Love Your Locks!!

When I was a Sophomore in College I was diagnosed with alopecia. There are different forms and cases of alopecia some more severe than others, I was luckily not a bad case. But being a 20 year old college student losing her hair, it was the end of the world to me. Ever since then I've read just about every hair care article and have tried everything! I am always ampted up on Biotin (7500 mcg(s) to be exact!), I make sure to eat enough protein, and only straighten my hair on the weekends :) My hair has come a long way, but it is still not 100%. So when I saw the headlines Want Shiny, Healthy Hair? Avoid These 9 Hair Mistakes on MSN yesterday I knew I HAD to read and share!
Mistake #1: Shampooing Daily

I shampoo every other day, some experts will tell you to try and hold off to every third day. Your natural oils are good for your strands. Having curly hair I have to make sure to just wet my hair on the days I dont shampoo or I'll look like a mess! 

Mistake #2: Always Fastening Your Pony in the Same Spot

It is always good to move your ponytail/ bun in different areas of your head so you don't cause some serious breakage.

Mistake #3: Combing Wet Hair from Roots to Ends

This is a very good tip that I just learned. I break my hair up into 3 tiers ends, to mid section, to roots. This prevents pulling and breaking your hair at the top of your head.

Mistake #4: Brushing Your Hair for Shine

All your hair needs is a few strokes. When I think of this I am immediately reminded of the scene from A Little Princess where Sara tells the mean girl of the house if she continues to brush her hair it will all fall out.

Mistake #5: Blow-Drying Hair that is Dripping Wet

 This I DID NOT know. I think I always dry my hair when it is pretty dripping wet! This causes a lot of heat damage, it is suggested that you only blow dry your hair for 20 minutes TOPS. I also use my cooling button on my blow dryer. Every few seconds I blast my roots with some cool air!

Mistake #6: Ignoring Your Scalp

Your scalp needs some lovin' just like the rest of your body! A monthly/ yearly/ whenever you can talk your partner into giving you a massage, dont ignore your head. 1. It feels amazing and 2. it helps stimulate your follicles and promotes hair growth!

Mistake #7: Using the Wrong Brush

Good Housekeeping recommends, the longer your locks, the larger in diameter your brush should be. To create volume, use a round brush; to smooth hair, a paddle shape is best.

Mistake #8: Avoiding Hair Spray

I sometimes avoid hair spray because it does attract bees (and I HATE bees!). BUT it is good for your hair! It locks out humidity, so use as much as you need to keep your due looking fab!

Mistake #9: Masking, not treating dandruff

Dandruff is actually an inflammatory scalp disease unrelated to dryness, says Dr. McMichael in the article. The cure? A shampoo with salicylic acid, zinc, selenium sulfide or tar to eliminate flakes.

Now what are your hair DOs and DONTs?