7 Healthy Hair New Year's Resolutions For 2016

Healthy hair doesn't just magically happen. If you're wanting to improve the situation surrounding your locks, consider incorporating these healthy hair New Year's resolutions for 2016! If all of them at once seem overwhelming, you can just start by adding one at a time and going from there.

I first really learned the importance of taking better care of hair when I was fourteen. I had just gotten highlights for the first time and, while I loved the pop of bleach, my hair was suddenly drier than it had ever been before. Luckily, my dad worked in the beauty industry and happened to have a surprising number of care tips for me to add moisture and bounce back to my strands. #Praise

Since then, I've been totally hooked on seeing what products, DIY concoctions, and small styling tweaks I can try out to improve the health of my hair. I've definitely had some major successes and serious failures over the years (the whole beer for shiny hair thing was generally just a smelly disaster for me), and am pumped to share my top tips with you. If you've been looking to overhaul your beauty routine for 2016, consider this your goal list!

1. Don't Wash Every Day

Dry Shampoo Powder, $12, One Love Organics

Too much shampooing can strip your hair of natural oils and leave it extra brittle. If you just got a salon blow out, try to make it last a little longer by using dry shampoo or popping it into a braid on the second day.

2. Set A Salon Schedule

Stephen Pullan, hair specialist at the Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic, told Real Simple, "Regular trims ensure minimal split ends or breakage" and he "recommends a trim every six to eight weeks." Don't slack if you're trying to grow your hair out!

3. Use Heat Guards

Restore Protectant Spray, $26, Living Proof

If you're consistently reaching for a straightening or curling iron, always make sure to protect your hair with a heat guard spray and make sure it is 100 percent dry beforehand.

4. Care For Your Scalp, Too

Kirkland Signature Organic Coconut Oil, $20.49, amazon.com

A weekly coconut oil hair mask (just rub your scalp in coconut oil, leave for ten minutes, and rinse!) can nourish your roots and ward off dandruff.

5. Get Enough Iron

Perfect Iron, $5.92, Sundown Naturals

Scientists have linked iron deficiency to female patterned hair loss, so make sure you're getting enough in your diet. If you need a boost (especially all my vegetarians and vegans out there), there are tons of great iron supplements available.

6. Change Up Your Style

Rocking the same ponytail or top knot can cause breakage. Changing up the location of your pony or bun gives all your strands a chance to recuperate and stay strong.

7. Air Dry As Often As Possible

The dry heat from blow dryers can lead to frizz and breakage. Whenever you can, let your hair air dry naturally to keep it smooth and frizz-free.

Want more beauty tips? Check out the video below, and be sure to subscribe to Bustle’s YouTube page for more hacks and tricks!

Images: Unsplash; Maria Morri, nasrul ekram, Steven Depolo/Flickr; Courtesy of Brands