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Some people have reported longer hair after reducing the amount they wash with shampoo and conditioner. Consider washing your hair every 2-3 days. On no-wash days, wear a shower cap when you shower and use dry shampoo to help keep oil controlled. If your hair tangles easily, you may need to wash more frequently. Using conditioner daily or every other day can help keep away tangles that may otherwise cause breakage. Damage often starts at the ends of your hair and moves upward toward the roots. Getting regular trims stops damage in its tracks, preserving your locks for the long-haul. See your stylist every 2-3 months and ask them to cut off no more than 0.5 in (13 mm) from your ends to keep the damage from spreading.  If your hair gets damaged unexpectedly by an accident with a hot tool or a chemical treatment, see your stylist as soon as possible. If you don’t have the time or the money for regular salon appointments, you can also try to trim your hair yourself. Try to get a good pair of hair shears if you choose to do this. They make a huge difference. Deep conditioning treatments can help protect your strands and keep tangles away. Look for a hair mask that is formulated for your hair type (e.g., thick, thin, curly, dry, color-treated, etc.). Ask your stylist for help picking the right product for you if you are unsure what will work for you.  Apply the mask to your hair after you shampoo, and leave it on for the amount of time recommended on the packaging. Some masks may take 3-5 minutes, while others may take 10-15. Then, rinse your mask out in the shower. You can find hair masks at most cosmetics and beauty supplies stores, as well as at many pharmacies and drug stores. Brushing can encourage breakage and pull on healthy hairs, so reduce the amount you brush as much as possible. Try to brush only to get tangles out after showers or when styling your hair. When you do brush your hair, make sure to use the right brush. A wide-toothed comb or shower comb works well on both wet and dry hair to remove tangles without pulling too much. Boar-bristle brushes also work well, but are best suited for dry hair. Heat damages your locks from cuticle to tip. That’s why it’s best to stay away from hot tools as much as possible. This includes blow dryers, flat irons, curling irons, hot brushes, crimpers, and hot rollers.  If you must blow dry your hair, use the low setting and stick to your ends. Use a thermal spray if you absolutely must use a hot tool on your hair. Hold the spray arms-distance away from your head and mist your hair before using the hot tool. Certain materials such as terry cloth can be damaging to wet hair. Avoid using terry cloth towels to dry your hair. Instead, allow it to air dry as often as you can. If you need to soak up extra water out of the shower, try using a microfiber towel. Never wrap it and leave it on top of your head. Instead, lightly squeeze out the excess water. Treatments such as coloring, highlighting, perming, chemically straightening, and lightening your hair all cause damage. If you want to grow long, luscious locks, you will need to cut all of these out of your routine. If you already have colored or chemically treated hair, talk to your stylist about how to best transition your style. Many hairdos and styles are hard on your scalps and strands. Styles that pull your hair tight, like high or slick ponytails and certain types of braids, encourage breakage. Avoid damage by wearing your hair down or in loose styles like low ponytails and messy buns as much as possible. Extensions may look pretty at the moment, but your hair may be worse off when you take them out. Try to avoid these styles whenever possible, or use clip in hair extensions to reduce the chances that they will damage your hair.
Wash your hair 3-4 times a week. Get a trim every 8-12 weeks. Use a weekly deep conditioning mask for a dose of hydration. Minimize the amount you brush your hair. Limit your use of hot styling tools. Avoid terry cloth and use a microfiber towel on wet hair. Skip harsh chemical treatments to prevent damage. Opt for loose hairstyles like low ponytails or messy buns.