15 Perfect Hair Tips ...

1. Volume

If there's one thing that transforms lifeless hair, it's adding volume. You can use volumizers, there are endless selections of volumizing sprays, creams, mousses and shampoos in stores and online. But the very best way to get high volume is by adding layers to your hair! In fact, hair that is all one length almost never holds volume all throughout the day. The length of it pulls the hair down and your volume disappears. If you're not ready to take the giant layer leap, try adding a few face framing ones to start with and gradually adding more as time goes by. Ask your stylist to teach you how to style your hair with your new layers!

2. Shampooing

When it comes to shampooing your hair, there are a few things you need to realize. First of all, don't shampoo every day. This will strip your hair of it's natural oils and leave it dry and dull. Second, always make sure your hair is sopping wet before you add the shampoo. This will help the shampoo distribute better which will result in cleaner hair. Third, it's usually a good idea to shampoo, rinse, then shampoo again. The first shampoo gets dirt and hair product out, the second rids your hair of oil and grease.

3. Dull Hair

Yes, there is a remedy for dull hair! It's very simple really: switch up your hair products! Over time, hair can become "tolerant" to a certain brand of products and get a buildup that takes away shine. If you have a favorite hair product line, you don't have to give it up for good. Just switch for a few weeks and let your hair have a break. You'll be surprised at the difference it makes!

4. Stretch Your Color

Don't you hate paying $60 for highlights only to see them fade or disappear altogether a few weeks later? Well, here's how to keep that from happening. Before you get in the shower, spray a coat of leave in conditioner on your hair. Your hairs soak up the conditioner and act as a barrier against the shampoo! You can also buy shampoos formulated to lock in your color and preserve it. You want that perfect hair, go for it!

5. Blondie Advice

If you are a blonde and your hair is turning a little more yellow than you prefer, you can remedy it! Try using a purple shampoo. Sounds crazy, but it works! Just use caution, you don't want grey hair! Use it no more than once or twice a week and you'll be amazed at the difference you see!

6. Heat and Hair

There's no way that you can veto heated hair tools entirely. But you can cut back on the amount that you use them! Try showering at night and letting your hair dry naturally. Then you can straighten or curl it the next day. Blow dryers are the worst damaging to our hair! Also, take a look at your straighteners heat setting. Many times, they are set a few notches higher than you really need. If you have thinner hair, you can get away with less heat on your hair, so give that a shot!

7. Heat Protectant

I always caution my friends to use a heat protectant on their hair when I see them getting ready to use a heated tool. People under estimate how damaged your hair can become just by missing a few times of applying heat protectant. Don't fall into that category! Be liberal with your heat protectors! Don't just spritz your top few layers. Make sure you coat every section of your hair up and down the shaft to get the most benefit.

8. Masques

Perfect hair can be easily achieved if you treat it well. I like to use a hair masque every few weeks. Choose one that is formulated for your hair. Moisturizing masques are for dry hair, while deep conditioners are for damaged hair. There are plenty of masques available to make your hair shiny, more manageable, or softer. You can also use masques to simply give your hair added nutrients! Find out what your hair needs and then go from there.

9. Be Clear

Make sure you use a clarifying shampoo once a week to strip your hair of buildup from product. This will up your shine and manageability factor by a 10! Be extra sure you always completely rinse the shampoo out, otherwise your hair will attract dirt and dust particles easier. Perfect hair is shiny and swingy, not dull and limp!

10. Preventing Breakage

Hair is always more prone to breakage when it is wet or in a weakened state such as when you apply extra heat to it without protection. Split ends are not found on a head of perfect hair! To take the best care of your mane, always brush or comb it before you shower so it's less tangled when you get out. Then use a pick or a wide tooth comb, starting from the end and working your way up to untangle it. Be extra gentle when your hair is wet! Applying a deep conditioner will not "fix" split ends, but it temporarily mends them. So until you can get to the beauty salon, that's your best bet.

11. Oily Hair

If you're like me and you have oily hair, the good news is you CAN fix it! Don't shampoo everyday, as this will just stimulate your scalp to work overtime and produce even more oils. Just shampoo every other day and use a dry shampoo or a hair powder in between. You can buy hair powders tinted to match your hair color, and an added bonus is that hair powders add extra volume to your hair! If you don't have the extra money to spend on hair powder, regular old baby powder works just as good. Just be sure and blend it well, you don't want grey hair!

12. The Dark Side

Dark hair always looks polished and sophisticated. If you've recently colored your hair dark, here a few things to remember. Dark hair fades faster then light hair so use hair products formulated to lock in your color. And don't forget about your brows! Use a pencil or a powder to darken them, but don't overdo it! A shade or two darker is sufficient.

13. Hair Oil

Hair oil can have some great benefits. Besides making your hair softer, it can make it shinier too! And very moisturized. Just use caution when you apply it to your hair. Too much will weigh it down, or make it appear greasy. And never, ever, ever apply any kind if oil o your hair before you use a flat iron or a curling iron unless you want fried hair!

14. Hairstyles

Perfect hair starts with the care and up-keeping, but it ends with the style. Usually the first thing someone notices about you when you enter a room is your hair. If you are not one to play with bows and clips or fun styles, at least make sure you have your hair clean and in place. A good blowout or soft curls compliment anyone and give you a polished look!

15. Hair Stylist

The most crucial tip for perfect hair is all in your stylist. If you don't have a great hair stylist, make it your goal to find one! A good stylist will suggest the best cut, color and style for your ace shape, coloring and lifestyle needs. But that doesn't mean you don't need to know what you want and like! Be prepared with pictures of what you like and go from there. The two of you can work together to come up with something that works for you and that you love! Make sure you go for regular trims and touchups. Don't be afraid to ask your stylist to show you how give a good blow-out and work with your style.

Perfect hair isn't impossible. It does require work and a little dedication, you can't just let it go, but with these tips for perfect hair, you are all set to go now! Your hat days will now be determined by your mood rather than your hair. Isn't that refreshing! Be sure and share this article with your friends so you can all have perfect hair together!

Top Photo Credit: David Michael Fine Portraits