Five Secrets for Avoiding Bad Hair Days

Taking care of your hair is important. After all, how many of us just cringe when we are having a bad hair day? These practical tips will help keep the bad hair days at bay, while improving the condition of your hair!

Mistake # 1 - Ripping the brush through your mangled hair in a hurry.

Have you ever took a brush from the top of your head and yanked it straight through to the bottom while actually hearing your "knots" snap? Well, this is a major reason for fly aways, slip ends, and frizzy hair. Instead, work from the bottom up, if your hair is mangled. Then once everything is out, proceed to brush from top to bottom to evenly distribute natural oils from your scalp to give your hair added shine.

Mistake # 2 - Always using the "high" setting.

There are those of us who have thick hair and need the high setting. That's what it is there for. However, if you are like me, and have relatively thin hair, the high setting can scorch your hair. Whether on your curling iron, blow dryer, flat iron, or any other styling tool, opt for medium. If you have just a Hi/Low setting, then try the low first. If it is too low, then proceed with high, just be watchful not to let it on your hair too long.

Mistake # 3 - Not applying product before styling.

When I was in cosmetology, we were told it is vital to always have a "barrier" between your hair and the stying instrument. All too often, we apply styling products after our hair has been styled. This is actually backwards. You should always put some kind of barrier on your hair before you do anything to it. Whether it's a spray on conditioner, mouse, gel, or shine oil. Doing this will actually accomplish two things. One, it will protect your hair, because the first thing your styling tool "burns" is the product, not your hair! And if that were not important enough, adding product to your hair first, assists the styling tool to allow it to better do it's job.

Mistake # 4 - Conditioner over load.

I had a friend who would literally use a full handful of conditioner every time she washed her hair. Now, to her defense, she had really thick frizzy hair. However, all that conditioner adds in dulling your hair. It also can make hair limp, greasy and EVEN make it more difficult to style because the products do not adhere to the hair follicle as well.

To fix this common error, buy a conditioner made specifically for your hair type. You may also find that spending a little more on a salon recommended product may be worth it. First off, you won't go through a bottle a week, and secondly, it is more concentrated and better formulated to deal with your personal hair type. You may also find adding a few spritz of leave in conditioner minimize your conditioner usage.

In addition to that, be sure you are giving your hair conditioning treatments. Again find one specifically for your hair type, and use it every 1-2 weeks.

Mistake # 5 - Forgetting to get a trim.

Our hair needs to be trimmed every 6-8 weeks. If your style is growing out, you probably have already waited too long. It is important to get your hair trimmed often to prevent split ends. Also, your hair tends to be much more cooperative when it's cut is maintained, meaning you will struggle with it less. Once split ends begin, they begin to work their way up. Meaning, the next time you get a trim, you may still be left with split or dead ends. Again, this also creates flyways and frizzy hair, so it's best to nip it in the bud!

Applying these tips to your hair care routine will greatly improve the condition of your hair, and allow you to maintain healthy manageable hair.