Hair is an important part of a woman’s life. We wash, style, cut, color, braid and condition our locks to make sure that they look as gorgeous and fabulous as possible.

Whether you’re rocking some awesome curls, beach-inspired waves, or straight strands, it’s important to take care of your hair so that it stays healthy and radiant. If you’re looking to treat your hair well and you’re not sure where to start, read on for eight practices to add to your routine.

1.  Don’t Wash Your Hair Every Day

By washing your hair every day, you’re stripping away the natural oils that your hair naturally makes to keep your hair looking shiny and moisturized. If you shower daily or even twice a day, you can try a reusable and chic shower cap to keep your hair dry while you wash the rest of your body to avoid the temptation to wash your hair. Another tip is to simply wet your hair in the shower and apply some conditioner; this will still cleanse your hair of basic dust and debris, while also nourishing your hair by using the conditioner. Finally, a great dry shampoo works wonders to get rid of that greasy feeling that makes you want to lather up.

2. Rinse Your Hair With Cool Water After Cleansing

Once you’ve cleansed your hair, rinse it clean with cool water instead of steamy; not only will it protect your hair from damage and dehydration caused by hot water, but it will also make your locks naturally shiny by sealing moisture into the cuticle.

3. Comb Your Hair, Don’t Brush, After Washing

By using a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair after washing, you’ll be doing yourself a big favor. If you use a regular brush on your wet hair, it’s more likely to break and cause extra damage, as wet hair is extremely prone to breakage.

4. Use a Leave-In Conditioner or Oil Treatment After Every Wash

After you do wash your hair and towel dry, apply a leave-in conditioner to your ends so that your hair doesn’t end up too dry. You can also use an oil treatment, like Moroccan argan oil or Macadamia oil, to moisturize your ends as well. These products will not only moisturize your hair, but they’ll also help to define your natural texture.

5. Deep Condition Weekly

This tip is especially beneficial to girls with wavy or curly hair – the two hair types that need the most moisture. Deep conditioners are an easy way to take care of your hair and provide it with the vitamins and hydration it craves.

6. Use a Clarifying Shampoo Weekly or Biweekly

A clarifying shampoo differs from a standard shampoo since it’s designed to provide a deeper clean that removes product buildup. If you use styling products like hairspray or gel on the regular, a clarifying shampoo will help to keep your hair free of dirt and residue.

7.  Heat Style Less Often

It’s hard to put down your favorite blow dryer, flat iron or curling wand after you’re used to using it on a regular basis, and we understand that completely. Unfortunately, every time you use one of these tools, your hair suffers damage. Since it’s hard to quit using them entirely, it’s easy to do your hair a favor by adjusting the temperature to a cooler level. Another great idea is to use a heat protecting spray before styling, which can also provide your hair with anti-frizz benefits.

8.  Get a Regular Trim

If you suffer from split ends, the only way to get rid of them is by cutting them off. No serum or gel will be able to mend what has already been damaged, so instead head over to your salon every 4-6 weeks for a trim. Keeping up with trims will also help to stimulate hair growth if you’re trying to grow your hair long, as ironic as it seems, since your hair will be healthier.

When you follow these hair care tips, your tresses will be healthy, dazzling and camera ready every day of the week!