Keep those luscious locks looking healthy with these tips

You probably take good care of your skin, but your hair may not be getting the attention it deserves. Healthy, shiny hair rarely occurs naturally. Most of us have to work extra hard to keep our hair in good shape. If your locks are long, they're especially prone to breakage due to washing, brushing and styling.
The following recommendations will help keep your luscious locks in tiptop shape. Frequent visits to your stylist may not always be possible, so learn how to minimize damage from split ends, condition your scalp and hair, and prevent heat damage when using styling tools.
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Trim split ends
When you can't make it to the salon in a timely manner, split ends can become a problem. While the split might occur at the end of the strand, it can cause further damage to your hair if allowed to split further. To avoid breakage higher up the strand, wrap a small section of hair around your finger, and trim off any small hairs pieces of hair that stick up.
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Comb hair before you wash it
Wet hair is more prone to breakage, and lathering up your locks when they're tangled will only make matters worse. Before washing your hair, carefully comb through it with a wide-tooth comb. By eliminating tangles before washing, you'll be less likely to cause damage in the shower.
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Don't forget to nourish your scalp
Massaging oil into your scalp not only helps increase blood circulation, but it also feels amazing. If you suffer from dry scalp, try massaging coconut oil into your scalp two or three times a week. Leave the oil on for a few hours, then shampoo your hair. The oil boosts the hair's moisture content and increases its shine.
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Use coconut oil as a nighttime treatment
Night is the ideal time to intensely condition your hair, because you don't have to watch the clock or do anything else while your treatment works its magic. Before bed, apply coconut oil to dry hair, and gently work the product down to the ends. Cover your head with a shower cap or put a towel on your pillow, so the oil won't ruin your sheets. In the morning, shampoo normally, and your hair will feel softer and smoother overall.
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Use conditioner correctly
If your scalp feels dry, you might be tempted to use regular hair conditioner on it. Don't! Rinse-out conditioner is intended to treat the ends of your hair, not your scalp. After washing your hair, use conditioner on the lower two-thirds of the hair only. Be sure to rinse the conditioner out thoroughly when you're done showering.
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Use a soft scrunchy when sleeping with your hair pulled back
Waking up with tangled locks is a real drag, but sleeping with your hair in a regular hair elastic will cause breakage. If you want to keep your hair in good condition while also pulling it back at night, use a soft fabric scrunchy instead. It will do the job without creating friction on your hair if you toss and turn while you sleep.
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Use a heat protecting product before blow drying
Hot tools are notorious for causing breakage, but they're tough to live without. If you love your blow-dryer, invest in a good heat protection product to prevent the keratin from breaking down due to heat damage. Most heat protectants contain dimethicone, a type of silicone that seals the hair cuticle. When applied to wet hair, these products keep it smooth and protected from the blow-dryer’s heat.
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Stay pretty!
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