As hair salons across the country continue to be closed due to the pandemic, women are using this time to get reacquainted with their hair. Some are taking a break from using hot tools to embrace their natural hair, while others are getting clipper-happy and giving themselves at-home bangs out of boredom. With COVID limiting our access to professional help, it’s important we continue giving our tresses the TLC it needs to maintain its health. Luckily, Dove Stylist Mark Townsend is sharing his tips and tricks on keeping hair healthy at home. And no, despite being the mastermind behind Dakota Johnson’s infamous fringe, he is totally against people cutting their own bangs. 

Tame frizz once and for all

Are you constantly resorting to a JLo-esque top knot because your hair always seems to puff up and is a bit out of control? Truth is, frizziness is caused by the hair’s lack of moisture. One of the best ways to keep hair frizz-free is to lock in moisture in the shower. Townsend recommends using the Dove Intensive Repair Conditioner as a hair mask to give dry, frizzy hair the nourishment it needs.

“Before applying to wet hair, squeeze out the excess water from the bottom of your hair to prime it for absorption of the conditioner. Then lather a generous amount throughout, put on a shower cap to lock in the moisture and sit tight for 10-15 minutes,” Townsend shared, adding, “then rinse out with cold water to seal the hair cuticle.” While many simply use conditioner to make their hair softer after shampooing, it works great as a mask thanks to its nourishing ingredients. Dove’s Intensive Repair Conditioner is formulated with Bio-Nourish, which is a blend of strengthening nutrients and a unique micro-nourishing complex to smooth hair.

Dry Shampoo is your hair’s best friend

We all know about dry shampoo’s oil absorbent properties. But did you know that it also does wonders for creating hairstyles with volume and textures. Instead of using a volumizing spray to lift roots for big volume, Townsend prefers to use dry shampoo. “Whether massaged in at the roots or sprayed throughout the length, dry shampoo adds long-lasting volume and lift while absorbing oils. Bonus: the grit from the starch helps hold hair accessories such as clips or headbands securely in place,” the celebrity stylist added. 

Thanks to its lightweight formula that cleanses hair, we recommend using Dove Volume and Fullness Dry Shampoo as a root lifter. For those who have hair sparseness or thin hair, Dove’s Brunette Dry Shampoo is a great option to help conceal the scalp. 

Alcohol-free is the way to go

When it comes to taking care of your overall health, being conscious of the ingredients you’re ingesting is very important. Well, hair is no different. If your hair tends to dry out and you see a lot of breakage, you should avoid products that contain alcohol.

According to Townsend, “Alcohol can dry hair out in a major way, so I always recommend alcohol-free formulas, like Dove’s Shine & Moisture Finishing Gel, because they do the job without the damage.” The gel adds moisture to coils and waves while reducing frizz and keeping hair shiny and healthy.