1

Comb carefully using a wide tooth comb. Always start from the ends of your hair first; never comb straight down from the roots. Avoid using brushes, as they will only make your hair frizzy. Lastly, avoid combing your hair everyday; detangle it when necessary with your fingers. Excessive combing will break your hair off.

• Make sure your hair is slightly damp before you detangle. Hair is very vulnerable when wet, so if you just washed it, let it dry a little first.

2

Consider using a comb attachment when blow-drying your hair. Let your hair air-dry a little first, then gently blow dry your hair using a comb attachment. With will reduce the amount of pulling and tugging, which can lead to breakage.

• Instead of air drying, you can also sit under a dryer.

3

Avoid heat styling when possible, and use a lower temperature and a heat protect-ant spray when you do.  Add the spray to your hair while it is still wet; this will help make it more effective. When styling your hair, hold the curling iron or flat iron slightly open while passing it over your hair. This way, you will avoid tugging and pulling your hair, which can lead to breakage Try to limit heat styling to two times a month maximum.

• Try to use the lowest temperature possible, and avoid going too hot. Heat protect-ant sprays can only do so much.
• Opt for ceramic flat irons over metal ones. They will be gentler on your hair.
• Heat protect-ants come in many forms, other than sprays, including: shampoo, conditioners, creams, and serums.

4

Avoid using high-stress hairstyles for long periods of time. Tight ponytails and tight braids can look chic, but they also put a lot of stress on your hair and scalp. Overtime, they can create crimps and breakage in hair. They can also stress the hair follicles, and cause thinning along the hairline.

• Braids, cornrows, and weaves should not hurt. If they start to hurt, they are too tight, and are damaging your hair.
• Avoid using rubber bands when styling your hair, as they can cause tears and breakage. Instead, use a ponytail holder without a metal clip.

5

Choose sewn-in weaves over glued-in weaves. They are much better at protecting your natural hair against heat styling and outdoor elements. Glued-in weaves can rip out your natural hair upon removal, thus damaging it.

• If you are using a weave, visit your stylist every 2 to 3 weeks to ensure that it stays tight. A loose weave can tug on your hair and damage it.
• Change your weave every 1½ and 3 months.
• Let your hair rest for a few weeks after two consecutive weaves.

6

Use caution when relaxing your hair, and only do it once every 2 to 3 months. Try to get your hair relaxed professionally. If you do it at home, read the instructions carefully to prevent any damage. You should only apply relaxer to new growth, and never to hair that has already been relaxed. If you apply relaxer to previously relaxed hair, you will over-process it and damage it. Also, never leave the relaxer on the hair too long; this will cause serious damage and possible hair loss.

• When relaxing your hair, some natural oil, like olive oil, to previously relaxed hair. This way, you won't accidentally over-process it.
• Some stylists will recommend a touch-up every 6 weeks; that unnecessary, and actually very bad for your hair. You should get a touch-up every 2 to 3 months.
• Look at the ingredients: if it has too many long chemical names, try to stay away from it.

7

Let your hair go natural every once in a while for a few weeks. This is especially important if you are using high-stress hairstyles, such as weaves, cornrows, and braids. While fashionable, these styles put a lot of strain on your hair. Let your hair go natural for a week or two in between styles so that it can relax.

• If you must do something with your hair, consider wrapping a scarf or headband around it, or adding in a cute hair clip.