Reduce Damage Using Hot Hair Tools

Getting gorgeous hair often means using hot tools like blow dryers, straightening irons, and hot rollers. However, the daily wear and tear on your tresses can be extreme, resulting dry, lifeless looking hair. It is best to play it safe before and while styling your hair. Be proactive--fixing damaged hair is much more difficult than preventing it. Take action today so you can show off a head full of swing-worthy, shiny hair.

Replace Hair Wreckers

Remember the big, metal rollers that your Mom used to set her hair? I do! While Mom was the epitome of style, those rollers caused a lot of pain and hair damage. Today you have choices; you don't have to sacrifice style for hair health. Look for products with these protective coatings.

• Ceramic
• Teflon
• Velvet

These protected products curl and straighten without causing permanent problems. Go for the upgrade--toss out your old products and provide your hair needed relief.

Spray Before Styling

Hair protecting sprays shield sensitive hair follicles from heat. Once those follicles dry out and break you'll see fuzzy strands appear. Stop the fuzz before it happens. Spray the ends of clean, dry hair before using heated products. For the best results, look for protecting sprays or serums that do not contain alcohol. Alcohol has a natural drying effect on hair and skin.

Diffuse the Heat

When you want a curly look, try a diffuser. Diffusers channel the dryer's heat, protecting the hair some from direct exposure. This small step can pay big hair dividends.

Weekly Treatments

Once or even twice a week, deep condition your hair. All the styling, spraying and brushing will weaken your "do." Strengthen it at the follicular level with hair mask, hot oil treatments, or powerful conditioners. Of course, you don't want to a greasy scalp so treat the ends of the hair, not the hair near the head.

Invest in Vitamins

According to reviewers on WebMD, taking biotin and niacin improves the look of your hair and the texture. Take vitamins that include these two components. This will make the hair and body stronger.

The Right Brush

How often do you replace your brushes and combs? It's true that we all have our favorites but over time, you'll need to replace them. Try a boar bristle paddle brush for smooth looking locks. Ditch the vent brush, plastic combs and brushes with plastic bristles.