We asked followers of the BuzzFeed Community to tell us their best tips for maintaining healthy hair. Here are their suggestions.
1. Pre-shampoo with apple cider vinegar.
"It can be applied as a pre-shampoo treatment to help break up product residue and also as a post-shampoo rinse for added shine." — Destinee Hanson-Miller
2. Only shampoo from your roots to the mid-shafts of your hair.
"When you rinse it out it'll cleanse the rest of the hair shaft." — Alexandria Anderson
3. Avoid silicones, sulfates, and alcohols in your shampoo and conditioner.
Sulfates strip your hair of natural oils, drying out your hair. Silicones coat your hair and weigh it down. Alcohols also weigh down your hair. Look for shampoos and conditioners that say "sulfate- and silicone-free."
Suggested by Malin Skøld
4. Try not to brush your hair when it's wet.
It's one of the biggest causes of hair breakage.
Suggested by Melody Baker
5. Honey is your friend.
"Honey is great for hair, it moisturizes and has antibacterial properties that help with scalp conditions like dandruff. And it won't leave hair a sticky mess as it is very water soluble." — maryf40ec11937
6. Rinse and condition in cold water.
Cold water helps seal in moisture and shine. Rinse and condition in cold water to help lock in conditioning agents.
Suggested by nataliec4fa49b5fe
7. Coconut oil also helps retain moisture.
If your hair is extremely dry, try using coconut oil on the ends. It's a good daily moisturizer and if used sparingly, it's pretty much non-greasy.
Suggested by Safina
8. Sleep on a silk pillowcase.
Silk pillowcases are softer on the hair when you're tossing and turning at night, so they prevent breakage and moisture loss.
Suggested by Lisa Evans
9. Back away from the heating tools.
Heat styling tools can dry out and fry your hair, which can lead to split ends, breakage, and overall damage. If you're going to style your hair with a hot tool, make sure you use a heat protectant spray first.
Suggested by allisonf29
10. If you swim a lot, condition your hair BEFORE getting in.
Avoid damage by wetting your hair and conditioning beforehand. Your hair will absorb the clean water and conditioner instead of the chlorine.
Suggested by Lara Long
11. Olive oil, grape seed oil, and avocado make great hair masks.
"At least once a week, I put on a movie and 'make' my husband put on face masks and hair masks with me. Hair masks are usually some combination of olive oil or grape seed oil, avocado, and one of a massive assortment of moisturizing conditioners I have on hand." — Meredith Blair
12. DON'T wash everyday.
"Washing it every day dries it out and strips too much of your natural oils. Give your hair a rest and skip washing." — tasham493206612
13. Don't wrap your hair in a towel after washing; use a T-shirt.
A T-shirt is lightweight enough to soak up some of the moisture and it won't lead to the frizz that a terrycloth towel can cause. You should also make sure to squeeze excess water out of your hair — not rub it dry — because that causes frizz and breakage.
Suggested by maddiea4bac907f0
14. Taking Hair, Skin, and Nail vitamins won't hurt.
Supplements like this help promote healthy hair, but it's not proven that they will make hair grow faster. They simply make your hair stronger.
Suggested by meghank44a13e994
15. Of course, eating right also helps!
"Lots of leafy greens and healthy fats make for shiny, flowing locks. Combining a good diet with only washing twice a week has given me consistent good hair days for years! All hail kale!" — Habibi372