Wash your troubles away
There’s a reason salon shampoos last a long time: it takes a thorough wash – and an even more thorough rinse – to get a great look.

Translation: no matter how great the cut is, if your locks are gunked up with product, you’re screwed. Once you think you’ve rinsed enough, take one more minute to make sure all the dirt and product are down the drain.

Clear the air
It’s hard to style hair effectively in air that feels like Durban in summer. If your post-shower bathroom is humid, wait 10 minutes before powering up the blow-dryer or take the styling show to another room.

Exercise restraint
Women tend to overuse styling products to tame their natural texture. Start with a coin-size amount; add more only if you have to.

Know your hardware
When it comes to styling tools, your best bet is a boar-bristle brush. It grips hair well, and the natural bristles help disperse styling products better than synthetic ones. Don’t forget a powerful blow-dryer: at least 1 800 watts will create enough air flow and heat to help products penetrate the hair cuticles and do their stuff.

Have a blast
Don’t start styling your hair until it’s 80 percent dry (unless it’s curly). The less time you spend tugging at your hair, the less damage you’ll do. Move a blow-dryer around your head, gently tousling the hair with your fingers until it’s only slightly damp. Then, working in sections with the dryer 10cm away, blow-dry your hair from the roots to the ends – that will help the cuticles lie flat. When you’re done, flip over and blast the underside for 30 seconds with cool air – instant volume, sister!