If you watch the tabloids, you know that even the stars have

bad hair days. It just seems that when the professional

stylists are out of the picture, it is inherently human to have

a less than glamorous mane. But you can do your part to stay

ahead of the battle by following these great tips for hair

care.

1. Use a professional conditioner that is formulated for your

specific hair type. While you can skimp a little on the

shampoo, a good, professional conditioner is a must have. Look

for products in salons that are customized for your hair type.

For instance: If you have color or a perm, choose a conditioner

that is for chemically processed hair. And stay away from those

all-in-one shampoo and conditioner combos.

2. Choose a cut tailored to your face and body shape. The

number one mistake that people make when choosing a new

hairstyle is to pick a style based on popularity rather than

how it will enhance their features. Always choose a new cut

based on how it will enhance or detract from your facial

features and build. If you have broad shoulders, choose a

full-bodied cut over a close cropped head hugging doo.

3. Don’t forget your UV protectants. Just as your skin gets

damaged by wind and sun, so does your hair. To combat this,

look for finishing products such as mousses, gels and sprays

that block UV rays.

4. Keep your appointments. Did you know that your hair will

split faster than it will grow? You need to get a trim every 6

to 8 weeks, even if it’s just a micro trim. A good hairdresser

makes them good because they know what to leave on the head,

not take off.

5. Leave chemicals to the professionals. There is a reason why

beauticians need to go to school to learn how to handle

chemicals and hair processes. You can do irreparable damage

with these products even if the package says that it’s way

easy. And even if you don’t make your hair fall out, you could

end up looking like a clown and paying a stylist big bucks to

fix your mess. (Note: Most stylists charge double the rate for

corrective color than they do for normal color processes)

6. Get color for interest and body. Every cut needs a little

bit of color to make it truly breathtaking. No matter whether

your taste is subtle or dramatic, you can add interest and

volume to your tresses with a color process. Highlights,

lowlights, all over color, gray coverage, you name it, it’s all

good for your look.

7. Do weekly conditioning treatments. Even if your hair is

extremely healthy, it is constantly on the attack from wind,

sun, cold and heat. During the summer months, your hair is

battered even more when it absorbs chlorine and other chemicals

from your pool.

8. Get an ionic ceramic flat iron. Instead of frying your hair

with a conventional metal plated flat iron. Straighten your

tresses, add shine and infuse moisture with one of the a

negative ionic flat irons. We personally use T3 irons for all

our work.

9. Choose your styling products wisely. Avoid products that

leave build-up on your hair. If you see white gunk, that means

that your product is not water-soluble and may be coating your

hair shaft. Build-up causes limpness, breakage and inability to

curl not to mention the white flakes.

10. Did you know that if you use a towel after your shower to

dry your hair you are causing split ends and adding static

electricity to your hair. Don’t rub the towel back and forth

over your hair, scrunch the towel around your hair like your

would scrunch crackers in your soup.

While all of these tips won’t make you look like you’ve hired a

personal hairdresser, they will help you look the very best that

you can each and every day. When it comes to hair care, remember

that you wear your hair everyday. Now isn’t it worth the time,

effort and money that it takes to keep it looking spectacular?