Sometimes, it is vital to use styling products to get the look that you want, but do not overuse gels or creams on your hair. Excessive use can strip your hair of its natural ingredients and cause build up which does not look attractive. Limit your use of products for optimal hair health.

Styling tools that use heat also do the most damage. So, before using any heated appliance, be sure to apply some kind of a styling product to help protect your hair follicles. These products will protect your hair against strong heat that you apply to your hair.

Do not forget sun protection for your hair. Over-exposure to UV rays can dry out the natural oils in your hair, leaving your hair dull, brittle, and unattractive. Be sure to wear a hat when you plan to spend a length of time in the sun. This will protect your face and your hair.

When you are drying from the shower, be gentle on your wet hair. Using a heavy hand can promote breakage of the hair. Rather, gently squeeze excess water from the hair. Next, pat your hair dry with a towel. Also, try to use a towel that is softer, rather than rougher.

Ensure that you buy shampoos and stack developers conditioners that are made specifically for your hair type. This will ensure that you will be getting the most out of your hair cleaning products and not weighing it down with heavier products, if you do not need them. Your hair will thank you!

Don't become too loyal to one brand of conditioner or shampoo. One brand might have something new and different to offer your hair. You might find that one brand helps your scalp, while another helps it stay straight and smooth.

Try using a leave-in-conditioner. It will give you a nice soft feel to your hair all day long. It is the equivalent of moisturizing your skin. Leave-in-moisturizers will protect your hair from any harmful sun rays or dirt or debris you may come across every day.

If you value your hair color, wear a swimming cap before jumping into a chlorinated pool. Chlorine causes hard metals, present in all water in various concentrations, to oxidize, and that in turn can add a green tinge to any hair color. Applying a coat of conditioner before swimming can help, but most public pools frown on that practice. Stick to swimming in lakes and ponds to keep hair from looking like it belongs on a Martian.

Whether your hair is long or stack developer short, curly or straight, you need to know how to take care of it properly so it can look at its best. To take care of your hair, you really need information more than you need expensive products. Read on to learn the basics of hair care.

A large amount of brushing only leads to damage. While you think that excessive brushing is a good thing, doing so may damage your hair. Too much brushing of the hair can pull it out by the follicles and damage individual hairs.

Use a soft brush made out of animal hairs instead of plastic. Do not brush your hair when it is wet and always be gentle. You should start at the end of your hair and work your way up as you gently untangle all the knots. Make sure you take your time!

Eat a balanced diet, and make sure you get plenty of exercise. Living a healthy lifestyle has everything to do with the health of your hair. Smoking, not getting enough sleep, and other unhealthy habits are detrimental to the health of your hair. Take good care of yourself, and your hair will follow suit.

Do not roughly dry the hair with a towel. Towel drying can cause your hair to break. Gently squeeze out excess moisture, instead. Once you have removed most of the water you can then gently pat it down with the towel. This will keep your hair strong and healthy by removing the risk of damaging it.

Don't believe everything you hear. While it may be a popular belief that cutting hair will make it grow faster, that is false. However, keeping ends trimmed and free of split ends can make your hair appear longer and fuller. Split ends appear thin and are often difficult to see while healthy ends are thicker, and that volume helps to create the illusion of more length.

Take care of your hair when you are out under the hot summer sun. Sunshine can dry out your hair, and chlorine and salt from the ocean are even more harsh. Wear a hat when outdoors, and rinse your hair with clear water after going in a chlorinated pool or the ocean.

When washing your hair, you should start by rinsing it with water to get most of the impurities out. Then, gently massage the shampoo into your scalp and in the hair. Take your time and make sure all your hair is covered with shampoo. Rinse until all the shampoo is gone.

Coat your hair with a protective conditioner or specially-made hair wax before using heat-styling implements. Heat can dry out your hair over time, causing breakage and split ends. Some hair product manufacturers make special formulations, created for heat styling use. Typically, you just rub or spray a small amount through your hair, right before styling.

Don't believe everything you hear. While it may be a popular belief that cutting hair will make it grow faster, that is false. However, stack developers keeping ends trimmed and free of split ends can make your hair appear longer and fuller. Split ends appear thin and are often difficult to see while healthy ends are thicker, and that volume helps to create the illusion of more length.