When you meet someone new, you naturally notice a few of their standout traits immediately. It may be their bright white smile or the deep color of their eyes. Perhaps their height is notable, or they have a distinctive voice. Another trait that finds its way into first impressions? Your hair.

And it makes sense. There’s a reason the Brad Pitt of the world are revered for their luscious locks. You’re in the right place if you’re after improved hair to make a better first impression or grow your confidence. Here are four ways to do just that.

1. Make Hair Strength a Priority

Hair grows over time, slowly but surely, gradually getting stronger and more resistant to breakage as it reaches a more established length. While it has a certain level of built-in strength, it’s not bulletproof in protecting against everything. Unfortunately, many daily activities can put tension on your strands or cause irreversible trauma. The result is often hair loss, thinning, or breakage that gives a less-than-desirable look.

Does this sound familiar? No matter what hair troubles you may be dealing with, it’s not all doom and gloom. You must find the right products to fortify your hair and withstand your lifestyle. That starts with a strength routine featuring products to clean, moisturize, and encourage growth.

A keratin-based shampoo removes oil and dirt while also strengthening your hair. When followed up with a nourishing conditioner for moisture, these ingredients replenish nutrients and oils necessary for hair growth and strength. Then, pair your washing products with a powerful hair growth product like minoxidil. Applied topically twice daily, it can help stimulate growth and prevent hair loss with noticeable results in roughly three months. Commit to your routine, and you’ll be well on your way to hair that’s as desirable as strong.

2. Protect Your Locks

After your hair’s health is in a good spot, it isn’t the time to abandon best practices. It’s when you should be investing time and money to ensure your hair can keep up its great look. That starts by knowing how your strands are built and what routine can help keep them looking their best.

Hair strands are made up of dead cells coated in keratin. When they experience trauma — in the form of heat or extreme weather conditions, for example — the hair cuticle sustains damage. That leaves the hair susceptible to breaking off, splitting at the ends, or becoming frizzy. Naturally, these are all unwanted results.

So, think through your hair routine to identify your potential hair-damaging habits. Then, figure out ways to make changes to reduce damage. If you blow dry your hair, use a heat protectant spray to give a thermal coating to your strands. Consider gentler options and loose hairstyles if you wear your hair in tight buns or ponytails. These changes can help preserve your hair and protect the new growth for locks you’ll love.

3. Experiment With Different Styles

Just because you’ve rocked a buzz cut your whole life doesn’t mean that’s the only option available. Take advantage of the different hairstyle options you can choose from to find what you like best. Give it a longer go and see if a messy man bun fits your aesthetic. Or look at different fade options the next time you visit your barber.

The beauty is in testing the waters without commitment. Don’t like a cut you got? Please wait for your hair to grow a bit and switch it up. Fall in love with a certain style for the season? Keep getting that as a go-to until you want to try something else.

Remember to consider your lifestyle when choosing styles, too. Shortening hair might be best if you’re constantly on the go and always rushing in the morning. If you enjoy a bit of time to get ready, you can get away with longer locks. It’s about finding the best look for your face shape, lifestyle, and preference. From there, your confidence can only continue to grow.

4. Prioritize Your Overall Health

Hair health is intricately linked to overall well-being. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet is pivotal in nurturing vibrant and resilient hair. Regular physical activity is crucial in promoting circulation and blood flow, supporting healthy hair growth.

When it comes to diet, it’s crucial to fuel your body and provide it with the nutrients it needs to function properly. Nutrients like iron, zinc, vitamins A, C, D, and E, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids contribute significantly to hair health. Iron aids in oxygen transportation to hair follicles, and zinc assists in tissue growth and repair. Vitamins A, C, and E are antioxidants that protect hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals. Proteins provide the necessary building blocks for hair structure.

Regular exercise impacts hair health in a few ways. It improves blood circulation, which ensures the scalp receives an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients essential for nourishing hair follicles. Getting active also helps relieve stress by triggering the release of endorphins, which can positively impact hair health by reducing stress-related hair loss. Eating healthy and staying active are lifestyle habits that can only benefit your hair — as a bonus, your body will thank you.

Love Your Mane

While it’s not the most important thing, how you look matters even more; how you feel about your appearance can boost your confidence or fuel insecurity. So, finding the best hair care routine, cut, and styling for your locks is valuable. You may even give Brad Pitt a run for his money.