(Drafted from http://www.herald-dispatch.com on 1-Jan-2009)

Most of what we do to our manes is haricidal: We blast hair with hot air, bleach it and then dye it. Heat causes the water under the outermost layer of the hair to form bubbles that stress and make your hair vulnerable. These bubbles get under the “tiles” that cover the hair, dislodge them and give you split ends (and basically, your collie’s hair will outlast and outshine yours). Here’s how to treat it right:

Be gentle. Blot hair dry with a towel, and use low heat if you have to blow it dry. Trade in your old brush for one with smooth or rounded teeth or bristles, which will massage your hair and scalp without damaging them. Use the extra dryer time to start your day right: Practice deep breathing or think about what you’re grateful for. These will only contribute to how great you look today.

Cap the shampoo. Unless you’ve been working up a big sweat, wash your hair every two or three days. Other days, just rinse and massage your scalp with plain water or water and conditioner. This not only helps keep it healthy; it will also look shinier (in a good way).

Stay pure. Your hair loves toxin-free H2O. Instead of squirting yourself with Evian, remove drying, hair-wrecking chlorine by adding a charcoal filter to your shower or bath. That’s important for the rest of your body, too, especially if you take longer showers. In that case, chlorine in your water itself isn’t the biggest hazard, but what it turns into — stronger toxins called trichloromethanes — is.

For advice and guidance on trating your hair or to book in for a free consultation call Re’Voil Hair & Beauty on 0161 950 9933 or visit the website at www.revoil.co.uk