Grooming your hair is a game that's best played fair. Hair care Tips

Classic conditioning
Monday morning dawns, and you realise you've overslept! Your hair's a complete wreck, but you have just about 20 minutes for your usual routine. A quick jump in the shower and you decide to skip the conditioner (heck, no time!). But following your shampoo with a conditioner is rule number one that you shouldn't break. "You should always condition your hair, no matter how dense or fine it is; and condition from mid-lengths to the ends.” But that doesn't mean you use it like a shampoo – don't apply and rinse immediately. Placid explains, “You're simply wasting your money if you don't allow the conditioner to sit on your hair for a few minutes. The conditioner takes time to work its magic on the hair, and rinsing it out immediately isn't acceptable.
Combing the surface
The trouble after a hair wash? Getting your hair to behave itself when it's dry. And God help you if you're in a hurry. Tying your wet hair up into a pony or harshly stroking it to detangle is a capital crime. Shirin warns, "It is absolutely vital that you don't comb or tie up your hair when it is wet. Since the temporary bonds are broken, the hair is vulnerable and prone to damage." While this rule is constantly impressed upon us by our stylists, Placid opens the door to another mistake we should avoid. He elucidates, “Using a fine toothed comb on dry hair causes static and eventually leads to breakage."

Natural ingredient
In traditional Indian way of haircare, henna has always made its presence felt, especially as a hair conditioner. However, what's not often accounted for is the fact that it dries out your hair. Moreover, if you are a henna user and want to switch to colour, the transition doesn't quite work out the way you want. Avoid using henna as it dries the hair out. It also acts as a barrier especially when you want to colour your hair.
Heat protection
 An evening out is planned, and you automatically look at the tools of the trade to give your hair the style you desire. You take your pick from straightening, curling or simply blow-drying to make your tresses look gorgeous. Though the styles you create with heat appliances are fabulous, there's also a good amount of damage involved. Heat causes the cuticles to open up, thereby letting the hair absorb moisture. Using excess heat hampers the cuticle from closing, which causes the hair to absorb more moisture and eventually makes it drier. Fortunately, there's a simple solution. Placid says, “Always use a thermal spray or hair lotion before using any heat appliance."
oil away
Your grandmother has passed this on to your mother, and your mother on to you. All through your childhood, oiling has played an important role in your haircare regime. Yes, our experts agree with this little secret, though with a few changes. “If you have oiled your hair, make sure it doesn't stay on your hair for more than one night. Your scalp needs to breathe, and the oil (along with the dirt and grime) on your scalp tends to clog the pores. This is an ideal situation for the bacteria to grow on your scalp, causing problems such as dandruff, hair fall and the like.” According to Placid, oiling the hair is a fault. He says, “Oil is meant for the scalp, not the locks. If you use excess oil on your hair thinking that it will make your hair softer, you are mistaken. The excess oil simply sits on your locks, leaving you to wash it off with shampoo about two or three times. This isn't suited for your hair, as shampooing twice strips the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry, and defeats the purpose of oiling.
Snip snip!
No matter how many times the stylist tells us, we just don't seem to listen. A trim every six or eight weeks not only keeps your style vibrant, but also helps in keeping the split-ends at bay. So, the next time your stylist tells you to take the snip regularly, listen to her. And see how a good trim gives you and your hair an instant makeover!