These Are The Best Hair Tips From HairTok, According To An Expert

Put down the rice water. If you want long, luscious locks, Mat has a few expert-approved hacks of his own. “The key to growing long, healthy hair is having a healthy scalp. I swear by Aveda's Invati Advanced products. The Invati Advanced Exfoliating Shampoo Rich gently exfoliates and creates a perfect foundation for hair to grow thick and full. It’s made with salicylic acid that helps remove buildup that can clog the pores on your scalp. The Invati Advanced Thickening Conditioner is made with certified organic amla which instantly thickens the hair and naturally derived amino acids mimic the hair's building blocks to help strengthen hair from roots to ends." Mat also suggests using a Wooden Paddle Brush to self-massage your scalp in gentle, circular motions, to increase circulation to the hair follicles and remove tension.

Another must-have for growing healthy hair is a daily heat protectant to stop breakage. “I'd recommend Aveda’s Botanical Repair Leave-In Treatment – it instantly repairs hair from inside out and builds bonds at the core transforming hair leaving it visibly healthier, softer and shinier after just one use! It also protects hair against heat up to 230°C, detangles and builds bonds back in your hair,” says Mat. If you’re experiencing excessive hair loss or thinning It’s worth visiting your doctor to check your stress levels, diet and general health. 

If the thought of bringing back butterfly clips makes you happy, you’re not alone. “Firstly, I’m shocked that I have now lived long enough for my era to now become a bring-back trend but also completely excited for these nostalgic styles,” says Mat. Whether it’s butterfly clips, barrettes or bandanas that take your fancy, now is the time to channel your inner Lizzie McGuire. “Gels and hairsprays are key for this trend,” explains Mat. “Gel will help you get the zig-zag part of the piecey left out hair and hairspray is going to hold everything in place and create volume for space buns or your butterfly claw updo.”

Another nostalgic style to take HairTok by storm is the big, 90’s blowout. “I love big hair energy. The confidence a big bouncy blow-dry gives makes it one of my favourite services to do,” says Mat.

If you’re getting the look at home, Mat suggests using a hot brush tool as it makes this trend far easier to achieve at home. “For maximum volume and longevity, pinning each section and allowing it to cool creates a more durable shape – and don’t be afraid to brush out curls for that bouncy salon finish.”

“It is always so rewarding when you show a client their natural hair texture that they were so unaware of. Often there is a pretty wave or curl pattern that you may not even be aware of,” says Mat. For anyone who’s wanting to embrace their natural hair texture, hydration is key. “Textured hair often needs more moisture and you may also need some more help holding your pattern,” recommends Mat. 

Styling products are a must for getting your waves, curls or coils to form. “For those who need a bit of encouragement for their waves, the Aveda Be Curly range will help spring up your own natural texture,” says Mat.

If you want visibly healthier strands, heatless hairstyles are a great way to eliminate damage from heat tools. But do they actually work? According to Mat, there are a few successful methods you can try to achieve a beautiful heatless hairstyle. 

“For longer hair, I love wrapping damp hair around your robe tie. Your intention and neatness will affect the result. Concentrate on wrapping neatly and tightly for best results. Make sure your hair isn’t too wet as it won’t dry. Socks can be used for a curlier wavy look by wrapping the hair around the sock and turning the sock in on itself to secure it – this method is also good for shorter styles,” says Mat.

“Using a bun or multiple buns on slightly damp hair can help create different techniques. One bun will give you a bigger wave, almost blow-dry result, whereas more buns will achieve a curlier look. Wrap smoothly and neatly for best results.”

Mat also suggests spraying a leave-in conditioner through hair before creating any heatless style to hydrate and reduce frizz, as well as pulling apart these heatless styles with slightly oiled fingers. "Use the Nutriplensih Multi-Use Hair Oil, it won't weigh hair down and is made with a concentrated blend of 5 power oils to deliver nutrient-powered hydration and shine for all hair types and texture."

Craving a colour change but don’t want to do anything too dramatic, hair contouring might be for you. “A money piece is that perfect pop of colour to help illuminate and brighten up any colour, “ explains Mat. “This can be done in a way that’s super soft and natural, almost sunkissed”

If you’re looking to make a statement, you can try a money piece with a high contrast colour. “Your hairstylist can place the money piece strategically to enhance your face shape. Lighter colours appear bigger and darker colour colours appear smaller. You can use a money piece to showcase your favourite features,” says Mat. Always have a consultation with your hairdresser before trying this trend to make sure you get the look that suits you best.

Ever since Gen Z deemed blonde hair as cheugy and uncool, blonde to brunette transformations have been on the rise. But before we give Gen Z all the credit, this trend is more likely due to bottle blondes searching for a natural, more low maintenance style after months of missing hair appointments due to lockdowns. 

“Time is the new currency and there’s a trend for mushroomy, expensive-looking brunettes. Even blonde enthusiasts, such as Karlie Kloss and Hailey Bieber, are rocking this trend,” says Mat. If you’re thinking about going back to your roots, Mat recommends the Aveda Botanical Repair range which is a collection of natural bond-building products that transforms and repairs the three key layers of your hair. Aveda also offers an. in-salon Botanical Repair Treatment that will strengthen hair up to 5x. “Healthy hair is a must so that when you go dark the colour is glossy and light-reflecting.” 

Possibly the chicest hairstyle of them all, the french bob is making a comeback. “If you are considering a bob and are not sure if it will suit you then don’t fear, there is a bob for you,” explains Mat. “You can adjust the length, layers and dimensions to make it just right for you.” If you’re ready to make the chop then make sure you bring pictures of the look that you’re after to your hairdresser so that they can assess your hairline and hair type to figure out what length is right for you.

However, if you want a low maintenance style, the french bob may not be the hairstyle for you. “You’ll have to style your hair more regularly as bobs do require more regular cuts to maintain shape,” says Mat. Keep your style sleek and smooth with high-quality hair products and if you have fine hair, a thickening tonic on your roots will give your style more body.

Move over expensive brunette, expensive blonde is here. Expensive blonde is all about embracing soft contrasts that allow soft, golden strands to show through. Mat suggests looking to celebrities like Adele for inspiration. 

So, how does one become an expensive blonde? According to Mat, you’ll need to visit your hairdresser and ask for a mix of highlights and lowlights. “Highlights mean going lighter around the face and delicate lowlights are placed in key areas to frame gently. If you are keen to add some sunshine into your hair, ask your hairdresser for a base shift added to your next foil service,” says Mat. Even though you’ll be adding golden hues to your colour, there’s a fine line between golden and brassy. To maintain your colour and eliminate brassiness use a range of hair products that are dedicated to blonde hair colour and keep your hair looking and feeling healthy with the Aveda Botanical Repair range.