How many times have you looked in the mirror and wished that your hair was softer, stronger and shinier? You’re not alone – many women dream of having luxurious hair like the stars seen in movies and television shows. However, the fact of the matter is that there’s an ample amount of work and hair products that go into the looks that celebrities flaunt. In addition, it’s not feasible to assume that you can achieve these hairstyles in just one day.

That being said, it isn’t impossible to achieve more beautiful locks with a few healthy habits. Whether you have thick, unmanageable hair or it’s thin and prone to breakage, there are several ways that you can improve it over time. Here are some easy tips you can incorporate into your routine today.

1. Use a leave-in conditioner
It isn’t enough to give your hair the TLC it deserves in the shower. For luminous locks that stay soft well after you bathe, apply a leave-in conditioner once you’re out of the bathroom. This can further condition your hair, keep it hydrated and maintain its silky smooth texture. Leave-in conditioner can also eliminate tangles and make your hair easier to brush.

2. Eat right
A healthy diet can contribute to more beautiful locks. Some foods you may want to incorporate into your meals for healthy hair include eggs, lean meat and dark green vegetables, according to The Huffington Post. The nutrients in these foods can benefit your scalp and encourage the growth of more appealing hair.

3. Incorporate flaxseed into your diet
One nutrient worth adding to your diet is flaxseed if you’re interested in keeping hair hydrated, according to Reader’s Digest magazine. Flaxseed can ensure that your hair and nails stay moisturized and soft over time. Consider taking an omega-3 rich supplement if you don’t want to sprinkle flaxseed onto your bagels or toast.

4. Brush your hair before shampooing
Shape magazine claims that brushing your hair prior to bathing can remove tangles and get the blood flowing to your scalp, which is beneficial to your hair follicles. If you constantly have trouble brushing your locks and getting through tangles, make sure you aren’t skipping the conditioner when you wash your hair. This is a crucial component to softening and revitalizing your ‘do.

5. Be mindful of hard water
Depending on where you live and your direct water source, you may be subjecting your locks to harmful minerals each time you bathe. Specifically, chlorine can cause immense damage to your hair and even result in unwanted color change. There are certain shampoos on the market that you can try if you want to reverse the damage caused by hard water on your hair, and they may be worth using if you know your water source isn’t particularly soft.

6. Focus shampoo on your roots
Shampoo works best when it’s massaged into the roots of your hair and your scalp, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. If you fail to address your roots, you’ll only be causing your hair to become coarser over time.

7. Invest in an efficient brush
Prevention magazine claims that the right brush can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your locks looking beautiful and healthy. Consider a boar-bristle brush to evenly distribute natural oils throughout your hair and give it a smooth, silky appearance. 

Whether you’re tired of your hair looking lifeless or you simply want to give it the TLC it deserves, these key tips can help you revamp your routine. In the end, your lovely ‘do will thank you for it!