15 Insider Beauty Tips from Industry Experts

So many people say, “If only I had the time and money, I’d look like that too!” Women often associate looking their best only when they break the bank, and Milani Hair wants to change that. We interviewed some beauty industry experts and celebrity hair stylists and gathered 15 of their insider secrets on how to do hair.

1. Shine On: FaatemahAmpey, cast member of Bravo’s Shear Genius, says, “I personally can't live without shine. Sebastian makes a treatment called Clear Cellophane, which is well worth a salon visit. This treatment costs under $100, but it will deliver shiny, silky hair for up to four weeks. Whether your hair is curly, relaxed, natural, frizzy or fine, this treatment is for you. It delivers a shine and silkiness that will put a smile on any girl's face!”

2. Ironing Out The Details: Ampey also believes in flat irons. “Every girl needs the right tools. Flat irons offer the most versatility for most women. This one tool can straighten, curl and deliver surfy waves.

3. Beauty From Within: “It's no secret that beauty starts from within,” Faatemah says. “In a fast-paced world, it’s hard to get all the essential nutrients that you need for shiny hair and a glowing complexion.Nioxin's Intensive Therapy Recharging Complex promotes healthy hair, skin and nails. It retails for approximately $43 for 90 tablets.”

4. Finishing Gloss: Emma Ramsey is a professional style expert for GKhair, and she’s a big believer in shine. “The first must-have product is serum,” she says. “Finishing product can turn any look from frizzy to fabulous.”

5. Clean Hair On The Go: The second product Emma can’t live without is dry shampoo. “This quick touch up will save a look. Whether you just left the gym, didn’t have time to wash your hair today or just need some extra volume at the root, dry shampoo is the answer.”

6. Not Fade Away: “Invest in a shampoo and conditioner that will preserve your color,” Emma says. “There’s nothing worse than spending money at the salon only to have your results fade away.” GKhair makes products that will do the job, but any sulfate-free formula will help you keep your color going strong.

7. What’s In Your Toolbox? Finally, Emma suggests investing in a teasing comb or fine-tooth comb and some bobby pins. “A teasing comb or fine-tooth comb will help you to create volume for a fuller look, day or night, whether your hair is down or pulled back. Bobby pins will help to create any look.”

8. Oilternatives: Sheri D. of SeMoHair likes to create her own hot oil blends. She says, “One of the best hot-oil treatments I use to this day isn’t VO5. It’s 2 oz. olive oil combined in an applicator bottle with three drops of peppermint oil, a couple of drops of lavender, and maybe a few drops of jojoba oil.”

9. The Incredible Egg: Before fancy shampoos and conditioners, people simply used what was at hand to get the job done. “Another one of my favorites,” Sheri says, “is an all-natural cholesterol treatment that removes hard-water deposits from the hair shaft, leaving hair shiny, bouncy and full of life.” Combine 1 oz. olive oil with an egg yolk and a few drops of your favorite essential oils (Sheri suggests rosemary, tangerine, and jasmine). Shampoo your hair normally, then distribute the mixture throughout the hair with a large-toothed comb. Leave the solution in for 5-10 minutes, then shampoo again to remove the excess oil.

10. Coffee and Lemonade: Time to get creative. “Here’s a natural way to give your hair color a lift,” Sheri says. “For dark hair, make a strong pot of black coffee, then let it cool. Shampoo your hair with a cleansing shampoo. Pour the warm coffee on, work it through, leave it in for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with cool water and apply your favorite conditioner. Comb it through quickly, then rinse with cool water and proceed to style. For light hair, make a pitcher of strong lemonade (no sugar or honey) and follow the same steps.”

11. The Perfect Brush: Michelle Place, senior stylist and educator at DetourSalon in Encinitas, CA recommends a quality flat boar bristle brush. “The versatility is unparalleled,” she says. Use this type of brush when blow drying to add volume. It’ll also help smooth out rough, curly or frizzy hair.

12. Take Care of Long Hair: “Longer hair definitely needs a conditioner,” Michelle says. “The hair sitting at the shoulders is several years old and probably has seen a lot of abuse. It really needs extra nutrients to keep it strong, shiny and healthy. Make sure the conditioner smooths the cuticle, because this makes hair appear healthier overall.”

13. Trim the rough stuff: “Sometimes hair is just past the point of healthy return and needs to be removed,” Michelle explains. “It's kind of like cheap shoes with a killer outfit. The idea is right, but the entire execution fails because of the shoes. The same thing with hair. If the color and style are great but the very ends are clearly unhealthy, it detracts from the overall look.”

14. Simple Stuff: Lahronda Little, of HighQualitySkincareLLC, has three simple suggestions for common household products. Baking soda can be used as a  gentle exfoliator for the face and body, while diluted apple cider vinegar makes a great hair rinse for removing shampoo residue and other kinds of buildup. Powdered milk in a warm bath sounds nice, and it is. It’ll soften the skin, and it costs less than just about anything else you can buy.

15. Invest in a great set of hot rollers. Milani Hair founder Leyla Milani says she is completely obsessed with my Babyliss hot rollers.  She has had them for years and travels with them everywhere.  They're great for creating soft, tousled curls and tons of volume and compared to curling irons, they are alot less damaging to the hair.    Of course they also work well in conjuction with curling irons.  After coming out of the shower,  let your hair air-dry then set your entire head with Babyliss hot rollers.  Then. remove the rollers, run your fingers through your hair and finish off a few pieces (usually around my face) with a curling iron to make the curls last.  A touch of hair spray and you're good to go! Looking your best doesn’t have to be a hassle. If you use these tips and secrets, people will think you spent a fortune, or at least a great deal of time. There’s no need to say "if only.” The solutions for how to do hair are right at your fingertips. All it takes is a little creativity.