How to have beautiful hair

The key to having luscious locks starts with your shampoo and conditioner. It's vital to choose a restorative remedy that works with your hair type when washing your hair.

Big fan of highlights? Then you'd do well to try Label M's Cleanse and Repair shampoo and conditioner, it replenishes the hair shaft with much-needed moisture and leaves your hair feeling soft and glossy. Suffer with dandruff? T-Gel is fantastic for eliminating a dry, flaky scalp.

Creative Director at John Frieda, Nicola Clarke, also advises regular trimming and a deep conditioning treatment, especially before going on holiday. "I tell all my clients, such as Madonna and Gwyneth, to treat their hair to a deep conditioning session the night before they fly," says Nicola. "It’s a must to nourish, deeply moisturise and restore your hair’s health. John Frieda’s Frizz-Ease Over-Night Serum (£14.67 for 50ml) works overnight and literally transforms your hair while you sleep."

Feed your hair

Richard Thompson, founder and creative director of Mahogany Hair, says a balanced diet is vital for beautiful hair. "Keep your hair looking and feeling young with a good healthy diet and vitamin supplements, especially A and B," he says. "Folic acid is also essential for healthy hair and biotin (which can be found in cauliflower, bananas and carrots) helps to prevent hair loss and premature greying."

Preparation is also key, according to Thompson. "We always give our clients a refreshing head massage before we begin cutting their hair," he says. "It encourages blood flow, which in turn strengthens the hair shaft. Once conditioner is applied, the massage begins at the temples, using round finger movements and a good pressure, before slowly moving to the nape of the neck, up to the crown and back over the temples. This lasts for three to five minutes."

Cutting it

"A good cut and colour is absolutely vital and can knock years off a person by enhancing their best features," says Thompson. "The right colour is also essential for complimenting your skin tone. The use of warm or cool tones can either lighten or add warmth to the complexion, depending on the desired effect."

Editorial director for Paul Mitchell, Lucie Doughty, says "A great haircut always suits a person’s face shape and is well-proportioned. Some face shapes can carry off sharp edges, while others look best with softer edges.

"Shiny hair is always associated with youth, so make sure you have shiny, healthy looking hair, no matter what the colour is. See your stylist for regular conditioning treatments."

Colour for youthfulness

Colour expert Daniel Galvin says coloured hair needs extra special attention. "Just as a pair of jeans will fade after being washed with chemical detergents, so will your hair’s tone and vitality be affected by regular colouring," says Galvin.

"I always advise clients to use products which contain vital nutrients such as UV filters, vitamins and herbal extracts, as these really do ‘save’ the colour. As you get older, opt for softer colours, as bright blocks of colour will age the complexion dramatically.

"Young-looking hair always needs contrast and movement, and seasonal changes of colour are ideal for a fresh update. Go for brighter colours in the summer and deep, richer shades during autumn or winter as these will blend well with your changing skin tone throughout the year."

DIY colour-save tip

"My at-home tip is to do a weekly hair mask," says Galvin. "After a bath, cover your hair in a deep conditioning treatment and wrap a hot towel around your head. Leave for half an hour, then rinse.

"I (of course) recommend our own Daniel Galvin Junior’s Crowning Glory Colour Gloss (£4.49 for 125 ml) and Salon Shine & Protect (£4.99 for 100 ml). Both contain grape-seed oil (an anti-oxidant which helps colour retention and UV-B protection) and our Organic Colour Save Shampoo (£4.49 for 240 ml) is packed full of vitamins, minerals, and free-from harsh chemicals.

Visit www.ocado.com to find out more.

Natural colouring

As we get older, our hair starts to change, becoming increasingly dry and brittle. If you colour your hair at home, you’ll need to make changes to the shade and brand of colour to cope with your hair's changing texture. Naturtint colour consultant Marc Ramos advises: "Aim for products which have fewer chemicals, as these provide more nourishment to the hair follicles. Opting for a softer and lighter colour will complement your skin tone as you age - and sometimes it’s best to stay away from strong golden tones as this can make the hair look too brassy. Instead work with softer biscuit and beige tones.’

Avoid the over-bleached look

Hair that has undergone too much highlighting can become too dry and often drains the face of any colour, making the complexion look pallid.

Toni & Guy’s creative director Mascolo-Tarbuck says for gorgeous locks, stick to the following rules: "To keep hair looking youthful, avoid heavy hairspray. Opt instead for the lighter serums and spray-in-mist products.

"For hair that doesn’t age, go for expressive colours, which make the hair look multi-toned, glossy and adventurous. Start with your natural hair colour and try adding several lighter tones. Make sure your hair is beautifully cut, coloured, and conditioned. And remember, multi-tones really make for a youthful appearance."