The first thing to do when using hair straighteners is to test the temperature setting and maintain it at a fairly low heat when starting out. Too hot and you will only scorch the hair and this will only leave the hair dry and brittle and prone to breakages. Prepare the hair beforehand with a vitamin based conditioner and make sure the hair is completely dry before using the straighteners. It is in fact a good idea to wash the hair the night before to ensure it is thoroughly dry and this is a good way to save time in a morning if you have a limited amount of time to prepare yourself for work.

Take a small section of the hair at a time and gradually work your way around the head. Start by placing the irons at the root of the hair and slowly work your way down to the ends. Apply light pressure to begin with and do not hold the irons in the same spot for too long. Then increase the pressure as the heat passes down the length of the hair. You may need to pass the straighteners over the same area a couple of times if you are striving for that ultimate poker straight look.

Whether you believe it or not what we in actually eat can affect the condition of our hair. Poor diet and even lack of exercise can manifest itself in dull, brittle and greasy hair, so it is important to eat a healthy balanced diet and minimise junk food if you want to keep it looking good.

On average hair follicles grow at a rate of one centimetre per month but a regular trim is need to keep the ends healthy and promote the growth cycle. When it comes to styling be kind to your hair. Keep heated styling tools such as hand held driers and curling tongues to minimum usage and always on a low temperature setting. Use a paddle brush on long hair and refrain from brushing when wet as this is when the hair is at its weakest.

When washing the hair use both a shampoo and conditioner that is compatible with your hair type and rinse thoroughly to clear the hair and scalp of debris. If you are using heated appliances for styling use a protein based conditioner before hand to protect the hair from high temperatures and prevent it from drying out.

Lastly, when considering a change in colour be sure to seek out the advice of a professional hairdresser before going ahead with a home dying kit. This will avoid any disasters from happening and protect your hair from unnecessary damage.