1. Before you wash, brush.
Brushing your hair well before washing will help loosen flakes of dandruff and dirt, and disperse the oils along the hair shaft for easier removal. Be careful if your hair is tangled. To avoid damaging your hair, and the painful pulling of hair, start at the ends and gradually brush closer to the scalp.

2. Wash it often.
A healthy head of hair begins with a healthy scalp. Keeping the hair follicles free of oils and other matter is essential to scalp health. Wash your hair every day, if possible, and never exceed two days before washing. Before applying shampoo, thoroughly wet the hair for a minute or so. Concentrate on cleansing the scalp. not the hair. Rubbing shampoo into the hair shaft can rough up the hair's outer scales, diminishing shine. Be sure to use warm water when washing your hair. Hot water has a softening effect on the scalp, making it easier to pull hairs from their follicles.

3. Rinse well.
The first rule of rinsing hair is, when you think you've rinsed all the shampoo away, rinse for a minute more! The most common cause of dull, lifeless hair is applying conditioner before the shampoo is completely washed away. Use cool water to rinse your hair, as this will help close the cuticles and increase shine.

4. Use conditioner.
Conditioner helps to "plump out" the hair shaft and seal the cuticle for thick and shiny hair. You do not need to leave a good quality conditioner on your hair for longer than 30 seconds. It works instantly. Rinse well before gently patting your hair dry with a soft towel.

5. Use a comb before drying.
Brushing the hair when wet is a strict no-no. Hair is at its weakest when wet. Using a brush will stretch the weakened hair and it will break. A wide toothed comb is the best way to detangle damp hair. To detangle long hair, begin combing at the end of the hair, and gradually work up the roots.

6. Dry carefully.
If your hairstyle permits, simply let your hair air-dry. Since most of us use a hairdryer, however, it's important to recognize what aspects of drying can damage the hair. Firstly, never have the heat set on high. The airflow, not the heat setting, removes moisture from the hair. High heat can damage the hair shaft and lead to frizziness. Secondly, never apply heat to one section of hair for more than a few seconds. If that section remains damp, simply redirect the hairdryer for a few more seconds then bring back to that section to complete drying. Never apply heat less than 6 inches away from the hair.

7. Massage, massage.
Massaging your scalp will also improve circulation within the follicles. It is important for the follicles to receive maximum blood flow, as blood carries with it all the nutrients for healthy, shiny hair. Use only your fingertips for hair massage, never a massaging tool which can damage the hair. Use ten fingertips and always massage from the front of the scalp to the back. Do not slide your fingertips over your scalp; instead, anchor them and gradually move them apart., then back again. Practice massaging your scalp at least once a day.

8. Eat hair-friendly foods.
Just as foods play a role in the health of your body, so they also are vital to the health of your hair. Firstly, get enough protein. Your hair is built from a protein called keratin. Choose high quality proteins that are low in fats like fish, beans, tofu, egg whites, poultry and lean meats. Next, take a hair-health supplement. A good hair health supplement will provide you with the insurance you need to encourage hair growth. Lastly, keep animal fats to a minimum. Clogged arteries lead to reduced circulation, and a reduction of nutrients to the scalp. Look for Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oils or flax oils.

9. Know you ingredients.
You regularly apply shampoo to your scalp - in the case of many people, daily. Shouldn't you also protect yourself from dangerous chemicals? Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate, cocamide DEA, sodium chloride and artificial coloring agents should be avoided.

10. Minimize hair loss.
If your hair is falling, invest in a hair care program that helps reduce hair loss. Since many "snake-oil" sellers make their living from making promises they can't keep, do your research.