As a salon owner, I’ve seen it all—freshly styled hair that looks flawless after a visit to the salon, only to lose its shine and health a few weeks later. The truth is, your hair’s health isn’t just about what happens in the salon; it’s about how you care for it in between.
Proper at-home maintenance can make all the difference, keeping your locks looking vibrant, healthy, and full of life until your next appointment.
So, how do you maintain that salon-fresh look? It all comes down to the right products, habits, and techniques. Whether you have coloured hair, fine strands, or thick curls, this guide will help you protect your investment and keep your hair in its best condition.
Stick around, and I’ll walk you through expert tips to maintain healthy, beautiful hair between salon visits—starting with why this routine matters in the first place.
Why Is Hair Care Between Salon Visits Important?
It’s easy to assume that a salon visit every six to eight weeks is all you need for great hair, but the reality is that healthy hair requires consistent care.
Think of your hair like your skin—if you neglect it between professional treatments, issues like dryness, breakage, and dullness will build up over time.
Here are a few key reasons why proper at-home hair care is so important:
- Extends the Life of Your Hair Treatments – If you’ve invested in a fresh colour, keratin treatment, or deep conditioning at the salon, the right maintenance routine helps keep those results intact for longer. Using harsh products or ignoring hydration can cause your colour to fade quickly or your smooth keratin-treated hair to become frizzy again.
- Prevents Damage and Split Ends – Daily exposure to heat styling, environmental pollutants, and friction from pillows can weaken your hair. Regular care minimizes these effects and prevents split ends from worsening before your next trim.
- Keeps Your Scalp Healthy – A neglected scalp can lead to oil buildup, itchiness, or even dandruff. Keeping your scalp clean and nourished ensures healthy hair growth and reduces the risk of hair thinning.
- Reduces the Need for Frequent Salon Fixes – If your hair is well cared for, you won’t need emergency treatments to fix dryness or breakage, saving you time and money in the long run.
By taking a proactive approach to hair care, you can maintain the same level of beauty and health that your stylist works hard to achieve for you. And it all starts with using the right shampoo and conditioner.
Use the Right Shampoo and Conditioner
One of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to hair care is using the wrong shampoo and conditioner. These two products form the foundation of your haircare routine, and choosing the right ones can make or break the health of your hair.
1. Avoid Sulfates and Harsh Ingredients
Sulfates (like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate) are common in many shampoos, but they can strip your hair of natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to breakage. While sulfate-based shampoos can work for extremely oily hair, most people benefit from sulfate-free formulas that cleanse without over-drying.
Instead, look for shampoos with gentle, nourishing ingredients like:
- Argan oil – Provides deep hydration and adds shine.
- Coconut oil – Helps strengthen hair and prevent protein loss.
- Aloe vera – Soothes the scalp and keeps hair soft.
- Keratin – Strengthens hair strands and reduces frizz.
2. Choose the Right Formula for Your Hair Type
Not all shampoos and conditioners are created equal, and what works for one person may not work for another. Here’s a quick guide based on different hair needs:
- For Dry or Damaged Hair: Opt for moisturizing shampoos with hydrating oils, shea butter, or protein-based formulas to repair damage.
- For Colour-Treated Hair: Use a colour-safe, sulfate-free shampoo to preserve vibrancy and prevent fading. Purple shampoo is great for blondes to neutralize brassy tones.
- For Fine or Oily Hair: Lightweight, volumizing shampoos that remove excess oil without weighing hair down are best. Avoid heavy conditioners that can make hair greasy.
- For Curly or Frizzy Hair: Creamy, nourishing shampoos with anti-frizz properties help maintain definition and reduce dryness.
- For Sensitive Scalp: Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic shampoos can help prevent irritation and flaking.
3. Don’t Skip Conditioner—But Apply It Correctly
Many people either skip conditioner entirely or apply it incorrectly. Conditioner is essential for restoring moisture, preventing tangles, and adding smoothness, but how you use it matters.
- Apply conditioner mainly to the ends – The ends of your hair are the driest and most prone to breakage. Avoid applying conditioner directly to your roots, as this can make your scalp greasy.
- Use a leave-in conditioner if needed – For extra hydration, a lightweight leave-in conditioner can protect your hair throughout the day.
- Rinse with cool water – Hot water can strip moisture, while cool water helps seal the hair cuticle, making your hair shinier and smoother.
By choosing the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type, you’re already taking a huge step toward maintaining healthy, salon-worthy hair.
Avoid Overwashing and Heat Damage
One of the biggest mistakes people make is washing their hair too frequently. While keeping your scalp clean is important, overwashing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.
1. How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?
Your hair type determines how often you should shampoo:
- Oily Hair: Every other day or every two days to control excess oil.
- Normal Hair: Every two to three days to maintain a healthy balance.
- Dry or Curly Hair: Every three to five days or once a week to preserve natural moisture.
- Coloured or Chemically Treated Hair: Wash two to three times a week with a sulfate-free shampoo to prevent fading and dryness.
If you feel your hair gets greasy too quickly, try using a dry shampoo in between washes to absorb excess oil without stripping moisture.
2. Minimize Heat Styling
Frequent use of heat tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can weaken the hair shaft, leading to split ends and frizz. While we all love a polished, styled look, too much heat exposure can cause irreversible damage. Here’s how to prevent it:
- Always Use Heat Protectant: A good heat protectant spray or serum forms a barrier between your hair and the heat, reducing moisture loss.
- Lower the Temperature: Most styling tools go up to 450°F, but your hair doesn’t need that much heat! Keep your flat iron or curling wand at 300-350°F for most hair types.
- Limit Heat Use: Try heatless styling methods like braiding damp hair for waves or using rollers for volume.
By reducing heat exposure and being mindful of washing frequency, you’ll help your hair retain its natural strength and shine.
Hydration and Deep Conditioning
Just like your skin, your hair needs regular hydration to stay soft, smooth, and healthy. Deep conditioning treatments and hydrating products can restore moisture, repair damage, and prevent dryness.
1. Why Hydration Matters
Dehydrated hair looks dull, frizzy, and lifeless. Factors like sun exposure, heat styling, and even indoor heating can strip your hair of essential moisture. By incorporating hydration into your routine, you can:
- Reduce breakage and split ends
- Improve elasticity, preventing brittleness
- Enhance shine and manageability
2. How to Hydrate Your Hair
- Use a Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment – A rich, nourishing hair mask or deep conditioner provides intense hydration. Look for ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and keratin.
- Apply a Leave-In Conditioner – Perfect for extra hydration, leave-in conditioners help lock in moisture throughout the day, especially for curly or dry hair.
- Use Hair Oils for Extra Shine – A few drops of argan, jojoba, or castor oil can smooth frizz and add softness. Apply to the ends to avoid greasiness.
- Drink Plenty of Water – Hydrated hair starts from within! Drinking enough water keeps your scalp and hair follicles healthy.
If your hair still feels dry, consider getting a professional in-salon treatment for a moisture boost.
Protect Your Hair While Sleeping
You might not realize it, but your hair undergoes a lot of stress while you sleep. Friction from tossing and turning, along with moisture absorption from cotton pillowcases, can lead to tangles, frizz, and breakage.
1. Switch to Silk or Satin Pillowcases
Unlike cotton, which absorbs moisture from your hair, silk and satin pillowcases allow your hair to glide smoothly, reducing frizz and preventing split ends. This small change can make a noticeable difference in your hair’s texture and health.
2. Tie Your Hair Loosely Before Bed
Leaving your hair down while sleeping can cause knots and breakage. Instead, try:
- A loose braid to prevent tangling
- A silk or satin scrunchie to hold your hair without creasing
- A silk scarf or bonnet to keep curls defined and smooth
By protecting your hair overnight, you’ll wake up with fewer tangles and healthier strands in the long run.
Maintain Regular Trims
No matter how well you take care of your hair, split ends will eventually appear. The best way to keep your hair looking healthy and fresh is by getting regular trims.
1. Why Trims Are Essential
Split ends don’t just stay at the tips of your hair—they travel upward, causing breakage along the strand. By trimming them off before they worsen, you’ll prevent further damage and help your hair grow stronger.
2. How Often Should You Get a Trim?
- Short hair or precision cuts: Every 4-6 weeks to maintain shape
- Medium to long hair: Every 6-8 weeks to prevent split ends
- Curly or thick hair: Every 8-12 weeks, depending on curl pattern and length goals
- Growing out your hair: Every 10-12 weeks to keep it healthy without sacrificing length
If you’re unsure about how often you should trim your hair, ask your stylist for personalized advice.
Here’s the expanded version of Eat a Hair-Healthy Diet, Minimize Sun and Environmental Damage, Know When It’s Time to Visit the Salon Again, and Conclusion:
Eat a Hair-Healthy Diet
We often focus on external hair care, but what you eat plays a crucial role in how strong, shiny, and healthy your hair looks. Just like your skin and nails, your hair thrives on proper nutrition. A lack of essential vitamins and minerals can lead to dull, brittle, or thinning hair, while a nutrient-rich diet helps hair grow stronger and healthier.
Key Nutrients for Healthy Hair:
- Protein – Hair is primarily made of keratin, a protein, so getting enough protein in your diet is crucial for strong strands. Lean meats, eggs, fish, beans, and dairy are great sources.
- Biotin (Vitamin B7) – Biotin supports hair growth and prevents breakage. You’ll find it in eggs, nuts, seeds, and sweet potatoes.
- Iron – Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss. Eat iron-rich foods like spinach, red meat, lentils, and fortified cereals.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids – These help nourish the scalp and keep hair hydrated. Good sources include salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts, and chia seeds.
- Vitamin A – Supports sebum production, which keeps the scalp from becoming dry and flaky. Carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens are excellent sources.
- Vitamin C – Essential for collagen production, which strengthens hair. Get your dose from citrus fruits, bell peppers, and strawberries.
Foods to Avoid:
- Excess Sugar – Too much sugar can contribute to inflammation, which can weaken hair follicles.
- Processed Foods – Low in essential nutrients and often high in unhealthy fats, which can contribute to dull, brittle hair.
- Excess Caffeine & Alcohol – These can dehydrate the body, leading to a dry scalp and lifeless hair.
Making small changes in your diet can lead to noticeable improvements in your hair’s strength, shine, and overall health.
Minimize Sun and Environmental Damage
Just like your skin, your hair can suffer from sun damage, pollution, and other environmental stressors. These factors can lead to dryness, brittleness, and even colour fading if you don’t take precautions.
How the Environment Affects Your Hair:
- Sun Exposure – UV rays break down the proteins in your hair, causing dryness, fading colour, and increasing split ends.
- Pollution & Dust – Dirt and pollution can clog your scalp’s pores, leading to greasy roots, irritation, and dull-looking hair.
- Chlorine & Salt Water – Swimming pools and ocean water strip hair of natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle.
How to Protect Your Hair from Environmental Damage:
- Wear a Hat or Scarf – If you’re spending long hours outside, covering your hair protects it from harmful UV rays.
- Use UV-Protectant Hair Products – Just like sunscreen for your skin, UV-protectant sprays create a barrier against sun damage.
- Rinse After Swimming – Always rinse your hair with fresh water after swimming in chlorinated pools or saltwater. Applying a leave-in conditioner before swimming also helps create a protective layer.
- Wash Hair Less Frequently – Washing too often strips your scalp’s natural oils, which act as a protective barrier. If you live in a high-pollution area, try using a dry shampoo between washes.
Taking these small precautions can go a long way in keeping your hair vibrant and strong, no matter the season.
Know When It’s Time to Visit the Salon Again
Even with the best at-home hair care routine, professional maintenance is still essential. Knowing when to schedule your next appointment ensures your hair stays healthy and prevents damage before it starts.
Signs It’s Time for a Salon Visit:
- Split Ends & Breakage – If your ends are frayed or breaking easily, it’s time for a trim. Regular trims prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft.
- Hair Feels Dry or Unmanageable – If no amount of conditioner seems to help, you may need a professional deep-conditioning treatment.
- Colour Looks Dull or Faded – Hair colour fades over time, especially if exposed to sunlight, heat, or frequent washing. A gloss treatment or colour refresh can bring life back to your hair.
- Your Hair Lacks Volume or Shape – Layers and shaping can lose their definition over time. A quick trim helps restore your style.
- Scalp Issues – If you notice excessive dandruff, itching, or buildup, a scalp detox treatment from your stylist can help.
For most people, visiting the salon every 6-8 weeks is ideal. However, this depends on your hair type and needs—some may need trims more frequently, while others can stretch it out a little longer.
Caring for your hair between salon visits is just as important as the professional treatments you receive. By following a nutrient-rich diet, protecting your hair from environmental damage, and knowing when to return for maintenance, you’ll keep your locks looking fresh, healthy, and vibrant.
If you’re unsure about your hair’s needs, book a consultation with a professional stylist. At La Libertine Hair, we’re here to guide you with expert advice and personalized hair care solutions. Let’s keep your hair looking its best—every day!