If you blow-dry or straighten your hair regularly, chances are you've got damage along the bottom of your strands. A quick snip – even just a few centimeters – is the best way to nip that problem in the bud.

The ends of your hair don't get the benefit of our natural scalp oils so they are always going to be drier and more susceptible to breakage. So, prevention is your best course of action. Another tip: don't use blunt scissors on split ends. It further exposes your already damaged cuticle.

You'd be surprised how that little nervous twirl around your finger can cause breakage. Experts suggest sleeping on a silk pillowcase. It may sound decadent, but silk pillowcases help prevent overnight tangles, a real boon for delicate hair.

If combing your hair after a shower is a challenge, then do it while you still have conditioner on your wet strands. Use a wide-tooth comb, starting from the ends, gently comb your way to your scalp. Then rinse out the conditioner thoroughly. Your hair will look shiny and healthy when it dries.

Also, avoid metal combs, and never tease your hair to give it volume.

Backcombing can be extremely damaging, as it can lift and tear the hair cuticle, which is impossible to repair.

It's tough to keep color-treated hair looking great in between treatments if you don't use products that contain silicone (which adds shine) and keratin. Keratin is particularly important because it helps repair the hair cuticles that are opened up every time you apply color. To really gild your hair, apply SPF protectant sprays before heading out into the sun.

Ask your stylist for a glaze treatment. It can be clear, or add a sheen of color. Glazes not only add shine, they bond to your hair strand, giving it a thicker feel and more texture. Many glazes can also be applied at home, saving you from visiting a salon every few weeks.