1. Crop That Mop: Mom was right. Snip a little off your strands every six to eight weeks to avoid serious split ends. Yeah, you might be trying to grow a glamazon mane, but regular trims keep locks in top-condition so they grow even faster. Scheduled snips get hair looking healthier, too.

2. Careful Conditioning: Your locks look their lushest when they're super-mosturized. Trade your regular conditioner in for a deep conditioner at least once a week. Generously apply to wet locks focusing on the ends to prevent any frays. Let it sit in your hair 3-5 minutes (follow directions on the box to be sure!) and then rinse away!

 

3. Say NO to Straighteners: Psst! It's no secret that daily straightening sabotages your strands. What really does it? All the heat that a flat iron uses to flatten your locks is really damaging. So, limit your use to every couple of days or just date on the weekends. Can't live without sleek strands? Blow dry your hair with a round brush instead.

4. Toodles to Tight Ponies: Sigh. We know you tote your tail everywhere—sports, with a cute ribbon and on bad hair days—but ponying up too much can really stress your strands. Yep, too-tight ponytails, and sporting a tail every day are two ways to cause major breakage. Steer clear of rubber-band pony holders or ones with a metal clasp that will easily snag strands. Pull back your tresses in a cute bun or comb it back in a clip instead.

5. Air It Out: You already heard that hittin' the heat everyday is a bad thing, but so is any sort of styling. ODing your tresses on chemical-filled products like hairspray and gels PLUS daily blow-drying seshes is SO not good. Let your hair air dry at least a couple days a week and love your locks the way they are—stick-straight, cascading curls or wonderfully wavy. Get a serious sitch like frizz? Apply a teensy dollop of serum before you let your strands be. Your hair is amazing and so are you.

6. Super Style: That said, don't be a wash-and-go gal every day. Now's the time to get a li'l wild with your hairstyle. This year try a new cut, wear super-cute hair accessories or finally learn to French braid. Hair impaired? Ask your older sis, mom or friend to help you try new 'dos. Don't be scared to switch it up—how boring would it be if some of your stars never took cool hair dares? Just sayin'!

by Claudia Notarangelo | 2/1/2016