Jennifer Aniston looks oh-so-fab in her black mini-dress and open toe Louboutins at the premiere of her new movie, Marley and Me.  I just love her hair–always shiny and full of body.  Here are some tips for the recessionista who wants to achieve the same:

1. Don’t brush your hair when it’s wet (unless it’s extremely slick with conditioner or detangler). That can stretch it and break it.
2. Protect your hair while using heat tools and try to use them only four times a week. This should keep your hair healthier.
3. Look for shampoo and conditioner that does not contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate. This is especially important if you have curly hair. Be careful however; mild cleansers wont be able to get rid of silicones or waxes.
4. Try looking for shampoo and conditioner with mint and tea tree oils i for oiliness.
5. Use conditioner every day. Be careful to keep it away from your face though (especially if you have oily skin). Also, if you have oily hair, don’t rub it into your scalp and be sure to rinse thoroughly. Work it in really well and let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
6. Avoid chemicals as much as possible. Dyes and relaxers are very bad for your hair. If you have to do it, make sure not to leave the chemicals on too long and do not do it often. Read the packages to see how often you’re supposed to wait between treatments.
7. Have someone trim your ends every once in a while. If you think you can do it yourself, go ahead. But have someone else look at it afterward to make sure it’s straight.
8. Don’t rip your brush through snarls. If you don’t have detangler spray, wet the area and apply lots of conditioner to work it thorough. Sleeping with your hair in a bun or braid can make it easier to brush in the morning and will control some of the frizz (if you have it).
9. Rinse your hair under cold water before jumping out of the shower. This seals the cuticle and helps prevent frizz.
10. Deep condition your hair with deep treatments or hair masques. You can also use the following home remedies:
    • Mayonnaise:Smear mayonnaise all over your hair (again, for the folks with oily scalp and skin, don’t rub it into your scalp or too close to your hairline) and make sure to really work it into the ends. A shower cap or plastic bag on your head will help contain it.
    • Eggs: Crack 2-4 eggs (depending on your hair length) into a bowl. Separate the yolk from the whites then pour a cup or more (depending on hair length) into the bowl. Pour olive oil in the bowl, just enough to cover the yolk. Shampoo your hair in lukewarm water then put mixture in your hair. Let it sit for 5-6 minutes, then rinse it with cold water. Warm or hot water can scramble the egg.
    • Aloe Vera & Honey: Mix equal parts conditioner, aloe vera gel, and honey together. Massage through the hair and leave in for 5-10 minutes. Make sure to get an aloe that does not contain harmful ingredients such as alcohols.

    TIPS

    • When drying hair opt for an old t-shirt and dry in a straight motion from roots to tips. This will smooth the cuticle and make/keep hair shiny.
    • Try different brands of conditioner and shampoo. Remember, expensive doesn’t always mean better.
    • People’s opinions may be right, so ask before you dramatically change your hair appearance and they may save you from doing something that may be disastrous!
    • Speak to your doctor regularly. If you detect any changes in your hair, report them to your doctor immediately. If possible, ask you doctor to do some tests and then explain what the problem is with your hair’s condition. Work out the best ways you can deal with them.

    WARNINGS

    • If you’re unsure of doing something to your hair, ask someone else first.
    • Always be careful with chemicals you put near your hair.
    • Don’t straighten your hair often. It will cause it to be dry.

    Source

Since I do the press and curl oh-so-often, these tips are lifesavers for me.  Try them and let me know how it works out!

Keep it strictly stylish!