'Most overlooked parts of hair care!' Colourist shares secret for 'longer, thicker, healthier hair'

Hair will naturally thin with age, and many women opt for shorter styles as a result. But long, thick hair is possible at any age with the right routine.

Developing good hair care habits and being consistent with these every day can help achieve your "longest, thickest and healthiest hair" yet, according to an expert.

Colourist and OSMO ambassador, Jake Nugent, said it is tempting to overcomplicate your routine, but honing the basics will give you the best barnet in the long run.

He said: "Consistency is one of the most overlooked parts of hair care. Start with the right shampoo for your hair needs, always use conditioner and add a weekly mask."

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A hair mask can give your locks an extra boost - even if you regularly use conditioner - "because they do different jobs".

Nugent said: "Conditioner is part of your regular routine, but a hair mask gives a deeper level of nourishment and repair.

"I always recommend incorporating a deep conditioning hair mask once a week, especially if your hair is dry, coloured, long or heat styled. It is one of the easiest ways to improve the overall condition of the hair."

Regular trips to the salon, scalp massages and paying attention to what you eat and drink are also important.

Nugent continued: "I also recommend regular trims every eight weeks to stop split ends travelling, minimising heat styling where possible, gentle scalp massage to support circulation, and paying attention to nutrition and hydration. What is going on internally often shows up in your hair."

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The right foods will be packed full of vitamins that enhance your natural locks. A review published in the National Library of Medicine found hair growth and thickness are most strongly supported by eating enough protein, iron, zinc, vitamin D, and B vitamins.

And as a result, deficiencies in these nutrients are linked to increased hair loss and thinning. So think of filling up on eggs, fish (especially salmon), lean meat, beans and lentils, leafy greens, nuts, seeds and dairy.

These provide plenty of protein as well as the key nutrients hair follicles need to grow stronger. Pair this with plenty of water to support overall scalp and skin health, and this can help hair look more hydrated and less prone to breakage.

There are some common daily habits to avoid, too. The hair expert said: "Being rough when brushing wet hair, tying it up too tightly all the time, and sleeping on fabrics that create friction can all contribute to breakage over time."

Counteract this with "small changes like being gentler with wet hair and switching to a silk pillowcase" - "it can really help".

Longer hair can appear flat, but experts have shared how to reduce the risk of this. And it all comes down to how you wash your hair.

You could be making a "very basic" washing error that causes hair loss, according to one expert, who said many people do not rinse properly when showering.

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