Twelve Easy and Painful Steps Towards Healthy Hair

All the Secrets You Need to Know

Hair is the ultimate accessory for your image; it can add to and possibly even detract your overall look instantly. Keeping it in healthy condition is the most important thing you can do to help it look and feel fabulous like a glamorous celebrity. Though it undoubtedly seems rather facile, this isn't as simple as minimizing chemical treatments or slathering on a weekly deep conditioner.

While these can make your strands softer and less split-end-prone, what really matters is the daily handling (and I cannot possibly stress this enough); this is what creates the most stress--and potentially wreaking havoc--to your tresses and support roots. To help your locks look their best, I asked top experts from around the country for their advice on how to baby your mane every single day. So whether your concern is dullness, damage, frizz or fragility, we have the answers to ease even the toughest hair-care woes. Read on for tips to achieve run-your-fingers-through-it hair.

1 Steer clear of plastic-bristle brushes. The proper bristles are key. A combination of natural boar bristles on either a round or flat brush are best for dry hair, while soft, rubber-toothed wide-paneled brushes are best for damp hair. My favorite brushes include the Mason Pearson Boar Bristle brush ($78.50; zitomer.com) and Aveda's Wooden Paddle Brush ($17; aveda.com).

2 Brush before shampooing. A few gentle strokes on dry hair will help remove product buildup and scalp flakes, as well as stimulate the scalp and promote blood flow (which delivers nutrients like oxygen) to hair follicles. For a smoother slide, try Clairol Herbal Essences Let It Loose Detangling Spray ($3; at drugstores).