No matter what type of hair style you wear, your hair will look its best if it is healthy. When you take the time to care for your hair properly, you won't have to worry about spending money on a lot of expensive products to make your hair healthy. There are several things that you can do to make your hair healthier and prevent future damage. Healthy happy hair is within your reach if you pay attention to these tips.

1. Avoid split ends - Split ends can lead to long term damage. They make your hair brittle and more prone to breakage. Contrary to what some products would have you believe, the only way to get rid of split ends is to cut them off. Get your hair trimmed regularly to minimize split ends. You can also reduce split ends and breakage by brushing your hair properly. Don't brush your hair while it's wet, because it's more likely to break off.

2. Find the right kind of shampoo and conditioner for your hair type - Just like your skin, your hair has a specific type. Hair care products are made to restore oils, remove oil build up and care for your hair in other ways. There are also products geared toward dandruff prone hair. If you aren't sure what type of hair you have, there's a simple way to tell where on the spectrum your hair is between dry and oily. If you have to wash your hair each day to prevent it from becoming flat, then your hair is oily. But if you can go several days and your hair still has volume, you're dealing with dry hair. Learn a little about the active ingredients in different shampoo, conditioner and hair care product formulas so you know what will help your hair type.

3. Take a break from using heat - If you're using a hair dryer, curling iron or hair straightener every day, you're setting yourself up for damaged hair. Heated styling tools can make your hair look great, but they don't do a lot for the health of your hair. When you use these tools each day, you are drying your hair out but also creating an oily scalp. The skin on your scalp will produce more oil over time when you apply heat to it each day. Reduce your reliance on heated styling tools and try letting your hair air dry at least partially. The condition of your hair and scalp will improve.

4. Choose semi-permanent color - Coloring your hair can do a lot of damage, especially if you choose permanent color. Semi-permanent color, or demi-gloss, is gentler on the hair shaft. It will wash out over time, but it won't damage your hair. If you regularly color your hair, make sure it's no more than three shades different than your natural color and try out one of the several semi-permanent brands available.

5. Eat right and take your vitamins - Your hair's health depends a lot on what you put into your body. Eating right and taking vitamins is essential to having healthy hair. Your hair is an extension of your body. It's a living and growing part of you, and it benefits when you're getting proper nutrition. There are certain foods that are rich in vitamins that can help your hair's health. Eggs, meats, whole grain products and milk all have ingredients that grow beautiful hair. Try incorporating these foods into your diet to get a healthy, full head of hair.

Make sure that you understand what your hair needs so you can treat it right. Identify your hair type and buy products accordingly. Don't get caught up in the price of the products; just look for the active ingredients for your hair type. Remember to reduce your reliance on heated styling tools and manage split ends. Finally, eat a balance diet full of vitamins and minerals that are good for your hair. If you follow these tips, your hair will look and feel healthy in just a matter of time.