10 Hair Care Tips to Keep Your Hair Healthy Between Salon Visits

When it comes to maintaining gorgeous, healthy hair, the time between salon appointments is just as important as the time spent in the stylist’s chair.

At Gladys Hair Design, we believe that consistent, at-home care is key to keeping your hair looking and feeling fabulous. That’s why we’ve put together this guide of top hair care tips you can follow to nourish your locks, prevent damage, and extend the life of your salon treatment.

Why Daily Hair Care Matters

You don’t need a glam squad to have great hair every day—just a little knowledge and consistency.

With the right daily hair routine, you can protect your hair, boost shine, and keep those dreaded split ends at bay. Here are our favorite tips to help you take care of your hair like a pro.

1. Wash Your Hair the Right Way

Not all hair needs to be washed daily. Over-washing can strip natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. Instead, determine your hair type—straight, wavy, or curly hair—and adjust your routine accordingly.

Pro Tip: When you do wash your hair, always use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner designed for your specific needs. Focus shampoo on the scalp and conditioner on the ends for best results.

According to Healthline, washing too often can lead to brittle strands and a dry scalp.

2. Deep Condition Weekly

When your hair is feeling dry, dull, or overworked, few things are more rejuvenating than a good deep condition. Think of it as a spa day for your strands—a way to restore moisture, smoothness, and shine that daily products just can’t deliver.

We recommend using a hair mask or intensive conditioner at least once a week, especially if you regularly use heat tools or have chemically treated hair. These treatments are designed to penetrate deeper into the hair shaft, repairing damage and improving elasticity.

Look for masks with these hydrating powerhouses:

Coconut oil for deep nourishment and softness
Argan oil to reduce frizz and add shine
Shea butter to seal in moisture and strengthen brittle ends

To get the most from your mask, apply it generously from mid-length to ends (where your hair is oldest and most prone to dryness), then leave it on for 10–20 minutes. For an extra boost, wrap your hair in a warm towel or use a shower cap—heat helps the ingredients absorb more effectively.

Bonus Tip: For curly hair or high-porosity hair types, deep conditioning more than once a week can help combat dryness and enhance curl definition. Just be sure not to overdo it, as too much protein or moisture can leave your hair feeling limp or greasy.

3. Don’t Skip Heat Protection

Using a blow dryer, curling iron, or flat iron? Always apply a heat protection spray beforehand. High temperatures weaken your hair shaft over time, leading to frizz and breakage. This small step goes a long way in keeping healthy hair intact.

Byrdie shares that using a thermal protectant reduces breakage and preserves shine even with daily styling.

4. Use the Right Tools

Brushing your hair with the wrong comb can do more harm than good. Instead of tugging with a harsh brush, use a wide tooth comb—especially when your hair is wet. This minimizes pulling and helps you prevent split ends.

Bonus: Always start detangling from the bottom up to avoid breakage.

5. Trim Regularly

You don’t have to wait for your next color appointment to book a trim. Regular trims—every 6 to 8 weeks—remove split ends and encourage healthier growth. Even if you’re growing your hair out, snipping off the damaged ends will keep it looking full and lively.

6. Customize for Your Hair Type

What works for straight hair may not work for curly hair or coarse textures. Tailor your hair care routine based on how your strands behave. For example:

Curly hair loves moisture—use leave in conditioner and avoid drying alcohol-based styling products.

Fine hair benefits from lightweight products and avoiding heavy oils.

Color-treated hair needs protein-rich treatments to rebuild strength.

At Gladys Hair Design, we offer personalized product recommendations based on your hair goals. Let us help you find the perfect match!

7. Limit Heat Styling

While it’s tempting to blow dry or style with a curling iron daily—especially when you're in a rush or love polished looks—frequent heat exposure can take a serious toll on your strands. High temperatures can strip away moisture, weaken your hair shaft, and lead to breakage, dullness, and split ends over time.

That’s why we always encourage our clients to give their hair a break from heat styling whenever possible. Embracing heat-free hairstyles not only reduces damage but also lets your natural texture shine.

Heat-Free Style Ideas:

Braids: French, Dutch, or rope braids look chic and protect your ends at the same time.
Loose buns or twists: Ideal for casual days or overnight styling that still looks great in the morning.
Natural waves: Try twisting damp hair into buns or braids before bed and waking up with effortless beachy texture.

Pro Tip: On days when you do use hot tools, always apply a heat protection product beforehand and keep the temperature moderate—not maxed out.

Using a quality heat protectant can significantly reduce the long-term damage.

Limiting heat doesn’t mean sacrificing style—it just means being smarter about how and when you use it. Your hair will thank you with more bounce, shine, and resilience.

8. Sleep Smart

Did you know your bedtime routine could be sabotaging your hair health? Cotton pillowcases, while common, can actually cause friction as you sleep, leading to tangles, frizz, and even breakage—especially for those with curly hair or fine strands. Over time, this friction can weaken the hair shaft and contribute to split ends.

Switching to a silk or satin pillowcase is one of the easiest upgrades you can make to your daily hair routine. These smooth fabrics allow your hair to glide effortlessly as you move during the night, helping to protect your hair and reduce morning frizz and tangles. Silk also helps retain moisture in both your hair and skin, unlike cotton which can absorb your natural oils.

Bonus Tips for Hair-Friendly Sleep:

Tie your hair loosely in a braid or a silk scrunchie to prevent matting and knots.
Apply a small amount of leave in conditioner or light hair oil before bed for overnight hydration.
Consider sleeping with a satin or silk bonnet, especially if you have natural or curly hair—it helps preserve your hairstyle and reduces breakage.

And yes, as a bonus, your skin will thank you too—silk and satin pillowcases are known to minimize facial creases and irritation.

9. Feed Your Hair From Within

No hair treatment or serum can replace the power of proper nutrition. Incorporate foods rich in omega-3s, biotin, zinc, and protein to help nourish your hair from the inside out. Drinking enough water also plays a major role in hair hydration.

10. Know When to Call a Pro

If you’re experiencing excessive shedding, dryness, or breakage despite your efforts, it might be time for a professional consultation. At Gladys Hair Design, we offer in-depth scalp and strand assessments, personalized treatments, and expert advice to get your hair back on track.

How Often Should You Visit a Salon for Hair Treatments?

While your at-home hair care routine does the heavy lifting, professional treatments give your strands that extra level of care. So, how often should you come in? It depends on your hair type, goals, and how often you color or style your hair.

Here’s a general guide we recommend at Gladys Hair Design:

Every 4–6 weeks: For haircuts or regular trims to keep split ends at bay and maintain shape.
Every 6–8 weeks: For color touch-ups or gloss treatments to maintain vibrancy.
Every 1–2 months: For deep conditioning or hair hydration treatments—especially if your hair feels dry or brittle.
Every 2–3 months: For a comprehensive hair treatment (like keratin or bond-repair services) to strengthen and smooth damaged strands.

If your hair is chemically treated, heat styled often, or naturally dry, more frequent treatments may be necessary to maintain healthy hair. Our stylists can create a personalized schedule based on your hair’s needs and lifestyle.

Pro Tip: Even if your hair looks “fine,” salon visits can catch early signs of damage and prevent small issues from becoming major ones.

Let Us Help You Love Your Hair

At Gladys Hair Design, we’re passionate about helping you achieve and maintain beautiful, healthy hair. Whether you need a nourishing hair treatment, a precision cut, or color touch-up, our talented team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready for your next appointment? Book a consultation today and let’s make your hair goals a reality.

Final Thoughts

Caring for your hair doesn’t stop when you walk out of the salon—it’s an ongoing commitment. By incorporating these easy hair care tips into your daily hair routine, you’ll be able to enjoy shiny, healthy hair all year long. And if you ever need expert help, remember—we’re just one appointment away.