11 Secrets to Healthy Hair ...

1. Trim Your Split Ends

Cutting these little devils can make a lot of difference — who would've thought, right? Getting monthly trims to get rid of those gnarly dead ends not only help your hair grow in length, but it definitely provides a sleeker, healthier look to your strands! Say bye-bye to ugly split ends, and say hello to fab-U-lous, healthy hair! This is one of the most important secrets to healthy hair.

2. Protect Your Tresses

Girls, hear me out: blow drying, hair straighteners, curling irons, crimpers, etc. Those heat devices can definitely damage your hair! Not only do they make hair dry and frizzy, but they also create split ends! Ewk! My healthy tip for you is to protect your tresses! Use a heat protectant product and use the correct amount of heat on your hair! So don't put that sucker on the highest heat possible to quickly do your do! Be gentle and prep your hair and use the right temperature! You'll thank me later!

3. Leave in Conditioner

Oh my gosh! If you haven't tried this yet, you're definitely missing out! Use leave in conditioner overnight and not only will it leave your strands shiny and healthy, but it moisturizes and restores those vitamins and nutrients that are taken away from curling and straightening your hair! Talk about a two for one deal!

4. Shampoo and Conditioner

Now, ladies who doesn't love a good scalp massage when you're in the shower? Uh, right here please! But, it's not just a myth that your hair can become immune to a shampoo and conditioner! YIKES! So, always have a back-up stash of the "good stuff." Twice a week swap your standard for your secondary. Remember, it's all for the end result - shiny, healthy, luscious locks!

5. Temperature

Keeping the right temperature is another key topic for healthy hair! Remember, cold water cures all! I know that warm water may feel amazing on your skin, but its a big no-no for your hair! Warm and hot water actually rob your strands of vital moisturizing agents! So, remember when you're washing up, stick to warm or room temperature water when possible, and rinse out conditioner with cool water.

6. Ease up on Elastics

You read that right! Uh-huh! Ease up on those elastic hair ties! Although, at times these bad boys can be a girl's best friend, these sneaky little ties can actually cause breakage! GASP! Limit the use of these helpful yet dreadful accessories and opt in for bobby pins, or headbands!

7. Lube up

Say what?! I know, I know — what did she just say? That's right, I said, 'lube up.' Use olive oil on your hair and leave it in overnight. Yes, olive oil works wonders on your food, but it also can also do great things for your hair, like moisturize and rehydrate! Who wouldn't want the best of both worlds? I sure would!

8. Don't Towel Dry

Of course you need to dry your hair, but don't rub it with a towel. You can use a towel to dry your hair, but blot it don't rub it. Rubbing your hair with a towel can lead to breakage because it is vulnerable when it's wet. Feel free to wrap your hair in the towel afterwards, but there's no need to rub the towel through your hair.

9. Use a Comb

When your hair is still wet, don't take a brush to it. While your hair is still wet or damp use a wide tooth comb to get the knots out. When you do this, make sure that you start and the bottom and work your way up. Starting at the roots could lead to breakage and damage. After your hair dries try not to comb it, brush it, or touch it too much.

10. Protect It

Your skin isn't the only thing that needs protection from the elements. Your hair needs to be protected from the sun, wind, extreme heat, and chlorine. Of course sometimes it's too hot to wear a hat, so try a scarf. Understandably you're not going to want to do this all of the time, but try to protect your hair as much as possible.

11. Wash It Less

You don't have to wash your hair every time you shower. If you wash your hair only four times a week, that's good enough. If you wash your hair everyday you may dry it out and lose the natural oils that help your hair grow and maintain its health. Your body has what it needs on its own, so just make sure you're not ruining what you already have.

These healthy tips are sure to please! Not only will these help you 'whip your hair' back into shape, but it will definitely make a happier, more confident you! And, who wouldn't want that? I know I would! Do you have any healthy hair tips you'd like to share? Have you tried a healthy tip that didn't work out for you? Let me know!

This article was written in collaboration with editor Lydia Sheehan.