10 Tips For Making Your Salon Hair Last.

If you watch the tabloids, you know that even the stars have bad hair days. It just seems that when 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 professional shampoo and conditioner formulated for your specific hair and scalp type. Look for products in salons that are customized for your hair type. Your hairstylist is always happy to help you choose the right combination for your hair needs. Stay away from those all-in-one shampoo and conditioner combos along with the new shampoo bars.

2. Sometimes you need more than one shampoo in your shower. How often you wash your hair, and/or how oily your scalp is, you may need to add a treatment shampoo along with your "daily" shampoo. Though there is no "one size fits all" for how often you shampoo just remember that proper regular cleansing of the scalp promotes a healthy environment for your hair to grow.

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 that block UV rays. Heat protectants are not just for those who blow dry and use hot tools on their hair. Most leave-in conditioning sprays contain a UV protectant.

4. Do add on a hair detox at your next service. Many of us have a build-up on our hair and scalp from various things like our water, styling products, natural scalp oils, dandruff, etc. Doing a hair detox 2-3 times a year helps reduce the build-up; leaving a perfect pallet for hair to grow and making it easier for your stylist to get a cleaner blonde, more vibrant red, and richer browns.

5. Keep your appointments. Did you know that your hair will split faster than it will grow? Hair grows on average about 1/2" every month, which means in 8 weeks if you take a 1/4" trim you still have advanced by 3/4". If you feel your hair isn't growing try going in for trims more often, it's very possible your hair is actually breaking.

6. Choose a cut tailored to your face and body shape. The number one mistake people make when choosing a new hairstyle is picking 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. Choose a full-bodied cut over a close-cropped head-hugging doo if you have broad shoulders. And for heaven's sake, a middle part is not good for everyone.

7. 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. Plus just the right placement of dark and light in your hair can also enhance or detract from your facial features.

8. Leave chemicals to the professionals. There is a reason why hairstylists need to go to school to learn how to handle chemicals and process hair. 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 choose the wrong product leaving an undesirable look, and pay a stylist big bucks to fix your mess. (Note: Most stylists charge double or triple the rate for corrective color than they do for normal color processes)

9. Understand what your hair and your talents are capable of. Do not choose styles and looks that go beyond what you are willing to upkeep or what your hair can handle. If a stylist tells you, you shouldn't do something they are usually right. Also, understand your time and budget. High-maintenance hair requires coming in for frequent and long salon visits and is rarely wash-and-wear.

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? Purchase a microfiber hair turban and allow your hair to dry for a bit in the turban before letting it out. If you feel you need a little extra help do a scrunch instead of a rub. Or you can also try the curly girl method of drying your hair in a cotton t-shirt.

Bonus Tip! You wouldn't purchase a Ferrari without insuring it. When your stylist gives you product recommendations and a maintenance schedule he/she is giving you the insurance for your hair that you just paid for. When it comes to hair care, remember that you wear your hair every day. Now isn't it worth the time, effort, and money that it takes to keep it looking spectacular?