Simple hair-care rules

• Whenever washing your hair, make sure the water is warm. Water that's too hot can dry out your hair and scalp (the same rule applies to your skin when showering).

• Never, ever use a brush to remove knots from wet hair — it'll stretch it and make it weak! Instead, use a detangling (i.e. wide-toothed) comb, and gently comb small sections at a time. Try: Lady Jayne Detangler Comb, $4.90. Having trouble getting knots out? Sprizt on some leave-in conditioner first. Try: Pantene Pro-V Classic Care Detangle Light Spray Conditioner, $8.99.

• When combing wet hair/brushing dry hair, start from the bottom and work up (as opposed to trying to drag your comb/brush from your scalp down in one go).

• Make sure your hair is completely dry before using hot curling tongs and strengtheners (with the exception of the wet-to-straight variety). Styling tools can reach as much as 225 ° C, which can cause any moisture in the hair to boil and blister it.

• Just like sun can damage your skin, sun (and tanning beds) can damage your hair. Keep this in mind and try to avoid spending long periods in the sun. Wear a hat if you can.

• Don't be overzealous when it comes to teasing your hair (thank God the 60s are gone!). Backcombing can make flat hair look voluminous, and hold updos, but it also roughs up the cuticle of the hair which damages it.

• Keep your brushes and combs clean. What's the point of having nice, clean locks if you're going to transfer oils, grime and styling products on brushes and combs straight back onto them? Remove excess hair, and simply give a good shampooing with your regular shampoo.

• When applying hair products, less is best. Start with a little and add more until you've got the style/desired effect you're after. Too much and you'll end up with a greasy, sticky mop.

• Have regular trims. They keep split ends at bay, and stop the ends of your hair from breaking off and looking ratty.

• Boring but true: don't use elastic bands on your hair. They can snag and damage hair. Instead, use a cloth-covered band, and never wrap them around your hair too tight.