Does Your hair look damaged and tired? Are Your locks dry and unmanageable? Here's how to have healthier hair in just 8 days.

Get a hair cut
It sounds like a no-brainer, but it's not always easy to fit more frequent haircuts into a busy life. You don't have to spend loads of money - your local hairdresser will do for a basic trim. It's an instant way to make your hair look healthier. Try going for more regular sessions, that means don't leave it for 3 months before your next visit!

Don't overdo it with the hairdryer
Drying your hair every time you wash it will dry out your locks. Go without the hairdryer where possible, and if you really can't live without it, just rough dry hair for a few minutes to avoid over drying.

Try a cold rinse
Rinsing hair with cold water closes the cuticle, leaving it smooth and shiny. Blasting with cold air after a blow-dry has a similar smoothing effect - you'll find that most hairdryers have a cold setting for this.

Whip up your own mask
Put a small amount of olive oil in the palm of your hand and massage it into your hair. If you have a dry scalp, massage a small amount into the scalp. If you have oily hair, massage it into your hair, but stay 1/2 inch away from the scalp. Wrap hair in a warm towel and wash out an hour later. You can even sleep with the oil on to really penetrate, although make sure you've got a towel over your pillow, it will make a mess otherwise! You'll be left with soft and shiny hair.

Don't over wash
Though many of us lather up daily, experts insist that washing hair a few times a week is enough. Skipping shampoo helps hair retain shine. If your hair is prone to grease, make sure you aren't applying too much conditioner. And remember, you only need a dab on the ends, not the lengths and scalp.

Use a leave-in conditioner
A leave-in conditioner is a low maintenance way to tame dry hair prone to frizz. There are loads of different varieties on the market. Remember, you only need a little through the lengths and ends of the hair.

Eat a balanced diet
What you eat will affect the overall health of your hair. If you were born with fine, thin hair, you'll never have thick locks, but nutritionists say that a well-balanced diet can make a difference. Beware of dietary supplements which claim to thicken hair or make it grow faster. Try to get the nutrients you need from foods, including salmon (Omega-3 fatty acids are great for shiny hair), and proteins like pulses, poultry, fish, eggs and cheese.

Invest in a good brush
Daily brushing and styling can take its toll on your hair, robbing it of natural, healthy oils and weakening it. Swap your plastic brush (which can tear hair) for one with natural bristles, which redistribute oils as you brush, boosting shine.