One of the biggest challenges is keeping your hair healthy and strong all year long. Between hot and humid temperatures that suddenly plunge to freezing lows along with the stress and strain we put on our hair with blow-drying, ironing, and coloring it can be a major obstacle to keep your hair from breaking. But do not despair before you blow your next paycheck on expensive hair care products or try some exotic treatment at the salon read on for some tips on how to keep your hair strong so you have less breakage.

• Be aware of your health. Strong hair is healthy hair. One of the best ways you can help prevent breakage is to eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water and get enough sleep. Having a diet full of healthy fruits, vegetables and whole grains will reflect in a better body, skin and hair. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day will allow your body to flush out toxins and give your hair a healthy shine. These steps not only improve your overall health but will help you develop a head full of strong and healthy hair.
• Be careful of the products that you use. If your hair is prone to breakage it is especially important that you choose gentle, non-drying products for your hair. Avoid products that contain alcohol since these can dry out your hair and cause breakage. If your hair is colored be sure and choose the appropriate products that will not interfere with your color and cause damage to your hair since coloring already stresses the hair follicle. You may need to experiment with different products until you find the right one for your hair care needs.

• Be gentle to your hair. Too often in our rush to get wherever we need to be we are rough with our hair. When you are in the shower washing your hair be sure and scrub gently in your normal hair washing routine. Hair is at its most vulnerable stage while wet and being washed so do not aggravate a breakage problem by scrubbing to hard. Many hair care experts also recommend rinsing your hair with cool water after shampooing or conditioning since this tends to make the hair follicle lie flat and lessen the risk of the hair breaking. Also after exiting your bath or shower be sure to gently towel dry your hair.
• Be aware of the condition of your hair. In everyone's hurried up and busy life we sometimes forget to take some time for ourselves. Give your hair a good once over every so often. If your hair seems dull, lifeless and in need of conditioning consider a good, non-drying deep conditioner. Be aware though that these products are vastly different from everyday conditioners. These deep conditioners do not take much time and can add considerable strength to your hair and help prevent breakage.
• Be gentle when styling your hair. Much of the torture hair receives is from what we do to it. Most hair care experts are emphatic about never brushing wet hair. These is major cause of breakage as your hair looses elasticity when it is wet. Also if you blow-dry your hair be sure and use the lowest setting possible to avoid over exposing your hair to drying heat. If you have long hair consider letting the ends of your hair air dry and help prevent the problem of split ends. In addition it is also important when choosing hair accessories (barrettes, hair bands, headbands etc.) that you only put items in your hair that will be gentle and not cause breakage.