Overstyled, Overprocessed Hair

Split Ends and Styling

The problem: Uncut hair equals split ends and dry, damaged hair.

The solution: For optimum hair health, hair should be cut every 8-12 weeks. Keep split ends at bay by detangling the right way: When hair is wet, start brushing at the ends and slowly move up towards the roots. Otherwise you'll be tearing through tangles and knots, breaking hair as you go. Use a vent brush or wide tooth comb to minimize breakage. Elastic bands and hair clips are other culprits, especially clips with metal clasps as they actually saw hair in two with each snap. Try some leave-in conditioner on your ends to keep hair moisturized and less prone to breakage.

The best products: John Frieda Frizz-Ease Daily Nourishment Leave-In Fortifying Spray, $4.29 L'Oreal Vive Smooth Intense Conditioner for Dry, Frizzy or Rebellious Hair, $3.99

The problem: Gels, sprays, pomades, finishing creams...overdosing on styling products results in dulling buildup. Tools like hair dryers, flat irons and curling irons fry not only ends, but also the length of the hair shaft.

The solution: It's always best to work with your natural hair texture. When blow-drying, avoid holding the dryer too close to the hair; always keep it at least an inch away from the hair and never place it directly on the hair. Avoid pulling on the hair too much, as that causes breakage and frizz. Coat hair with a hair straightening serum, which will make drying easier and will seal out the humidity which causes frizz. Always keep dryer and flat iron moving so as not to overheat any section of the hair. Cut out the middle step altogether with the new wet-to-dry flat iron.

The best products: KMS Flat Out Relaxing Balm, $18.99 L'Oreal Studio Line Straight Up Ironing Gel, $3.19 Frédéric Fekkai Luscious Curls Curl Enhancing Lotion, $16.50 John Frieda Frizz-Ease Dream Curls Curl Perfecter, $5.79