11 Habits to Adopt for Seriously Healthy Hair

Get Regular Haircuts

All of the experts agree: Avoiding the salon is counterproductive to growing out your hair. "The ends are drying and splitting, so you're not getting the length," explains Stephen Pullan, a trichologist (or hair specialist) at the Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic. Regular haircuts ensure minimal split ends or breakage. Pullan recommends a trim every six to eight weeks.

Go Natural as Often as You Can

Your hair needs a rest from everything it endures during the week. Lindsey Bordone, a dermatologist at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, recommends using the weekend to let your hair recuperate. If possible, let your hair air-dry, avoid heated styling products, and keep it out of a ponytail or tight headband to avoid unnecessary pulling on the hair shaft. In other words, sometimes you just have to let your hair chill.

Don't Ignore Your Scalp

If you're constantly scratching your head due to dryness and itchiness, and drugstore shampoos aren't helping, consult a doctor. "Don't ignore it," says Bordone. "A chronic itch traumatizes your scalp." According to the Cleveland Clinic, an itch could be problematic if you find it difficult to work or if itchy spots become sore.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

How does a balanced diet relate to healthy hair? "Protein is the building block of hair, because hair is keratinized protein," Pullan says. Like all your body parts, hair relies on protein from your diet. But hair is considered a non-essential tissue, so the body doesn't send protein to hair follicles first—it focuses on essential organs, like the heart or liver. That said, if you're eating enough, the body will be able to distribute protein everywhere it's needed. (Don't worry if you're a vegetarian—there are still ways to work protein into your diet.)

Another crucial nutrient is iron. "It's an energy source and a mineral the hair needs," Pullan says. In fact, studies have shown iron deficiency has been linked to female patterned hair loss.

Avoid Hot Tools (or At Least Protect Your Hair From Them)

If you insist on blow-drying your hair every day, be smart: Don't concentrate the highest heat level on your hair for a long time. "Keep it moving on a cooler setting and lower velocity," Pullan says. "It takes a little bit longer, but the extra time will be beneficial." If you plan to curl or straighten your hair with a hot wand or iron, use a protective spray beforehand—that's Bumble and Bumble colorist Amelia Trammel's number one rule for clients.

Deep Condition Every Week

This is one healthy hair habit both dermatologists and hairstylists agree on: Incorporate a deep conditioner into your weekly hair care routine for extra hydration.

Wear Hats

"The sun oxidizes your hair and dries it out," Pullan says. So while a hat protects your face from the sun, it also protects your scalp from burning and hair from dehydrating. This is as good an excuse as any to treat yourself to a cute sun hat.

RELATED: How to Get a Healthy Scalp, According to Experts

Don't Take Scalding Hot Showers

Yes, it feels amazing to take a hot shower after a long day (especially in the winter), but scalding hot water doesn't benefit your hair. In fact, it dries it out and, for color clients, washes out the hair color faster than cold water. Bordone recommends a lukewarm shower, which is also better for your skin.

Stop Touching Your Hair All the Time

Try to minimize "traction," which is tugging or pressure on the hair shaft. The biggest culprit here is putting your hair into a tight ponytail. "Constant mild pulling on the follicle will slowly traumatize the hair," Bordone says. In a few years, you might even notice a receding hairline. Twirling your hair or picking at split ends can be harmful, too, so do your best to leave your hair alone.

Don't Over-Brush

Brushing your hair is a healthy habit (and you can't show up to work with bedhead), but brushing more than once a day is another form of traction. In fact, excessive brushing "stretches the hair and breaks weak ends," says Holly Ivey, master stylist at Alibi Soho Salon. Brush once a day, and opt for a plastic brush. Bristle brushes are particularly tough on hair, according to Pullan.

Swap Products Seasonally

While the idea that your hair can build up "resistance" to products is a myth, certain hair products are better for different times of the year. In the winter, shampoos and other products should be moisturizing and hydrating, says Bordone, but in the summer, switch to something lighter that won't weigh hair down in the heat and humidity.