What to avoid for good hair care

What you need to do to keep your hair healthy, shiny and strong

If the amount of money consumers spend on hair care products each year is any indication, most people are concerned with the appearance of their hair and strive to achieve beautiful, healthy, stylish curls. In fact, most will do anything to get the look they want. From professional salon treatments to over-the-counter serums, hair care is big business.

The only problem is that while many people buy the right hair care products for their hair, they forget to follow basic hair care regimens that will ensure the health and beauty of their tresses. In addition, many of them unnecessarily damage their hair by engaging in unhealthy hair care behaviors.

So, what should you do to ensure that your hair stays healthy, shiny and strong?

To avoid all the hair care disasters, follow these 10 things you shouldn't do for good hair care.

Hair care don'ts

1. Avoid unprofessional and over-the-counter hair care products as much as possible. Many of them offer only false hope and promises. Choose a vitamin-rich product that can give you healthier-looking hair.

2. Don't cut your own bangs. Leave all your hair cutting needs, even bangs, to your hair care professional.

3. Avoid excessive sun, chlorine and salt water during the summer months. Excessive exposure can cause serious and irreversible damage, even if you use the best hair care products.

4. Don't use clarifying hair care products on your tresses more than once a week. They can strip hair of its moisture and essential oils.

5. Don't visit a hair salon without being recommended by someone you trust. It is very risky to choose a salon based solely on an advertisement or sale.

6. Don't buy hair dye that comes in a box.

7. Never stick to an old-fashioned look because you are afraid to look different. Styles change for a reason. Ask your hairdresser to bring you into this decade with a new style.

8. Don't straighten your hair with an iron.

9. Don't brush your hair or put too much tension on it while it's still wet. This will cause breakage. Also, don't wear tight hairstyles, like braids, for long periods of time unless you have ethnic hair.

10. Never use lightening products like lemon juice or over-the-counter hair care products designed to lighten hair in the sun, unless you want a very short haircut in the future.

Ultimately, hair care is a very individual and personal thing. Feel free to add your own style to your hair care routine, but remember to include hair care principles that will benefit your hair and avoid those that damage it.