by Stephanie Parker

Created on: April 06, 2007   Last Updated: May 03, 2007

Hair CPR: 1 2 3 Steps to Happier Healthier Hair

Limp and lifeless locks can get anyone down. That's why it is so important to be trained in giving hair CPR. Sounds ridiculous? Ok. Think of the last time you got a really great cut, only to get home and wash out all the magic. The next morning you think, "it'll be a snap to get back the swanky style I was sporting when I left the hair dresser's", right? Well, without all of their pricey products, special equipment, and lets face it, professional know-how, it might not be as simple as you think. Knowing how to revive your hair with a little CPR doesn't sound so silly anymore does it. Don't worry, with a little know-how of your own, you won't need all of the tools and products they pump you up with at the salon. All you need is your own set of magic fingers.

Hair CPR

C - Curiosity for your hair's sake. You may not be able to afford all of those expensive name-brand styling products... Who can these days? But, you can always afford to know your hair better. This intimate knowledge of what your hair really needs will allow you to choose the right, least inexpensive store-brands for yourself. The next time you visit your stylist ask a few key questions:

1. What would you call this hair type... dry, oily, fine, thick, etc?
2. What was that product you used on my hair the last time? What exactly is it meant to do for my hair?
(if they tell you what it does, you can find a cheaper product later that claims to do the same thing for a specific hair type. you may have to try a few before you find the right one, but once you do you will thank yourself.)
3. What kind of tools are those you use?
(if you figure out what they use, you can buy something similar for less. don't forget to watch how they use it.)

P - Product Prioritizing. Now that you have the know how, you need to know what to and what not to spend your money on. We have already established that you don't have to buy all of the high end, designer label bottles to get the results you want. But, sometimes a little cash well spent goes a long way. The trick is to know what is most important for your hair. Take the things you learned from all of those questions and decide for yourself what your hair needs the most. Everything else can come later, and at a lower price. For example, if your hair's biggest obstacle is its dry course texture, you might want to spend your money on a guaranteed to work, higher end conditioner or moisturizing hair treatment. If you get something you can rely on, ou can spend less on other products and tools to maintain your style. On the other hand, if your hair has the common problem of being ultra limp and fine, try spending that extra money on tried and true volumizers. Then you can save on cheaper brushes and gels.

R - Rest and Relaxation for you hair. Hair needs a break too once in a while. If you truly want the best out of your hair, you can't put it through the works every day and expect perfection. On days when you know you won't be leaving the house, or you plan on only running a few menial errands, don't dress to the nines. Leave your hair down. Wash it out and let it air dry for once. Blow dryers can cause sever damage to your hair if used too much. Pony tail holders, over heating, over brushing, teasing, and all other creative forms of hair torture we come up with can cause irreparable damage to your precious locks. Give them a day off. They deserve it. After all, if you keep them happy and relaxed, its more likely your lovely locks with reward you with many awesome hair days.

Learn more about this author, Stephanie Parker.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.