STYLE

Underrated New Year's resolution: healing your hair. Just like you promise yourself more meditation time or vow to plow through that TBR pile, your hair only finds its fabulousness when you treat those tresses with a li'l more intention. Gone are the days of fighting frizz and dulling damage, because in 2024, it's new year, new 'do. 

Last year's problem: Frizz

You spend extra time in the morning styling your hair only to step outside and...poof! Frizz happens when hair lacks hydration and the protective layer of the strand (also known as the cuticle) is rough instead of smooth. This combo causes your hair to seek out—and soak up—moisture from the air on humid days.

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION

Take steps to get that cuticle nice and smooth again: Rinse with cool water instead of hot, use a heat protectant (like Verb Glossy Shine Spray with Heat Protection, $20, sephora.com) and treat your tresses to a weekly moisture-boosting mask (we heart Cake Beauty The Madly Deeply Deep Restore Mask, $10, cakebeautyusa.com). And above all? Hands off your hair. "The more you fuss with it, the frizzier it gets," explains hairstylist Marilisa Sears. 

Last year's problem: Flat

Have hair that tends to fall flat? It's probably because you've got thin strands, which can lack volume and body, says Matrix artistic director Nick Stenson. 

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION

"Choose a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, which help expand each strand of hair to build body," Stenson recommends. Add a volumizing mousse (try Tresemmé Extra Hold Mousse, $8, target.com) to your roots, then blow-dry your hair with your head flipped upside down. Use a round brush to create fullness by starting at the roots and brushing hair away from your scalp. Once hair is dry, mist a texturizing spray throughout (try IGK Pick Me Up Maximum Lift Root Boost Spray, $29, igkhair.com) to lock in life while still giving your hair movement.

Last year's problem: Dryness

A lot of things can leave hair lackluster—too much sun exposure, getting highlights or using styling products formulated with alcohol, says Olya ludina, a hairstylist at IGK NYC. And if you're naturally curly? The oils from your scalp can't distribute evenly from roots to ends, leaving coils dehydrated. 

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION

Make your routine all about adding moisture. "Start with a hydrating shampoo and deep conditioner, then follow up with moisturizing leave-in products," says Bellami Hair stylist Sarah Page. Curly, thick hair needs richer products to really penetrate and nourish (we love Curlsmith Hydro Cream Soothing Deep Conditioner Hair Mask, $29, sephora.com), while fine, straight hair needs lightweight hydration that won't tamp down volume (opt for Matrix Food For Soft Multi-Use Hair Oil Serum, $31, ulta.com). And get trims every three months—the fresher and healthier your hair is, the more hydration it holds. 

Last year's problem: The greasies

Sure, everyone gets sweaty, post-workout hair, but if your scalp is naturally oily, that slick and separated look might happen even when you've shampooed. The good news? It's totally fixable. (And if you can't get rid of the greasies, check with a doc to rule out any conditions that may be causing you to overproduce oil, says Page.) 

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION

You're probably tempted to jump in the shower more often...but shampooing can strip the natural oils from your scalp, making this worse, says Page. Stick to washing your hair about four times a week (and, yes, also after your sweat). When you use conditioner (try Maui Moisture Lightweight Hydration + Hibiscus Water Conditioner for Daily Moisture, $8, target.com), only apply it from your ears down, avoiding your roots. And keep some dry shampoo in your locker for any midday touch-ups (we stock ours with Not Your Mother's Refreshing Dry Shampoo, $9, ulta.com). 

Last year's problem: Damage

We're all guilty of doing something that's not super healthy for our hair, whether it's styling with too much heat, tying it up when it's wet, bleaching, relaxing or coloring. That's why it's key to treat your hair with some extra TLC starting now to prevent further damage to your fragile strands.

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION

Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase—it allows the hair to slip around and not get snarled (try Kitsch's Satin Pillowcase, $19, mykitsch.com). Apply a heat protectant anytime you use hot tools, and rehydrate tresses with a nourishing treatment (we love The Inkey List PCA Bond Repair Hair Treatment, $14, theinkeylist.com). Finally, head to the salon and ask your stylist to cut off any damage, which (be warned) may amount to more than just a light trim. Says Page: "Sometimes you have to take a step back to take a step forward and get your hair to grow." 

Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that this story originally ran in our December/January 2024 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE.

Looking for more hair tips? Check these out: 
💇‍♀️The newbie's guide to the perfect velcro roller volume
💇‍♀️How to get the slicked-back hair look (and make it last all day) 
💇‍♀️The cutest ways to style a bandana

Top image: @amberrosepeakehair
Slider image: @olovesuuu

by Erin Reimel | 1/1/2024