10 Great Hair Care Tips

Darla Di Grandi-Aguilera

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?

About The Author: By Darla Di Grandi-Aguilera, Founder of
Hi-Lites Aveda Palm Springs Salon & Spa http://www.HLspa.com