Taking care of your hair requires more than just washing it with the right shampoo, but it isn’t complicated. If you take the time to learn a few rules of hair care, you should have healthier, thicker hair in no time. The better your hair looks, the more confident you’ll feel, so take the time to learn about hair care today.

Never use a brush on wet hair. Brushing pulls the hair shaft causing it to break. Always use a wide-toothed comb on freshly washed hair to avoid breakage and stress to your hair. Combining the use of a wide-toothed comb with a leave-in conditioner will keep hair healthy and give it an enviable sheen.

Are you aware that conditioner should never be applied to the roots of your hair? This is because it can make them too heavy and weigh them down, causing a flat look. Only add the conditioner to your hair from mid-length down to the bottom of its ends for best results.

Your lifestyle influences the way your hair looks. Being stressed, not getting enough sleep or smoking tobacco means your hair will not look good. You also need to maintain a balanced diet so that your hair gets all the vitamins and nutrients it needs. Get rid of your bad habits and you should see a difference!

After shampooing your hair you should always rinse it out the best you can. Even if you think all of the shampoo is out of your hair you should rinse it out again. Shampoo residue can cause build up and dry out your hair and scalp that can cause dandruff.

If you have dry hair, or just don’t want to have dry hair in the future, then you want to avoid using any hair care products that contain alcohol. This is because the alcohol can make your hair even more dry. This can make your hair very brittle and easily breakable.

To get the best looking hair possible, consider using a leave-in conditioner. These conditioners give you the amazing effects that you typically associate with normal conditioner, but the effects last all day long! You’ll find leave-in conditioners at your local drug store or salon, in either, lotion or spray-on form.

Buy the correct shampoo and conditioner. Only buy the type of shampoo and conditioner that is suitable for your hair type. This isn’t necessarily the most expensive brand! Also, don’t wash it too often or you will strip the natural oils from your hair. A good rule of thumb is every other day for oily or normal hair, and twice weekly for dry hair.

Avoid blow-drying your hair after your shampoo. Extreme heat can damage your hair shaft and cause your hair to dry out. Brittle hair will break easily. Instead, after you shampoo, dry your hair gently with a soft towel, and allow your hair to air dry naturally. This will help your hair to retain its natural oils.

Use leave in conditioner on your hair on a regular basis. This is particularly useful for those who have dry and brittle hair. Using a leave in conditioner is equivalent to using a daily moisturizer on the face. It will help keep your hair healthy and replenished and prevent damage.

When you shampoo, you should take particular care not to remove, or strip, the vital and natural oils from your hair. Even if you’re hair is oily and you use a harsh shampoo, it can remove all of your hair’s oil, making it oilier. Instead, look for a shampoo that cleanses your hair gently. Some people even wash their hair with only conditioner once or twice each week.

You must drink lots of water to have the healthiest hair possible. Water not only hydrates your body, it also hydrates your hair. Drinking plenty of water makes sure that your hair is hydrated, which leads to less frizzy days! As a goal, always try to drink about eight glasses of water every day.

Prior to putting on shampoo, get your hair very wet. This will help your hair stay protected, as the washing process takes place. In addition, aim to apply about a quarter-size dab of shampoo onto your head, rubbing it in your hands before putting it on your hair. Too much shampoo could make your hair look drab and lifeless.

Never use hot water on your hair. Water that is too hot can dry out even the healthiest hair, leaving it dull and lifeless. Instead, rinse with cool water after you clean your hair. Not only is the temperature easier on your locks, it will tighten up the cuticle of the hair, helping to enhance shine.

To have the healthiest hair possible, stay away from exposing it to harsh chemicals. This includes exposure to hair-relaxing solutions (often lye-based), heat-styling products, alcohol based products, and even the chlorine in swimming pools. With prolonged exposures, these chemicals can really take the shine right out of your hair.

If product buildup is a problem, then a little baking powder might be a great solution. With all the fancy gels, mousses and sprays that have been created for trendy styles, it is easy for product buildup to take over and diminish the effectiveness of your shampoo. Just add a tablespoon of any brand of baking soda to your favorite shampoo and rinse the residue down your drain. Once a week should be all that it takes to keep your hair fresh and clean.

Although there is no permanent solution for split ends, products are available that can temporarily minimize the problem. These products work by “gluing” split ends back together. Always keep in mind that this is a temporary solution and using these products frequently will not cure split ends. It can even cause additional damage to the hair.

Now that you’ve read this article, don’t you agree that it was important to take the time to do so? Hopefully, you have a better understanding of what you need to do to take care of your hair at the moment. Now just apply the advice you read so that your hair can reach its potential.