr. Alex Dimitriu | Consultation Psychiatrist

siliconpsych.com

The best sleep routine starts in the morning - bright light, ideally some outdoor activity, and exercise at some time during the day. The more "up" you are during the day, the better you sleep at night - you need to keep sleep and wake well separated.

Exercise that makes you sweat is especially good for improving sleep. No caffeine after noon - it lingers longer than you think, with a half-life of 6 hours. Avoid naps longer than 30 min. In the evenings, stop working at some point so you have time to wind down and enjoy dinner and family time. Avoid late heavy meals, alcohol too close to bedtime, and bright screens/smartphones, laptops.

Sleep in a cool (68 degree), dark and quiet room. Stick to a regular bed and wake time - don't vary these too much. If you slept poorly, try not to sleep in. Read books before bed. Learn to meditate - you can even do this at night. If you can learn to empty your thoughts, at night you will either be really relaxed or fall asleep - in the words of Naval Ravikant - it's a win-win. 

Barbie Ritzman | Blogger

Founder of barbie'sbeautybits.com

Beauty sleep is real. To look and feel our best, we need rest, and more importantly, we need the right kind of bedding, which goes for your pillowcases.

Many of us spend time on night creams, but our beauty sleep can either age us or make us younger. And when it comes to our pillows, it can be a skin aging culprit. So, let me ask you: “Are you using a clean pillowcase? Is it silk?”

A Regular Pillowcase

The moisture pulled into the pillow can draw in dirt and bacteria, causing damage to the skin. Also, the dirt on the pillowcase exposes the skin to oxidative stress from free radicals.

And free radicals can cause premature aging as it breaks down the collagen and elastin in the skin. These yuckies breed on your pillowcases, especially from the dead skin cells on your scalp and skin!

Silk Pillow Cases  

Sleeping on a silk surface means less moisture will be taken from your skin, so less is pulled into the pillowcase. Some other benefits of sleeping on a silk pillow:

• Smooth service means less friction. Friction causes pulling and tugging, which leads to premature aging.
• Silk pillows also reduce the crushed wrinkle effect you can get from sleeping. A traditional cotton pillow pushes the delicate skin into folds, which over time leaves creases and fine lines on the face. A silk pillow does not.

Richa Bhimani

From theheavenbeauty.com

The best way that I have tried to remove my facial hair is by using a facial trimmer and it is easily available in the market. I personally don't like threading or waxing methods for removing facial hair as it creates pain during removing facial hair.

Currently, I am using an electric facial trimmer and sometimes electric hair removal shaver but I also want to give a try to the facial razor as it also works great without any pain.

Personally, as per my suggestion, one should opt for an electric trimmer, electric hair removal shaver, or facial razor for removing their facial hair without any pain and it is the best tip.

You will instantly get soft and smooth skin and if you are a makeup lover then after removing facial hair with these methods your makeup will look flawless.

Don't worry many girls think that after using such methods their facial hair will grow thicker but it is totally wrong. The growth will be normal so you can surely go for these methods for a painless facial hair removal experience.

Dr. Cynthia Bailey | Board Certified Dermatologist

Founder of Dr.BaileySkinCare.com

The most important part of skin cleansing is that the way you do it must match your skin type. You want to pause and think about what you’ve learned from your skin in the past – what cleansers or cleansing methods worked and what didn’t. For example, oily complexions need more oil removal than dry complexions. Sensitive complexions need non-irritating pH-balanced hypoallergenic cleansers. People that wear oil-based skincare products may benefit from using an oil cleansing step before using a water-soluble cleanser. You can see that there is no single cleanser that fits everyone.

Cleansers are also a great way to deliver some treating ingredients such as acne, clogged pores rosacea, or seborrhea. Products that physically exfoliate (have a gritty feel) or chemically exfoliate (include keratolytic such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid) will brighten skin immediately but maybe too much for sensitive skin.  Your skincare routine starts with cleansing away the last half day’s oil, dirt, debris, pollution, and product residue. Did you know that facial skin cleansers are the number one selling skincare product of all product types?! Everyone knows they need a facial cleanser. Here is my bottom line on how to pick a facial cleanser:

Sensitive skin: pH balanced, sulfate-free, hypoallergenic cleanser to prevent dryness and irritation and help the skin to stay glowing and soft.

Oily Skin: use a stronger foaming cleanser with salicylic acid and glycolic acid to Prevent oily shine and help keep skin glowing.

Acne-prone skin: add salicylic acid and glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide as an active ingredient in your cleanser.

Rosacea and facial seborrheic dermatitis: add a cleanser with pyrithione zinc to help fight the skin yeast called Pityrosporum/Malassezia. This will help your skin glow by controlling the redness, flaking, and inflammation of these rashes.

Anti-aging concerns: add glycolic acid and physical exfoliating cleanser to your routine.

All but the most sensitive rosacea-prone complexions can benefit from gentle physical exfoliation. This can be done daily with a gently gritty cleanser or twice weekly with a grittier scrub or sponge. It gives instantly glowing skin.

Melanie | Blogger

thewanderlustproject.com

I make sure to wash my face twice every day. My skin is on the sensitive side, so I only use gentle, alcohol-free cleansers. It's important to exfoliate as well no matter your skin type. I exfoliate once every week.

Also, I often break out when I consume too much sugar. You see, when your blood sugar increases, there's also an increase in insulin levels.

This ultimately leads to increased oil production, which puts you at a greater risk of developing acne. So, I've cut back on sugar, and it has helped me a lot.

Apart from that, it's important to stay hydrated, avoid sun exposure, and get plenty of sleep.

Dr. Hannah Sivak | Skin Science Expert

Founder of skinactives.com

The benefits of topical tretinoin on human photodamaged skin were first observed in middle-aged women treated for persistent acne. These women described smoother, less wrinkled skin in addition to the clearing of acne. Improvements were noted in skin texture, wrinkling, pigmentation, and sallowness.

In general, retinoids tend to normalize cellular proliferation and differentiation. In the human epidermis, low concentrations of retinoids generally increase keratinocyte proliferation, but high concentrations can be inhibitory. This effect is used in the treatment of psoriasis.

Dr. Beth Goldstein | Dermatologist at CDC

Co-Founder of GETMr.com

Vitamin C serves as an antioxidant for the skin. Antioxidants work to help capture nasty free radicals that come from environmental sources, mostly from the ultraviolet rays from the sun but also from pollution and other sources.

Vitamin C works best when coupled with Vitamin E. Vitamin C is a little tricky to get across the skin barrier into the deeper aspects of the skin to do its good.

Not all Vitamin C serums coupled with Vitamin E have the science behind them to show that they actually penetrate enough to be effective.

Dr. Hannah Sivak | Skin Science Expert

Founder of  skinactives.com

Too much exfoliation is a bad idea for many reasons. People confuse “doing things to your skin” with “taking care of your skin”.

Often doing nothing is better than doing too much. But, if you need exfoliation for a good reason like acne then, do it the right way. Not too much, and with good ingredients.

Alissa Caillet | Paramedical Skin Revision Therapist

Owner of incandescentskin.com

I recommend exfoliation to my clients. Exfoliation is pivotal to healthy functioning skin that keeps a beautiful complexion.  There are various ways one can exfoliate. Typically, when you say the word “exfoliate” you think of St. Ives scrub which has proven to scare people's skin because it is too abrasive.

I also have clients who love their exfoliation spinning brush. The only problem with this is people tend to use it daily and this can strip the skin. I recommend exfoliating once a week either with a gentle scrub or acids. Acids can be beneficial for different skin conditions. For instance, Lactic acid is very hydrating.

It brightens, smooths, and evens skin tone while reducing the appearance of fine lines and dark spots. Alternatively, I may recommend a salicylic acid for someone who’s battling acne or rosacea. Glycolic acid helps to remove dead skin cells and renew brighter layers of skin underneath.

It also stimulates the production of collagen while helping the skin to feel firmer. Acids can be very effective if used as prescribed by your skin therapist.

Kenneth Simpon | CEO

Chief formulator & Co-Founder of skin2skincare.com

No matter what your skin type or issues with your eye area there are several key ingredients to look for in an eye cream, gel, or serum. Eye serums and gels are just as hydrating and moisturizing as creams without the weight and they stay in place helping your makeup stay in place, unlike a cream that is a traveler and less likely to develop milia, small white bumps around the eyes.

Key Ingredients to look for:

Hyaluronic Acid and the best one to look for is Sodium Hyaluronate. Hyaluronic Acid is made up of two salts that can be extracted and one of them is Sodium Hyaluronate. The difference comes down to molecular weight. Hyaluronic Acid molecules are too large to penetrate the skin where it just coats the skin and prevents water loss, leading to better hydration.

Sodium Hyaluronate has a lower molecular weight. Making it small enough to penetrate the epidermis or top layer of the skin. It improves the hydration from the underlying skin layers for better hydration and anti-aging results.

Peptides, like retinol, also stimulate collagen and elastin production, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, crow’s-feet and tightens and is gentler on the dermis and non-irritating.

Vitamins E and C, both are antioxidants and potent antiaging ingredients. While vitamin C aids in collagen production and skin elasticity, vitamin E soothes and protects.

Arnica Extract quickly reduces swelling or eye puffiness helping to speeds up the process of soothing and healing the skin.

Aloe Vera leaf extract juice an ultra-power antioxidant juice with 200 essential skin nurturant, that include multiple vitamins, amino acids, and essential amino acids, enzymes, and minerals.

Bio-Active Extracts such as Aldvine 5X and Lanachrys when combined in a formulation it addresses long-term puffiness, dark circles, bags improve the eyelid contour, and brightens dulling skin as we age.

Botanical Extracts are essential to the overall healthy younger appearance of the skin by providing essential nurturant, conditioners, toners, antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins.

Fragrance Free

It’s important that the ingredients are compatible with the skin and the actives are the right molecule size to penetrate deeper into the skin for the product to be effective. Many ingredients lay on top of the skin helping to prevent dehydration making the skin more hydrated. They are important components that skincare products need to function as good moisturizers / hydrators.

Christin Birckhead | Professional Makeup Artist

Owner of Conceptualbeauty.com

Your makeup will only look as good as the condition your skin is in! Moisturizing your skin is essential to a flawless makeup application. Makeup can sometimes accentuate wrinkles, lines, and texture on the skin.

With proper skin prep, including moisturizer, makeup will apply and wear smoother. It is also important to know if your moisturizer is water, oil, or silicone-based so as to not disrupt your makeup of choice.

Kimberly Tan | Licensed Esthetician

Founder of skinsalvationsf.com

Adequate skin moisture preserves the skin's protective natural barrier function. a compromised barrier function can reduce the skin's capability of healing itself, increase inflammation, and create an excess of dead skin cells (re; acne), among other complications. it's important to know the difference between skin lacking moisture and skin that is reacting to factors such as over-exfoliation, which is often mistaken for "dry" skin. they may present similarly but need different resolutions.

A balanced skin regimen is a symphony of all products playing a part, moisturizing or astringent. this is to say, using a thick cream may not be the best solution for moisture if you are using cleansers, toners, and/or serums that are overly drying or exfoliating. in terms of topical acne factors, products with comedogenic (or pore-clogging) ingredients should be avoided, to prevent acne from forming. however, internal imbalances that also cause acne should also be identified and addressed for longer-term clarity. 

Under typical circumstances, doing a full skin regimen twice a day should suffice. if one is in an extreme environment, additional moisture support may be necessary, topical, internal, or lifestyle.

To learn about dehydration vs over-exfoliation, check the ingredients in the products you use for acne-safeness or info about my book launch on my site.

Theodora Ntovas | Founder of yasouskincare.com

I think facial massages are great and studies show they do promote healthy skin while relaxing facial muscles. My research tells me there are several facials massages one can choose from:

• lymphatic drainage.
• reflexology.
• shiatsu.
• gua sha.
• Swedish.
• remedial.
• sinus.
• acupressure.

We recommend you do a mini facial massage daily incorporating exfoliation and moisturization.

Step 1. So with warm water and your favorite cleanser, cleanse the face massaging in a circular motion from the neck up.

Step 2. get your exfoliation mitt and gently repeat the circular motions (massage) from the neck up and exfoliate the skin.

Step 3. Finish this with cold water again from the neck up - and pat dry.

Step 4. We recommend you moisturize using small amounts of product and again in gentle circular motions from the neck up!

Make this a morning and evening ritual using a good day cream for the morning and night cream for the evening which can also be substituted for an oil or serum!

I think the facial massage above incorporated with cleansing, exfoliation, and moisturization will be a big hit for healthy, glowing skin.

Tymia Yvette | Professional Makeup Artist, Lash Extensionist & Board certified PMU Artist

CEO & Owner of tymiayvette.com

Since the eyebrow became such a hot topic, the trend has actually only gotten bigger since we are now restricted to only having our eyes and brows exposed. The eyebrow trend has become "fluffier". A couple of years ago, the trend was as clean as possible - now the brow no longer has to be that sharp.

An eyebrow should always be tight below, even if you choose for a less styled brow. Fluffy is at the top, not beneath the brow. If you want a more natural look, you can simply tell your brow stylist not to cut the hairs. Another way you can create full & fluffy brows is with Brow Lamination.

However, the biggest thing to remember is it is impossible to make them 100% symmetrical, they are sisters, not twins. Whether you have a brow stylist or if your grooming your own brows - try Brow mapping. Doing Mapping is important to help the brows to be as symmetrical as possible. While using a white pencil, create five lines:

• At the start of the bulb or head of brow
• The top of the onset to the arch
• From the arch to the tail
• At the bottom of the onset to the arch
• From the arch to the tail.

Finally, connect all 5 lines and clean up the hairs outside of the white lines. For less daily maintenance, try brow henna for fuller and darker (or stained) brows.

Cassandra McClure | Makeup Artist

Founder of cassandramcclure.com

I exfoliate daily! Homemade lip scrubs are my favorite because they are cost-effective and sustainable when you store them in an empty jar! The best way to DIY lip scrub is to love using sugar, coconut oil, and honey.

Mix 1 tsp of cocoa and honey and 2 Tsp of sugar and bam! Rub into your lips for 1 minute or until dissolved for perfectly kissable lips that are soft and smooth. I love using this trick on myself, and the models and celebrities in my makeup chair.

My favorite clean brand of lip scrub though is still Mizzi Cosmetics! Khloe Kardashian raves about it too in her Snapchat’s! 

Allison Cohen | Beauty Products Aficionado

Founder of neversaydiebeauty.com

I have the world’s driest lips, so lip scrub and lip balm are must-have products for me year-round. Hanalei’s Sugar Lip Scrub is my favorite scrub because the sugar crystals are tiny and not painful like some others can be.

When it comes to lip balm, I have a trio of favorites that I have been using for years: City Lips Plumping Lip Gloss with hyaluronic acid and collagen that painlessly plumps my lips while keeping them soft and healthy, Dr. Lipp’s Original Nipple Balm made from medical-grade lanolin, and natural Hanalei Lip Treatment.

All of them keep my lips smooth so that lipsticks don’t snag on dry, flakey skin. I can’t be without them! I use these three brands of lip balm almost interchangeably. I use lip balm every morning under my mask, and at night before I go to bed.

What I like about City Lips, Dr. Lipp’s Original Nipple Balm and Hanalei Lip Treatment is that they last overnight. When I wake up in the morning there is still a little balm left on my lips doing its job.

In the days before the pandemic, I always used City Lips that contains collagen and hyaluronic acid to plump my lips before applying lipstick. Since my lips are naturally dry, using it before a matte or even semi-matte lipstick is a must.

Dr. Cynthia Bailey | Board Certified Dermatologist

Founder of Dr.BaileySkinCare.com

UV exposure causes most skin aging including wrinkling, roughness, skin thinning, age spots, and all of the things that prevent you from having glowing skin.

Jame Jackson | Editor In Chief & Director of theblondemisfit.com

Experimenting with makeup is always a fun way to find your best look because you get to be as creative as you want to be. You also learn your face and what you like to play up or play down (and what products can do that). At the end of the day, makeup experimentation should be fun and enhance the beauty you already have, both internally and externally.

Shara Strand | Professional Makeup Artist

Founder of sharacosmetics.com

I have always been a fan of gentle shampoo for brush cleaning. The most gentle shampoo out there is baby shampoo, and I have always liked the way Johnson and Johnson's baby shampoo smelled on my brushes. Clients have always commented how nice the brushes smell.

If brushes are being used for personal use only, I feel washing once every ten days to two weeks is standard. Wash them with the shampoo like you would your hair, remove the excess water, and lay all brushes in the shape you want them to dry. Washing bi-monthly will allow all the bacteria to be sterilized, keeping your skin clean and clear.

Niharika Verma | Blogger

Founder of thepinkvelvetblog.com

I always make sure to take off my makeup before going to bed. Even though I do not wear makeup on a regular basis due to skin sensitivity, but when I do, I follow a proper cleansing routine.

To dissolve makeup, I first wipe my face with a microfiber pad soaked in a lukewarm water. It melts and removes most of the makeup from face, lips, and eyes. Next, I follow up with an oil-based makeup remover to remove any residue left and eye makeup gently. Taking off Kohls and Mascara can be tough so I always make sure to use an oil-based makeup remover to gently melt off the kohl and mascara without harming my eyes.

And then, I finally wash my face with my regular face wash. Now because I was wearing makeup, I follow an additional and final step to make sure my pores are clean and there is no residue left. I gently wipe my face with a micellar water. This helps in taking off any minor residue if left and also helps in toning of the skin.

Because my skin is super sensitive and acne-prone, I pay extra attention when it comes to taking off makeup. For the days when I am not wearing makeup, I keep it simple and wash my face with my regular face wash and I am done :)

Madeleine Spencer | Blogger

Founder of madeleineloves.com

I clean my phone nightly by wiping it with a little Clinisept (which I also put on my skin). I am fastidious about making sure my phone is clean given how much I touch it and then, invariably, touch my face.

Dr. Cynthia Bailey | Board Certified Dermatologist

Founder of Dr.BaileySkinCare.com

Alternating a pyrithione zinc soap with a gentle pH balanced cleanser, avoid all irritating products, and use a Complete Skin Care Routine that includes Green Tea, a hypoallergenic moisturizer, and a mineral zinc oxide sunscreen.

She also mentions the best ways to reduce acne and keep skin clear:

Avoid dairy, high glycemic foods, and whey protein. Cleanse skin well twice daily and avoid skincare products know to block pores.

Alissa Caillet | Paramedical Skin Revision Therapist

Owner of incandescentskin.com

The best way to remove dark circles around the eyes is improving environmental habits including getting enough water to drink (I recommend you divide your weight by 2 and convert that to ounces and drink water accordingly).

Additionally, getting enough sleep is also pivotal. I realize that this is a challenge for many people depending on situational circumstances. For example, many people report that the pandemic has increased their anxiety which plays a challenging role in sleep. Implementing healthy habits including turning off all electronics, taking a warm bath before bed, and drinking a cup of Camille tea can help improve sleep quality.

Shipra Taneja | Blogger

Founder of Tanejasbride.com

When I was younger, oiling our hair with coconut oil was quite common. The tradition goes back many generations, and for Ayurvedic reasons is considered antibacterial and helps your hair grow and the fats in the oil help the hair stay strong and unbreakable.

My experience with coconut oil is that it works if your hair is hereditarily thick and strong. My hair is thin and fine, but I do have quick hair growth. What I use when my hair is dry and frizzy is ghee. This works similarly, and it really gives my hair strength and smooths it out, as well.

I do this as needed! The best way to ghee mask is to apply and massage. You can leave it in for 10 - 15 minutes and then shampoo/conditioner. Give your hair a glow-up it deserves!

Dr. Sanusi Umar | Board Certified Dermatologist

Founder of Dru.com

Believe it or not, both hair loss and dandruff may arise from inflammation, our immune system’s reaction to foreign invading threats in our body. Dandruff, itself is actually the most common cause of scalp inflammation, a lesser known contributor to hair loss conditions. It can worsen the shedding of hair in those who are genetically predisposed to pattern baldness.

Dandruff occurs as a response to the Malassezia yeast. The resulting inflammation leads to high skin cell turnover which then causes white flakes to appear.

To keep the scalp healthy, it would be important to use anti-dandruff shampoos which could then help minimize inflammation and subsequent hair loss. In terms of lifestyle, it helps to minimize stress and optimize one’s dietary intake of omega fatty acids as well as anti-oxidants.

Dr. Ismail Ughratdar | Hair Transplant Surgeon

Founder of hairrepairclinic.co.uk

This is a question that many people ask their doctor or hair stylist, but the answer can vary depending on your hair type.

Many specialists suggest that you should leave your hair as long as you can between washes, but for some individuals their hair needs washing on a daily basis. Hair produces a natural oil called sebum and the job of shampoo is to trap such oil before you rinse this out to clean the hair. Nevertheless, your hair does benefit from having some oil in it, therefore you need to make sure you don’t wash too much as your hair may dry out. Confusing right? Well, the following is a basic breakdown of the amount of washing that is needed for different hair types, and what you should be washing it with.

Very fine, oily hair

Only a small group of people need to wash their hair daily and these are people who have really fine or oily hair. Also, people who sweat or exercise a lot should be shampooing on a daily basis. If hair is too oily it can look much thinner, greasy and itching can occur – this makes the hair appear to be unhealthy and it is not a desirable look. It must also be noted that if you have dandruff it does not necessarily mean you have a dry scalp, if you have dandruff, frequent washing is actually very helpful.

Thick hair

If you have been blessed with bushy thick hair, you do not need to wash it as frequently. The hair should not be neglected as its essential that you maintain a healthy scalp, but you can leave it a few days between washes. With thick hair, less oil is produced, therefore leaving it for 3 or 4 days will not harm its appearance. People with dry, curly hair also fall into this bracket, no problems will occur if shampoo is only once every few days.

Average hair

For the average person, who’s hair is moderate density and only produces a small amount of sebum oil, washing once every other day is recommended. This will keep your scalp healthy but also maintain some of the oils in your hair that are valuable to keep it healthy.

It’s all down to the individual

In short, there is no one answer to the question of how often you should wash your hair, this is all down to the individual’s hair type. You may need to play around with different cycles until you find a system that is right for you. One thing is clear though, your scalp needs just as much attention (if not more) as your hair, ensure that you keep this healthy and in return, your hair will stand a better chance of being healthy too.

Courtney Foster | Licensed Cosmetologist, Certified Hair Loss Practitioner and Cosmetology Educator

Founder of courtneyfosterbeauty.com

The best way to cleanse hair well is to first determine the type of hair you have. Determining your hair type allows you to pick the correct shampoo. Dry hair needs a moisturizing shampoo while oily hair needs a clarifying shampoo.

Now that you know what type of shampoo you need, it's time to shampoo. Properly shampooing is the key to having a healthy scalp. Apply shampoo to a damp scalp. Start to work the shampoo in circular motions all over the scalp.

The circular motion prevents scratching and also gives the scalp and the head a nice massage. This stimulates blood flow which encourages hair growth. Allow the shampoo to sit on the scalp for 2-3 minutes so it can start to break down dandruff and oil on the scalp.

This gives the shampoo time to really do its job. Continue to work the shampoo in while under running water. The hair should not be roughed or scrunched too much. This will cause matting and tangling. The water will send the shampoo down the hair shaft opening and cleansing the cuticle. Thoroughly rinse out the shampoo until the water runs clear and repeat the steps one more time.

It is best to shampoo twice to ensure the hair is properly cleansed. A good shampoo session should last for about 15-20 minutes. Clean hair should feel free of product, bouncy, and shiny. The next step is to follow up with a conditioner.

Dr. Jeff Donovan | Dermatologist specializing in hair loss

Owner of donovanmedical.com

Shampoos and their use by the public are fascinating subjects. One-third of people could probably use any shampoo and their hair would look and feel great.

I tell patients that if they currently love their hair and the way it looks and feels then keep using the current shampoo. If not, get expert advice on which shampoo to use.

Two-thirds of people need to choose their shampoo a bit more carefully. Each person’s hair has slightly different needs.

Those with color-treated hair will need a different shampoo than a person with oily hair. The former groups will benefit from less trying sulfate-free shampoos.

The oily group should consider the use of anti-dandruff shampoos. Patients with scalp psoriasis are going to need different shampoos yet.

Then there are the group of people who are irritated or allergic to certain ingredients in the shampoos they are using. It comes as a surprise to many that 2 - 4 % of people that will shampoo their hair today don’t even know the shampoo they will reach for is part of their problem.

They have stubbornly persistent redness or stubbornly persistent symptoms. Rarely they even have persistent hair shedding. These groups need to track down a hypoallergenic shampoo for which several now exist on the market.

I am asked about shampoos every day. I say to people that I would not be able to tell them what type and size shoe to buy until I know more about their feet and what exactly they plan to do with their feet (running, fashion, casual). Similarly,

I can’t recommend one general all-encompassing shampoo without knowing more about a patient’s hair and the specific needs.

Wendy Iles | Celebrity Hairdresser

Founder of Iles Formula Haircare

Quite frankly I’m a huge advocate for healthy hair and scalp so I avoid at all costs suggesting Dry Shampoo in any form of dry mousse or powder. Many of these contain mercury in the ingredients and it instantly brings me out in a rash!  If you must do a quick fix for greasy roots, then use a gentle natural ingredient baby talc.

Margarite | Licensed Cosmetologist & Professional Hairstylist

Owner of girlshairtalk.com

Well first of all to find the right conditioner for your hair type all starts with finding out what your hair type is first.  Then find out what kind of hair type you want. Some people want to fight their hair type and want the complete opposite hair look that they have.

And some people want to enhance and embrace the hair type that they have! So let's have a virtual step-by-step hair consultation and figure out which hair conditioner is right for your hair type.

Is your hair:

• straight- silky with no waves or curls
• wavy- between straight and curly
• curly- each hair strand has an "s" pattern
• coily- your hair has a strong extreme tight "z" pattern curl

All hair types are beautiful and lovely but which one is it?

Next- figure out what is the look that you want to have?  The opposite of what you have or would you like to enhance the look that you already have?

Now that you have that figured out here are some key points on picking the products that should work best for you.

Key points:

Try and choose products that are free of toxic ingredients such as parabens, SLS and try to use natural products for healthy hair, and body.  Because remember your body will soak up what is on your skin. Choosing natural good products for the hair type you have and want is key.

To apply conditioner: 

Apply from scalp to ends but focus more on the middle and ends of the hair because that part of the hair strands need more moisture. Don't leave the conditioner on for more than a minute or two unless it is a deep conditioner. Doing so can actually change the P.H Balance in the hair.

The reason for the conditioner is to even out the P.H. that the shampoo changed in your hair when the shampoo was applied.

If the conditioner is on too long this can change the P.H balance in your hair and cause your hair to react in a way that you might not like.

My recommendation for choosing the right conditioner is to read the bottle front & back and follow the instructions.

Following the instructions the wrong way may cause the product to ruin your hair if applied improperly. But if you apply conditioner the right way you can get the beautiful hair look that you want and love!

Kenneth Byrd

Partner & Co-Founder of Curlcentric.com

Our favorite DIY conditioner is a coconut oil mixture. For example, you could mix coconut oil (3 tbsp.), olive oil (2 tbsp.), and peppermint essential oil (4 droplets) to create a homemade conditioner.

Coconut oil penetrates the hair's cortex helping you moisturize, condition, and ultimately strengthen your hair. The oil can also mitigate hygral fatigue when your hair is immersed in water.

Mike Van Den Abbeel | Master Stylist

Owner of mosaichairstudio.com

Healthy hair starts at the root, the scalp. Having a healthy scalp will ensure the best possible hair but most people don't know what a healthy scalp needs. There are 2 essential actions people can take to ensure a healthy scalp and that is to use a scalp scrub once or twice a month or as needed and to massage the scalp to help increase circulation.

Lack of blood flow can cause follicle damage which leads to hair loss. A good scalp scrub removes excess skin, oil, and build up and if you apply it using massage techniques you're giving your scalp the best possible chance of giving you healthy hair for years.

Carmen Torres | Product Knowledge Specialist

From jessicurl.com

Short answer - very carefully! We treat it like the finest silk fibers and make sure not to disturb it lest we invoke its wrath. Seriously though, after a leave-in Conditioner on soaking wet hair (some Curlies can brush after the leave-in and some curl patterns are disturbed by this) we plop those curls into a microfiber towel for 5-10 minutes. Then the styler(s) go in and it's back into a dry microfiber towel for another 10 minutes or so.

Pallavi Juneja | Blogger & Natural Hair Enthusiast

Owner of Thecuriousjalebi.com

I apply my styling products when my hair is wet and comb to distribute them properly. I use a T-shirt or a microfiber towel to dry my hair after.

Wendy Iles | Celebrity Hairdresser

Founder of Iles Formula Haircare

Yes, a wet brush or a wide-tooth comb is made for this purpose. What one should not use is a regular brush and a small toothed comb that adds stretch on the hair.

Kenneth Byrd

Partner & Co-Founder Curlcentric.com

Our favorite hair clip is called a "stretchy banana clip." These hair clips are great for ladies with naturally curly hair since they tend to be gentle, hingeless, and overall less damaging for curly girls.

Dr. Maria Soto | Junior Doctor

Founder of hairfalled.com

You always keep in mind that when you go outside, you need to use sunscreen to protect your skin from various damage and it is the same thing that using heat protectant spray before hair styling is necessary for reducing your hair from damage.

So, you should use a good heat protectant every time before styling. It will help your hair from breakage.

Should I Look For Certain Ingredients In The Spray?

Yes. You need to look for those ingredients in your spray:

• Grapeseed oil.
• Shea Butter.
• Almond oil.
• Coconut oil.
• Argan oil.

Opinion On The Base Of My Personal Experience:

Bear in mind that heat protectors never protect your hair from heating tools. It will help your hair from breakage.

Chinwe Juliet | Top Beauty Blogger In Africa

Founder of igbocurls.com

I recommend trimming at a professional hair salon if you can because they help take off most split ends you may not be able to see and also check the overall health of your hair.

However, if you are not comfortable with someone else trimming your hair then you can always learn to trim your hair yourself. The most important thing to remember is to trim on dry stretched hair.

Frankie Sanderson | Extensionist, Blonding Specialist, Celebrity Artist, and Master Stylist

Founder of thestudeo.com

Wearing hair extensions for an extended period of time will not damage your hair. It depends on the type of hair extensions that you have, will depend on how long you can wear them as well as the placement of them.

For instance, if you were tape in extensions, you can only wear them for about 6 to 8 weeks because your hair grows out and if you’re very active the tape can release from the inside of the extension tab and grab onto the hair surrounding it. This is why it’s important to come in every 6-8 weeks and have them removed, washed, and re-attached.

If you’re wearing a weft extension the beads are attached in a way that distributes the weight of the hair extension itself safely. This means that your wear is safely attached for 6-8 weeks. You then must come in and have the beads either moved up or replaced, depending on which technique and hair you use.

To sum up what I have said, hair extensions are safe to wear long-term you just have to know how to maintain them well at home and come into the salon for your maintenance appointments. 

Poppy Cross | Life coach

poppycross.co.uk