As seasoned beauty editors, we bring years of industry insight to Beauty School—a series designed to share step-by-step tutorials, practical beauty and wellness tricks, honest product recommendations, and more to help you look and feel your best. Expect plenty of useful advice, a little real-life honesty, and absolutely no gatekeeping. Beauty School is friendly, informative, and open to everyone—so let’s dive in.
Everyone has a standout feature. For me, it’s my long, blonde hair, inherited from my mom. On good days, it boosts my confidence—but without proper care, it can quickly turn into a frizzy, tangled mess. For this second chapter of Beauty School, I’ve gathered the most effective tips I’ve learned over the years to maintain healthy, compliment-worthy hair without investing endless time or effort. One tip might even surprise you, but I’m sharing it anyway—secrets aren’t my thing.
Pro-Approved Hair Tips From Beauty Editors
To support these tips, I also consulted some of the best professionals in the industry. No matter your hair type or color, there’s something here for everyone—so let’s get started.
How to Ask for Low-Maintenance Highlights
The person behind my sun-kissed, buttery-blonde highlights for the past three years is Rita Hazan, celebrity colorist and founder of Rita Hazan Salon in New York City. Trusted by stars like Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, and Jessica Simpson, she shared exactly what to request if you want Hollywood-worthy color that’s easy to maintain.
- Stick close to your natural base: Hazan recommends going no more than two to three shades lighter so the color looks natural as it grows out.
- Choose blended, multi-tonal highlights: Using two or more tones adds dimension and helps new growth blend seamlessly.
- Refresh strategically: Opt for a quick refresh every few months instead of full highlights each visit.
The Right Haircut Can Save You Time
Your haircut can be the difference between 20 minutes of daily styling and a quick brush-and-go routine. According to Miguel Luis, hairstylist at Rita Hazan Salon, the key is embracing your natural texture and choosing a shape that looks polished with minimal effort.
- Wavy hair: Soft face-framing layers with medium layers in the back create effortless movement.
- Straight hair: A blunt cut delivers a clean, strong line, while longer front layers add subtle dimension.
- Curly hair: Tailored shapes—round or angular—should match both lifestyle and personal style.
Why Color-Safe Shampoo Actually Matters
Hazan recommends using a color-safe shampoo—purple for blondes or blue for brunettes—along with a weekly gloss or hair mask to maintain tone and hydration. I used to doubt purple shampoo, but after trying it, I was amazed at how it extended the life of my highlights.
Colored shampoos work by neutralizing unwanted tones using opposite shades on the color wheel. Purple shampoo deposits violet pigments to counteract yellow and brassy hues, leaving blonde hair brighter and more vibrant.
The Power of Hair Oils and Masks
I’ll admit it—I underestimated hair oils and masks for far too long. According to Antoinette Beenders, senior vice president of global professional artistry at Aveda, these treatments deliver both visible results and a moment of self-care.
- Multi-use oils: Oils enhance shine while offering conditioning, smoothing, heat protection, and frizz control. They can be used pre-shampoo, overnight, or during styling.
- Targeted masks: Masks provide focused solutions such as deep hydration, repair, strengthening, scalp care, and curl support.
Healthy Hair Starts With Nutrition
Hair health isn’t just about products—what you eat matters. When I wasn’t nourishing my body properly, my hair lost its shine, thickness, and even began to shed. Once I adjusted my diet, my hair recovered, proving how important internal nourishment truly is.
- Protein: Foods like eggs and legumes supply keratin and amino acids essential for strong hair.
- Omega-3s: These fats enhance shine and nourishment. Sources include fatty fish or plant-based options like chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, and hemp seeds.
- Hydration: Proper water intake keeps hair follicles hydrated, supports moisture retention, and promotes healthy growth.
My Heat-Free Styling Routine
Here’s my final confession: I don’t own any heat styling tools. Limiting heat has played a major role in keeping my hair healthy and has simplified my mornings. Instead, I rely on these easy styles:
- Updos: Ballet buns and ponytails keep hair out of my face.
- Braids: French and Dutch braids always earn compliments.
- Accessories: Claw clips, duckbill clips, and headbands elevate any look.
In short: Feed your hair from within, choose cuts and color that work with your natural texture, and minimize heat to protect your strands long term.
