Keeping my hair healthy is a priority for me so I figured everyone would appreciate this short list of easy ways I maintain the health of my hair! No one likes to have hair that looks like it’s been put through the ringer—I know this for a fact. So here are a few ways that our different types of hair can be protected!

1. Get a haircut every three to six months—it varies for everyone. Some people need it more often and some don’t need it as often.

2. Don’t put too many chemicals in your hair—limit yourself to two per year if you can. Chemicals harm your hair hardcore, so be careful about what you do to your hair.

3. Use shampoo that works for your hair! Ask yourself, “Does this dry my hair out? Is it still too oily after washing?”

4. Do not use too much conditioner for your hair. If a smaller amount works better for your hair, then use a smaller amount. There is no reason to use a lot when a little will do.

5. Don’t wash your hair too often—obviously don’t keep it nasty and oily for a week, but stave off washing it every day if you can. (Some hair types don’t allow for this practice, but hey! Dry shampoo? Eh?)

6. You need to use a deep conditioner at least every once in a while—your hair will behave better if you pamper it and protect it from damage.

7. Switch up your shampoo and conditioner! Just like your body gets used to medication, your hair gets used to shampoo and conditioner, so don’t keep using the same brand from when you were in high school with no intermission!

8. When using heated tools, start out at 300 degrees and if that works for your hair, keep it there. If it doesn’t work, move up gradually from there. Do not start at the hottest setting.

9. After washing your hair do not roughly towel dry—be gentle when towel drying and your hair will thank you.

10. Comb through wet hair and brush through dry hair. It is no good to yank tangles out of your hair with a brush when it is wet—this is when your hair is the weakest it could possibly be.

11. Think happy thoughts (and eat healthy too!). The happier you are, the healthier your hair will be. (No lie!)