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Unfortunately, there are no "cures" for dry, damaged hair, short of chopping it off. Once the damage is done, it's done. However, there are several things you can do to help you hair LOOK healthier and shinier and to prevent further damage.

-Use a good conditioner everyday. Salon quality products are definitely ideal - watch for sales at your salon, such as "buy one, get one" and stock up on your favorite products when they're cheap. If you don't have the money to spend on salon quality products, many store-bought brands will do just fine. When selecting a conditioner, always choose one that is formulated specifically for dry/damaged or color-treated hair. They have extra moisturizing ingredients that will help minimize the look of split ends and hopefully prevent future damage.

-Use a deep conditioner once a week. Most store-bought lines now offer a deep conditioner, meant to be used 1-2 times per week to really give your hair that extra loving care. Your stylist could also recommend a quality deep conditioner.

-Get haircuts regularly. In order to keep your hair looking healthy and shiny, you should get your hair trimmed every few months, even if you're trying to grow it out. Hair is most dry and damaged on the ends, because it is the oldest hair and has endured the most wear and tear. Cutting of just the ends on a regular basis will do wonders for the look and feel of your hair.

If your hair is long and severely damaged, you may want to consider cutting several inches off in addition to using conditioning treatments. Cutting it off is the only way to really eliminate dry hair. From that point on, you can start taking better care of your tresses and grow out a healthier head of hair.

-Avoid further damage. Whenever possible, let your hair air-dry and style it with your hands. Natural, wavy and disheveled looks are in these days, so give your hair a break. Blow dryers, straightening irons, hot rollers and curling irons are extremely damaging to your hair. If you use a straightening iron often, buy a high-quality ceramic one from your stylist - they are supposed to be less damaging and straighten your hair faster and more efficiently, leaving it smooth and shiny. Expect to spend around $100 for a decent iron - it might sound like a lot, but it's worth it for the time and damage it will save you.

When it's necessary that you heat-style your hair, first gently remove excess water with a towel and then let it air dry for 5-10 minutes before taking a blow-dryer to it. It's also a smart idea to use a heat-protective spray before you blow-dry. After straightening or curling, use a shine serum or spray to help it appear healthier.

Avoid dying your hair too often and use semi-permanent dyes, which are less drying. Avoid having multiple hair treatments done at once, such as a dye job and perm or chemical straightening and highlights. Just one of these treatments will dry out your hair considerably. Getting two within a period of six months or so can damage your hair so much that it might start falling out!

When it comes to your appearance, your hair is like anything else. If you want it to look good, you have to take good care of it.

Learn more about this author, Marie Gerber.
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