How to Make Your (Dry, Dull, Split) Ends Look Healthier

Elizabeth Siegel, Allure magazine

"The ends tend to be the most damaged part of anyone's hair," says hairstylist Kristin Ess, who works with celebrities including Lauren Conrad. "And if you have long hair, your scalp's natural oils don't get all the way down to the ends, so they're usually a little duller than the rest." Good thing she's honed a technique for making them look healthier. And nope, it doesn't involve going on a search-and-destroy mission for split ends. Here's her advice:

See more: The 10 Commandments of Mascara

Every time you style: If you're starting with wet hair, rub a dime-size amount of a lightweight leave-in conditioner into your ends; if your hair is prone to flyaways, smooth some over the lengths as well. (Sexy Hair Healthy Sexy Hair Leave In Conditioner is Ess's favorite.) "I like to avoid using oils on the ends because they attract dirt and dust, which will make them look even duller," she says. Then, when your hair is dry, flatiron just the ends-even if the rest of your hair is wavy-to make them look smooth and shiny.

See more: Top 21 Drugstore Beauty Bargains

Twice a month: Deep condition your ends in the shower using a pure oil like jojoba, which you can find in most drugstores. "Your ends will soak up the moisture," says Ess. Let it sit for about ten minutes, and then shampoo it out.

Every two or three months: Get a trim. You know you should. You know it'll make your hair look healthier. So start doing it already.

See more from Allure:
The 12 Best Eye Creams
10 Hairstyles That Make You Look 10 Years Younger
The Most Flattering Makeup Colors for Brown Eyes
The 10 Most Gorgeous Hair-Color Ideas for Brunettes