Hair care!

If there's one thing I'm really happy with I have to say it's my hair! I used to have my hair shaved at the back in 2009 and began growing it in early 2011. It's grown rather quickly - I'm really proud - and I don't actually do much to it itself. I had my hair cut recently and it's left my hair in beautiful condition: both colour and cut. Check out my pictures and tips below on how I keep my hair in good condition:

sorry for the overload of pictures! the colour is 'ruby red' by schwarzkopf but it was put over the top of cyber purple several weeks ago.

Top tips:

• Have it cut regularly
  By regularly it's recommended 6 - 8 weeks although if your hair is in okay condition and you're growing it then I've left mine for 12 - 16 weeks at times however I'd say anything around 10 weeks is suitable to stop split ends.
  
• Use a good conditioner/hair masque
  Treating your hair is very important. It's laziness not to really and there's no excuse. We all have to wash our hair. Well we don't have to - but in terms of hygiene and feeling good it's recommended! Once a week I use a leave-in conditioner. I recommend the Naked ranges or TresEmme but pretty much any will do. It keeps my hair strong and in good condition.
  
• Put down the straighteners!
  I rarely use straighteners unless it's a special occasion or I've come back from the hairdressers. I do blow dry my hair although not all the way through. I encourage this lack of heat on the hair as not only does it leave my hair looking drier but it's damaging. If you are going to use straighteners regularly I highly recommend a heat protecting spray. It's the same as going out in the sun - your hair will get burnt and damage will be caused if you apply heat on a regular basis.
  
• Don't wash every day
  I am a sinner of this guide. I wash my hair 4 - 8 times a week so in a way I'm being hypocritical but it's recommended to give your hair a break so that natural oils can build up and replenish your hair. I personally find my hair is fine with the amount I wash it currently and have a mild 'OCD' about my hair looking greasy but dry shampoo is the perfect alternative.
  
• Try not to go too light
  If you want to dye your hair lighter than the colour you have currently you will have to strip it of colour which usually involves using bleach. The problem with this is that it dries out hair a ridiculous amount and can make it prone to breakage and damage. I've dyed my hair blonde twice and both times it has come out horrendously. If you go lighter please, please make sure it's done by a hair professional to avoid any mistakes which may cause even further damage. I usually dye my hair dark shades of brown, purple or red. None of which put particular stress on my hair and actually leave it really shiny and in good condition afterwards.

Have you got anymore tips you could recommend?