If your mane is fried, straw-like and generally looking like it’s not having a good time, there is hope – we’ll show you how.

Between colouring, styling and straightening the life out of it, our hair can often end up looking a little worse for wear. Step up your mane game and maintain healthy hair on the regular by knowing how to protect it from damage in the first place.

1. Loosen that ponytail

We all love a good pony, but tying your strands in a tight ponytail can cause breakage and weaken hair where the elastic sits. If you’re a ponytail fiend, try wearing it loose more often, unwind the elastic one loop, or try out different styles to make sure the elastic isn’t always placed on the same part of your hair.

2. Use hair masks

Hair masks are the bomb. If you don’t already use them on a regular basis, you need to get on board. They are essential in order to fight frizz, hydrate hair and give it a beautiful shine.

There’s also a heap of home-remedies out there. One of our faves? Smash up a ripe avocado with a fork and add a quarter teaspoon of olive oil, and mix until it’s blended. Apply the mixture to freshly washed hair and leave it on for about 20 minutes before rinsing off. Voila! Smooth, soft hair.

3. Eat foods that are good for your hair

Good foods = good hair. We’re talking a healthy amount of protein, which is essential for both hair health and hair growth. Seafood also contains a range of hair-loving ingredients such as iron, iodine, zinc, and selenium. Sashimi for lunch, anyone?

4. Always use a heat protectant. Always!

While cutting back on heat-styling tools is the best way to protect your hair, it’s not always easy. Our advice? Protective treatments should ~always~ be used before styling with heated tools.

Add a pea-sized amount from the mid-levels to the ends of your hair to seal in moisture and smooth the cuticles. It only takes 2 seconds and will help prevent breakage and future damage. Worth. It.

5. Introduce dry oil into your hair routine

Working a dry oil through your hair can make a world of difference. Dry oils contain the lightest silicones and oils to create the most beautiful shine. They smooth the hair’s cuticle, which is the golden ticket to healthy hair. Focus on the dry ends first, then work it through the rest of your hair.

BAM. That’s some fine lookin’ hair you got there!