Three habits that ruin your hair

If you want to keep your hair looking its absolute best - and let's face it, who doesn't? - then it is of utmost importance that you avoid these three nasty habits. In order, they are:
 1) Smoking. Sure, you know that it can give you cancer, emphysema and a whole host of other (often fatal) diseases, but you just can't help this one little vice. Well guess what? Smoking is also bad for your hair. When you smoke, you are limiting your blood's oxygen supply to your hair follicles, which not only inhibits growth, it leads to much duller-looking strands. Your hair will only shine when your body is healthy, and if you are smoking, then your body is most definitely not healthy! Not only that, your hair will stink of old tobacco (not attractive to others, even if you can't smell it yourself) and if you do get cancer as a result, you'll need chemotherapy and will more than likely end up bald. Now if that's not a good enough reason to quit, then I don't know what is.
2) Spraying fragrance on your hair every day. Many perfumes have a high alcohol content (colognes even higher) and if you're spraying them on your hair on a daily basis then your locks will end up brittle and dry. Doing this occasionally won't hurt too much - after all, having a whiff of fragrance as your hair swings about can be quite lovely - but for everyday wear, keep it on your body. Several perfume makers are now listing the ingredients of their fragrances, but most still are not, so you really have no idea of how much damaging alcohol is in your favourite fragrance. Finding a shampoo and conditioner with a great scent is a much smarter option, and there are plenty of these on the market - sniff around and find the right one for you.
3) Playing with your hair too much. Twisting it, fidgeting with it and sucking or chewing on it will all take their toll on your tresses. A good rule of thumb is to treat your hair like a delicate piece of old lace - the longer your hair is, the more this applies, as long hair is old hair. Don't squeeze the ends of your hair to see if you can make them crunch, either, as by doing this you are literally creating breaks in the hair shaft. Aside from brushing and styling your hair, and doing regular scalp massages, you should handle your hair as infrequently as possible to avoid breakage.

If you aren't guilty of these habits, then good for you. If you are, then know that your hair can't possibly be looking its best, and that you should stop immediately. Taking care of your body is the most important factor in healthy-looking, shiny hair, and of course, learning all you can to keep it in top condition. Love your hair and it will be your crowning glory!