From shampoos to hair dyes, many toxic ingredients in hair products can affect more than just your hair. Learn more about the most dangerous ones that can actually have a big impact on your health.

Make sure that you avoid using any hair products that contain these toxic ingredients in the long run. Even if you think you can’t escape dangerous chemicals whatever you do, avoiding these toxic ingredients in hair products is the right thing to do for your health.

1. Aminomethyl Propanol

Used to adjust pH in many hair products, aminomethyl propanol is safe at concentrations of 2% or below, but many product have higher levels of this potentially dangerous chemicals. The highest risk of toxicity is linked for hair dyes and products that straighten your hair. If the concentration level is above 12%, aminomethyl propanol becomes a potential carcinogenic.

2. Ammonium Persulfate

Whether you’ve already started your fall trend shopping or not, take a big step ahead by choosing one of the biggest hair trends of the moment to complement your new Fall/Winter look.

Discover the most important hair trends Fall 2014, from the coolest hairstyles seen on the runway and on the red carpet to the color trends for the new season. Whether you like your hair short or long, there’s plenty of cute trends to choose from.

The Casual Lob

The lob is back, but it’s not the well defined version where every hair should be in place. A new interpretation of the lob is taking over this fall. Emma Stone gave up her boho waves in favor of the lob, and Kristen Bell brought texture to it. 

Give your hair a well-deserved break from hot styling tools and try these easy no-heat curls! All you need is a bunch of bobby pins, a mist of hairspray and minimal skill to nail down the look!

1. Start by creating a part in your hair and make sure it's nice and straight. 

Tip! To make sure your no-heat curls last longer, work styling mousse into damp hair prior to drying. 

2. Pick up a thin strand of hair next to your part, smooth it out and roll it up between your thumb and index finger. 

Braids have been a huge trend for several seasons now and there are literally a plethora of braiding techniques out there. You could even go for a different braided hairstyle for each day of the year, without repeating a look twice. 

If you already got the hang of waterfall braiding, here's a step by step tutorial on how to take it to the next level. If you're struggling with anything that's more complicated than simple three-strand braiding, this modified waterfall braid tutorial is a good excuse to keep practicing!  All you need is long hair, a hair clip and some elastics. 

Modified Waterfall Braid Step by Step

Start by creating a classic waterfall braid.

There’s little doubt that curly hair needs a lot more attention and care than naturally straight hair, but even if you have the best intentions, you might still fall victim to a few common errors that are bad for your curls.

Check out the worst curly hair care mistakes, and find out how to avoid them in order to keep your hair in top shape every day. Fight frizz and dryness and get the definition you want by making sure that you’re not falling in either of these curly hair care traps.

1. Letting Your Curls Dry Out

While some moisturizing products can get too heavy, most help give your curls all the moisture they need without weighing them down. If you use good moisturizing products, from your shampoo to your styling cream, you’ll be a lot more confident about keeping your curls hydrated throughout the day.

2. Giving Up Shampoo Completely

While co-washing can certainly help keep your hair in shape, giving up shampoo completely is one of the worst curly hair care mistakes you can make. If you want to wash with conditioner, do it every other time, but don’t say no to shampoo on principle. Instead, find one that’s designed for curly hair, with extra moisturizing power.

3. Not Sticking to a Good Routine

Even if you color your hair at the maximum allowed frequency, you might still have to deal with color fading or changing before your next coloring appointment. However, fading isn’t always inevitable, and you can always postpone it with a few great tips.

Find out how to get longer lasting hair color by using the right products and developing the right habits to keep your shade vibrant for longer. From the preparation before coloring to the way you shower, here’s what you can do to extend the life of your color.

1. Always Use a Clarifying Shampoo Before Coloring

If you don’t get rid of all the product build-up before you color your hair, you really can’t expect it to last. Use a clarifying shampoo twice in the week before you’re getting your hair colored in order to make sure that the color will stick to each hair for longer.

2. Only Use Hair Products for Colored Hair

This seems like a no-brainer for anyone who wants to get longer lasting hair color, but few make sure to always travel with their shampoo for colored hair or wonder if the hair mousse they’re using is good for the color. Your shampoo and conditioner have to be color safe, but any product that goes on your hair should be carefully considered.

3. Aim for Less Frequent Shampooing

Full of shine and texture, this face slimming updo gets a chic finish by taking it up and to the side. There's a slight volume at the roots for height, then curly tendrils up top are tugged to the side for a soft, face-framing style. 

Face Slimming Updo Styling

Start by dividing hair into two, twist crown section and clip it out of the way. Add texture with a curling iron, working your way from the nape to the crown.

After curling the bottom section, secure it into a low ponytail and place it slightly to the side.

Even when you’re using the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type, a good hair mask can do wonders for your tresses if it’s applied regularly. From conditioning to fixing a lot of other hair related issues, the best hair masks are worth your attention.

Discover a few excellent hair masks for a wide variety of issues, featuring everything from argan oil to cosmeceutical ingredients, specially formulated to fix your hair trouble. Whether you want extra shine, volume or just a deep conditioning mask, check out these great options for any budget.

L’Oreal Professionnel Expert Serie - Fiberceutic Mask (For Fine Hair)

If your biggest trouble is fine hair that’s also damaged, the L'Oreal Fiberceutic hair mask hits the spot. 

All you need to do is apply and leave it in for a few minutes after shampooing and you’ll notice a big improvement. Thanks to Intra-Cylane, the water-activated molecule that provides natural volume and consolidates the hair fibre, you’ll quickly get healthier looking hair.

Shiseido Intensive Treatment Hair Mask

Ombré and balayage are still going strong among the best hair coloring techniques of 2014, but a new crop of interesting ideas is also making a mark. Whether you’re interested in the latest runway coloring techniques or prefer to wait until a trend is adopted by celebrities, check out these great ideas for a perfect dye job.

Going for a natural look with the new coloring techniques more and more salons are using is certainly one way to go, but you can also get a dramatic look by trying temporary purple highlights, that have been spotted on the Fashion Week runways. Learn more about the newest coloring techniques that might be worth a try.

Babylights

A new way to do very delicate and natural looking highlights, babylights are creating by treating half of a normal section with the same attention as a full one. This means doubling the coloring time, but the results are worth it. Baby lights can be done in small sections or all over the hair, and maintenance for the look varies from 8 to 12 weeks depending on the size of the area.

There are many ways in which you can inflict damage on your hair, from styling it with heat to chemical processing, but the effects of your mistakes take time to really show themselves.

Once you get used to seeing the signs your hair is damaged early on, you can do something about quickly to prevent further problems. Find out how to test your hair and see just how it’s doing before spending money on expensive treatments that promise to fix the problem.

1. You’re Noticing Split Ends After a Haircut

Split ends are a clear sign of damaged hair, but what you should be looking out for is the time it takes for them to appear after a trim. Once you get it cut, your hair should be free of split ends for at least a month, and up to two for many women. Even if you’re trying to grow it out, it’s important that you pay attention to split ends and get a trim every few months.

2. It's Getting Dry and Frizzy

When the weather wreaks more havoc on your hair than ever before, and you start noticing that your hair is increasingly frizzy, that’s one of the most obvious signs your hair is damaged. Dry hair is always more prone to getting frizzy, so if you’re sticking to the same hair care regimen but your hair is reacting differently, there might be a problem.

3. It Breaks Off in the Middle

The most obvious reason to change your hair stylist has to do with their expertise. If they specialize in long hair and you’ve decided to get a pixie cut, there should be no hard feelings when you part ways. However, things are more complicated than that most of the time.

Learn how to spot the signs you need to change your hairdresser and you might improve the state of your hair with a simple change. Loyalty is important, but sometimes other things come first, and that’s when you need a new hair stylist.

1. You’re Facing Big Communication Problems

Dealing with communication issues can get difficult, and sometimes the easiest way to solve the problem is to change your hair stylist. When your hairdresser doesn’t take the time to listen to what you have to say or they seem to get it but the end result shows that they didn’t, you might be happier finding someone with better communication skills.

2. You Feel Rushed

You shouldn’t surprise your hair stylist with a request for a new color when you just go in for a trim. However, when they know in advance what you need and they hurry just to make the next appointment, that’s one of the signs you need to change your hairdresser. Some hair stylists work better under pressure, but when you feel rushed and don’t get the result you want, there’s a problem.

3. Your Example Photo Is Ignored

Helping your hair get ready for the next day with a nighttime hairstyle is a great way to get the texture you want and protect it from frizz or tangling. Discover how to set your hair and prepare it for your morning styling while you get your beauty sleep.

Check out the best hairstyles to sleep in from the simple bun to more complex hairstyles, each with their different benefits for your tresses. If you take a little time to care for your hair before you go to sleep, you’ll enjoy gorgeous hair the next day.

The Loose Bun

One way of protecting your hair from frizz and tangling is the classic loose bun. You can apply any product you want before letting your hair rest, from leave-in moisturizers to frizz taming lotions, and this simple trick will work even better. After brushing your hair, gather it as you would for a high ponytail, then secure the ends in a loose bun shape.

The Plait

Get a wavy texture with one of the best hairstyles to sleep in, the simple plait. If you have trouble with tangling, then a simple plait at the back of your head is an excellent way to prevent it, while also getting a few loose waves (if your natural hair texture is straight). Brushing your hair in the morning can also reduce the wavy texture if you don’t like the results.

Whether you’re using a flat iron or trying to straighten your hair with a blow dryer and brush, you’ll only get the best results my making sure that you’re using the right tools in the best way, without being too harsh on your hair.

Get the sleek look of straight and shiny hair by avoiding the worst hair straightening mistakes. Even if you’re only making a single error in your hair straightening routine, you risk getting a bad finish or doing long term damage to your tresses.

1. Straightening without Protection

Whether you’re going for a natural option like argan oil, which works best for thicker hair, or using a more complex heat protection spray or serum, you can’t skip this step in your hair at-home straightening routine. Without the adequate protection, you’ll never get your look to look shiny and healthy once you’re done.

2. Choosing the Wrong Kind of Flat Iron

If you’re hoping to get the perfect look with a flat iron, then you better make that you’re choosing the right kind for the texture of your hair. One of the worst hair straightening mistakes is using the wrong type of flat iron. For curly hair, you’ll need a titanium one, while ceramic flat irons are best for fine and normal hair.

3. Not Preparing Your Hair

There are many caused for a receding hairline in women, from severe health issues adrenal gland or ovarian tumors to more easily fixed problems, like a hormone imbalance or damage from hair processing.

Since more women with a receding hairline also suffer thinning hair in other areas, hair transplants aren’t a solution as often as they are for men. Whatever the reason, whether it’s female pattern baldness or some other issue, learn more about the best receding hairline solutions.

1. Figure Out What’s Causing It

Getting to the root of hair loss is very important, and the first step should be analyzing your hairstyle choices. Harsh chemical treatments and hairstyles that keep your roots in tension, from cornrows and weaves to ponytails that are too tight, can be a big problem, but hair loss can also be caused by a wide variety of medical issues, most of them having hormone imbalances as a symptom.

2. Stop the Damage

Whatever the cause of your hair loss is, stopping any hair damage right away is one of the best receding hairline solutions. If the cause was related to harsh chemicals, heat damage or other hairstyle issues, you might be able to recover. Stop wearing weaves and extensions or attempting hairstyles that put a lot of pressure on your hair. Blow dryers can also cause heat damage, so you might consider air drying your hair.

3. Solve Your Thyroid Issues

Bobs were big in 2014 and they’re still going strong, with plenty of celebrities choosing to get fresh versions of this classic. Check out some of the best celebrity bobs, that can help you get inspired for your own perfect hairstyle.

Whether they were grown out from pixie cuts or were styled with a substantial trim, these cute bobs are definitely worthy of your attention, for the cool factor they can bring to your style with less maintenance than a longer hairstyle. Find your perfect bob with the help of these gorgeous celebrity hairstyles.

Kate Bosworth's Textured Bob

The newest celebrity to adopt the bob, Kate Bosworth made waves when she showed off her new hairstyle at the “Still Alice” premiere. 

Sexy undercuts are making a splash on the red carpet as more and more celebrities rock this trend with plenty of success, from pop stars to Hollywood A-listers. Whether they keep their hair long or short, the shorn side and back are definitely a growing trend.

If you’re looking for a little hair inspiration in order to get your own edgy look, check out some of the best celebrity undercut hairstyles. From Scarlett Johansson’s new look to celebrities like Kelly Osbourne and Ellie Goulding who’ve been experimenting with the undercut for a while, here are some really successful looks.

Scarlett Johansson

Five months after giving birth to her daughter, Scarlett Johanson showed up at the 2015 G’Day USA Gala and AACTA International Awards with a surprising new look. 

Skipping the blow dryer is definitely better for your hair in the long run, but in order to get the perfect look you have to master air drying. You’ll need a few products, but the way you handle your hair while it’s drying is also very important.

Whether you have naturally straight or curly hair, check out some of the best air drying hair tips that will help you create the right look. Learn how to air dry your hair like a pro, either quickly or overnight, and you’ll be able to protect your hair from heat while also getting the most out of your hairstyle.

Shake Off Water Before Reaching for the Towel

Removing as much water as you can before using a towel is a very important step that many women who air dry their hair skip. Flip your hair upside down and shaking it in order to get rid of the water after you finish washing it. You can also use your fingers to lift the roots and that will help dry it quicker.

Use the Right Towel

Once you get most of the water out of your tresses, one of the best air drying hair tips is to choose the right towel. Light fabrics are a must, but the best choice you can make is a microfiber towel. A soft cotton, like an old t-shirt, is certainly better than a towel with a rough texture. Make sure that you gently pat and squeeze, while keeping rubbing and twisting to a minimum.

Windy days can be very harsh on your tresses, particularly if you have problems with dry hair regularly. Protecting your hair with the right products and the best hairstyles is a must if you want it to look its best in windy weather.

Check out some of the best hair tips for windy days, and make sure that your tresses will be safe and beautiful. From deep conditioning and avoiding heat styling tools to knowing how to handle short hair in windy weather, here’s what you need to know.

1. Go for Deep Conditioning

When you know you’ll be facing winds, deep conditioning your hair once a week is a must. It’s particularly important in colder months. Keep the conditioner or mask on your hair for 10 minutes in order to allow it to penetrate your hair and provide better protection from the elements.

2. Avoid Styling Your Hair with Heat

One of the best hair tips for windy days is using as little heat as possible. If you’re not willing to skip the blow out, then make sure that you’re protecting your tresses with a good spray or serum. Put the flat iron and curling iron away. You can also opt for air drying and use an overnight hairstyle to get the texture you want.

3. Keep the Shampooing to a Minimum

Many blonde celebrities hide their natural hair color under darker shades or gorgeous reds, while others experiment with lighter shades, then quickly go back to darker tones that suit them much better.

Check out the biggest celebrities who look bad blonde, and should definitely stick to darker colors. From experiments with really light shades to really bad ombre effects, here are the celebs that failed to make a good impression as blondes.

Angelina Jolie

While she technically hides her dirty blonde hair under dark colors, Angelina Jolie did experiment with going light blonde once. She dyed her hair in 2001 for the movie “Life or Something Like It”. 

While sticking to natural hair products can be tricky and isn’t always the best choice for your look, some ingredients can be outright dangerous, both for the look of your hair and for your health.

Check out some of the worst ingredients in hair products and find out why you should put in the effort to keep them out of your hair care regimen. From alcohol, that dries hair, to more dangerous chemicals that don’t do much for your hair but can prove dangerous for your health, here are the ingredients to avoid.

1. Isopropyl Alcohol

Used as in shellac and antifreeze, isopropyl alcohol can dry your hair and increase the risk of breakage. It’s even more important to avoid it if you have processed hair, since it will strip away all the oils from it. It’s most commonly used in hairsprays and gels, but you can also find it in products like volumizers.

2. Propylene Glycol

Definitely one of the worst ingredients in hair products, propylene glycol can have a negative impact on your health when you’re overexposed to it. That’s a problem since it’s found in everything from shampoos and conditioners to lotions and gels. Just like isopropyl alcohol, it’s a solvent, and it can also contribute to scalp irritation.

3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate