9 Hair Care Resolutions to Make for 2023

A new year marks another opportunity to be a better version of yourself — and your hair care routine is the perfect place to start. Whether you’ve been reaching for your heat-styling tools a bit too often or opting for high-tension hairstyles that can wreak havoc on your roots, now is the time to make some resolutions for healthier and better-looking hair. 

From washing with lukewarm water to embracing your natural hair texture, we have a few ideas — that you won’t ditch by the end of January — to help you achieve your healthiest hair goals. Make your hair mistakes so last year and dive into these hair care, hair color and hairstyle resolutions you can easily make (and stick to) in the new year.

1. Stick With a Cleansing System for Your Hair Type

You may enjoy picking a shampoo from one line, a conditioner from another, and a hair mask from another — getting the benefits of all three — but it may not be the best idea. 

Products that are part of a hair care system are typically formulated to be used together, so you’ll see the best results by doing just that. Save the mix and match for your makeup routine and stick to using a hair care system that suits your unique hair type and needs. If you’re in search of the right system for your strands, take your pick from the options below.

For those with perpetually dry hair, try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Shampoo, Paraben-Free, the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Conditioner, Paraben-Free and the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Flash Hydration Wonder Water, Sulfate-Free. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, this hydrating system helps to replump dry, dehydrated hair to give your strands noticeable body, bounce, fullness and shine. It also helps to boost the appearance of fine, lifeless hair. 

If you’re working with curly hair, level-up your routine with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Moisture Push Shampoo, the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Moisture Seal Conditioner and the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Non-Stop Dreamy Curls Leave-in Conditioner. The enriching hyaluronic acid and castor oil formula allows this system to nourish, define and deeply hydrate your curls without weighing them down. 

If you have bleached or color-treated hair, try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Repair Pre Shampoo Treatment, the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Repair Shampoo with Citric Acid and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Repair Conditioner with Citric Acid. This system uses citric acid to effectively target the hair cortex, strengthening hair inside and out by reinforcing weak bonds. Whether you have color damage, bleach damage or hot tool damage, consider this mighty system the remedy. 

Specifically, if you have blonde-colored hair or silver hair, try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Brass Toning Purple Conditioner and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Anti Brass Purple Mask Treatment. Powered by purple pigments and a sulfate-free, vegan formula, this trio can banish warm, brassy tones from your color without drying out your tresses. 

2. Turn Down Your Wash Day Water Temperature 

Steaming hot showers can feel like the ultimate delight, but they’re not the best option for your hair. Super-hot water can strip your hair of natural moisture, leaving you with dry strands and faded hair color. Next time you wash your hair, dial down the water to lukewarm — we promise you’ll notice a difference. 

3. Incorporate a Glossing Treatment Into Your Weekly Routine

While maintaining your hair color often breeds routine upkeep and hefty salon bills, that doesn’t have to be the case. Once a week, deep condition your strands with an at-home glossing treatment like the, L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss. It works in just 15 minutes, revitalizing dull, lackluster hair color while infusing it with moisture. The end result is vivid, high-shine tresses that look like you just stepped out of the salon. 

4. Give High-Tension Hairstyles a Break

High ponytails and sleek ballerina buns may be your go-to look, but these tight hairstyles can put stress on your mane and lead to hair breakage. But that doesn’t mean that you have to leave updos behind. Rather, opt for updos and loose buns to keep your strands stylishly tucked away without any tension and don’t sleep with your hair pulled back in a hair tie.

Editor’s tip: Another sneaky culprit for hair breakage that many overlook is your hair brush. The pulling and tugging motions create friction which can very easily lead to damage. Reach for a wide tooth comb to detangle your strands — it works for all hair types and it’s much easier to keep clean. 

5. Go Au Naturale More Often

While we’re on the topic of preventing hair damage, heat-styling is one of the biggest culprits for dry hair, split ends and other types of avoidable damage. Instead of heat-styling your hair regularly, embrace your natural texture with heat-free products that encourage air drying, like the aforementioned L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Non-Stop Dreamy Curls Leave-in Conditioner. Another way is to lean into the ease and benefits of heatless styles like overnight beach waves and braids. 

6. Use Heat Protectant — Every Single Time

For the days when you just can’t resist the lure of your blow dryer, flat iron or curling wand, be sure to use a heat protectant, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Weightless Blow Dry Primer, Heat Protectant, before styling. Aside from providing 450-degree heat protection, this heat-styling essential calms frizz, seals in shine and blocks humidity for a flawless blowout.

If you’re on your hair growth journey to ultra-long tresses, you can also grab the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In, which is formulated with castor oil to reduce frizz and protect hair against heat damage up to 450 degrees.

7. Swap Permanent Hair Color for Temporary Formulas

Getting a mane makeover via hair color can be fun and exciting, but if you’re indulging in color often it could also take a toll on the health of your hair. Dodge the dry, damaged ‘do and give temporary hair color options a try instead of your go-to permanent hair dye. 

The L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray and the L'Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color each wash out with your shampoo, so you can play with color without the full commitment — or consequences.

8. Invest in a Deep Conditioning Mask

If you make it a point to regularly use heat in your hair or have color-treated your strands, it’s always important to add a deep conditioner to your regimen. This hair care staple gives your strands a thorough conditioning to address various hair concerns like dryness, brittle ends and breakage. 

Try the L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Signature Masque, Color Care Hair Mask, a sulfate-free formula that gently treats all hair types to restore smoothness, deeply hydrate and enhance shine. Once a week, replace your conditioner with this indulgent mask. 

If you’re pressed for time, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Elvive 8 Second Wonder Water Lamellar Hair Treatment, L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Flash Hydration Wonder Water, Sulfate-Free, or L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths 8 Second Wonder Water Lamellar Rinse Out. These ultra-lightweight treatments feel like water and help to treat, instantly detangle and moisturize hair in seconds. Use it a few times a week on wet hair after rinsing your shampoo.

9. Make Hair Care a Part Of Your Self-Care

Whether it’s through a standing appointment with your hairstylist or slathering on a hair mask while you binge watch your favorite reality show, hair care should be part of your self-care routine. Don’t rush through taking care of your strands like it’s a chore to check off of your to-do list. Relax and enjoy it as a moment to pamper yourself just like you would with a pedicure or facial. You’ll have a healthier mind and healthier mane as a result.

Next: Beauty Myth Busters: 10 Curly Hair Myths Debunked

Edited by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Associate Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Production Assistant: Jason Parigian, Digital Tech: Sam Kang, Photo Assistant: Hannah Lewis-Lopes, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Wardrobe Stylist: Melina Kemph, Wardrobe Assistant: Kayla Martinez, Prop Stylist: Katrina Rozeville, Prop Assistant: Zach Molina, Model: Alexandra Cunningham