If one of your wedding day goals is to have a great head full of shiny, healthy hair, check out these 10 tips we compiled for healthy, happy and more manageable hair —

1. Take care of your overall health. Your diet is vital to your overall hair health, so eat right that includes the proper amount of protein and iron. Stay hydrated. Find ways to control your stress because it can affect your hair health. And, see your doctor regularly because some medical conditions, such as a thyroid problem, could possibly cause hair challenges.

2. Take care of your scalp. Condition, exfoliate and moisturize your scalp (not the roots) weekly to minimize flaking.  And you should massage your scalp regularly to encourage good circulation.

3. Limit the number of times you wash your hair each week. Contrary to what you might think, your hair doesn’t always benefit from a daily washing. In fact, it could result in stripping your scalp of its healthy oils, leaving your hair lackluster and lifeless. Instead of washing your hair daily, try rinsing it between washings with lukewarm water.

4. Limit the amount of heat you place on your hair. Over time, excessive heat can lead to dry, dull hair that breaks easily. Instead of washing your hair in hot water, wash it in lukewarm water with a blast of cold water at the end. And, give your hair a break from the hair dryer by allowing your hair to air dry every now and then. If you have to use your hair dryer, avoid using it on the hottest setting, especially if you also need to use a curling iron or a flat iron.

5. Take care of your hair when it’s wet. Your hair can be fragile and susceptible to breakage when it is wet, so gently press the water out of your hair with a towel instead of using your towel to “rub” your hair dry. And, avoid brushing your hair while it is wet — Using a wide-tooth comb is a much better practice for good hair health.

6. Limit your time in the sun. Similar to your skin, your hair can get damaged when overexposed to the sun. If you have to spend a lot of time outside, consider wearing a hat or a cute scarf to protect your hair.

7. Give a little extra care to colored, relaxed or permed hair. Chemically-processed hair needs a little extra attention, so consider using quality hair products that protect and moisturize your hair.

8. Be mindful of the ingredients in your hair product choices. Before you purchase your shampoo, read the ingredients first — You want to avoid shampoos containing sulfates and isopropyl alcohol as they can strip the moisture from your hair leaving it dry and dull. Parabens is another ingredient you want to avoid in your shampoo and conditioner because parabens are suspected endocrine disruptors, meaning that they may play a role in certain imbalances and illnesses.

9. Avoid wearing tight ponytails or tight buns. Prolonged wear of a tight ponytail or a tight bun could result in traction alopecia or hair loss. Give your hair a break by wearing your hair loose or wearing it in a loose braid. And, avoid wearing your hair in a tight ponytail or bun while sleeping.

10. Get your ends trimmed regularly. Get your hair trimmed (by a professional) every 6 weeks to minimize damage and split ends because healthy ends could result in that healthy “salon-worthy” hair you have been seeking.

Love and Soul Always, Kawania

Photo #1: Anne Lord Photography

Photo #2: Stephen Bobb Photography