10 top tips to Healthy Hair

There is no such thing as over conditioning your hair. Limp,dull and even greasy hair can occur as a result of using the wrong conditioner, too much of it or not rinsing properly.

Keep conditioners away from the scalp- they are formulated for hair. Long hair in particular needs extra TLC due to the ends being the oldest part of the hair, so use a protein and hydrating treatments on long hair for strength and moisture. For a more intensive treatment- after appyling treatment, comb through gently from ends to roots, pin up your hair and wrap your hair with glad wrap and/or shower cap, then leave in for up to 15mins then rinse well. Fine hair- Cream conditoners can leave fine hair limp, oily, life-less and unmanageable. A light leave-in conditioner/treatment sprayed on the ends and away from the scalp is best to condition and detangle. 

Brushing your hair when wet can cause breakage, resulting in damaged and weakened hair. Hair is extremely delicate when wet, so be gentle, especially for those of you who enjoy colouring/perming/straightening their hair, who also perhaps may already have chemically damaged hair.

Prevent tangles while you sleep by brushing before you go to bed and using satin pillow cases, these provide the best protection from frizz and tangles while sleeping. Brush your hair before you shampoo- the natural oils from your scalp is a natural conditioner which means food for the ends of your hair. Brushing will also stimulate your scalp and encourage circulation and hair growth.

Always use a wide tooth comb in the shower after applying the conditioner/treatment or after applying a leave-in condioner/treatment detangling spray. Most importantly always comb from the ends up to the roots, this reduces tangles and knots. Rinsing your hair with cold water seals the cuticle of the hair resulting in smooth, shiney,glossy hair. This also makes it easier to glide the comb through, giving you  tangle free hair quicker.

You absolutely can NOT heal split ends- The only way to get rid of them is to cut them off. Take note- It's worth doing this before they get out of control and travel too far up the hair shaft- that way you'll only have to have the minimum amount of hair cut off. After you have cut them off, it's best you use the correct products and maintain your regular 6-8 week trims to prevent them coming back.

Never over blow-dry or straighten your hair- damage is created when it's excessively blow-dried over already dry hair. Just learn when to stop. Use products that have thermal/heat protection which can be applied to wet or dry hair. When blow-drying hold the dryer at least 3inches away, too close can result in burnt/fried/frizzeled hair, especially if you choose to use a straightener after blow-drying.

Healthy hair should stretch a third of it's length before it breaks. If you find yours doesn't, you need to use products to restore strength, moisture and elasticity.

Grey hair generally isn't coarse- It's usally finer due to hair becoming progressively thinner in diameter after the age of 30. It may appear to be coarser because grey hair is drier, giving the impression of coarseness. Use moisturising products and a silver shampoo to prevent unwanted yellow tones. 

Sun,Swim and Weather protection- Sun, Chlorine/salt water and wind are elements that contribute to hair damage. Chlorine/salt water leaves the cuticle of the hair open, like shampoo if you don't condition it, leaving it exposed to the elements resulting in colour fade, dryness and split ends. The most effective way to protect your hair is using olive oil, this will act to repel against the dreaded unwanted, unattractive yellow/green tinge. Alternatively use a bathing cape over the top of the oil coated hair. Immediately after swimming rinse and shampoo with a deep cleansing shampoo. If you need something stronger add a teaspoon of bicarb soda with the shampoo and mix it together in your hand first then apply evenly through the effected area, then wrap your hair with clear glad wrap and leave in up to 15minutes. The heat from your scalp will help the removal process. Please note: if you have coloured hair you will find this process will strip and fade your colour. Remember to use protein/moisture treatments and most importantly UV protection products, not forgetting a hat when outdoors. Be sure to save your hair and do your best to use the preventative methods, especially if your are a regular swimmer. Once the  yellow/green colour builds up in your hair and the above methods haven't worked, unfortunately the next best thing is to cut it out by considering a new style cut.