Whether you’re wedding hair style is elaborate or simple, up or down, curly or straight, there’s no doubt you want your locks to look healthy and beautiful. Getting your hair in shape for your big day takes some time and planning but the results will be well worth the effort! While there are many things you can do to get your hair looking picture-perfect, there are also some things you shouldn’t do. To find out what will help and what will hurt keep reading for an important list of wedding hair do’s and don’ts.

DON’T vigorously rub your hair when towel drying. Wet hair is very delicate and easy to damage so rough treatment while towel drying can cause split ends. It can also make your locks frizzy and unmanageable. Instead try gently blotting your hair or carefully scrunching it inside a soft towel to remove excess water.

DON’T forget to keep your hair trimmed. Head to the beauty salon every six weeks or so to get rid of all the dead ends; this will maintain your style and keep hair in good condition. Even if you’re growing out your locks for your wedding, going in for frequent trims is essential. Since split ends continue to move up the hair shaft as time passes, the only “cure” is to get rid of them. That means the longer you let them go, the more length they’ll have to cut off to make your hair healthy again.

DON’T use accessories that can damage your hair. Using plain rubber bands or bobby pins that are missing their rounded tips can cause hair to break, tear, or pull out. Instead choose covered elastic bands and make sure that your clips and pins don’t have any jagged edges that can snag hair. Avoid using pens and pencils or other objects not specially made for hair to secure up-dos as this can cause damage as well.

DON’T go crazy with styling tools. Things like hair dryers, straightening irons, and curling irons can dry your hair out, making it brittle and causing split ends. If you use these tools frequently then you should also be using a leave-in product that protects your hair from heat styling. A good conditioner used regularly will help keep your hair shiny and healthy as well so spend a little time finding the one that’s right for you.

DON’T over or under-wash your hair. Letting your hair go for days without washing it allows dirt and oil to build up making hair dull or greasy. However, washing it too frequently can also cause problems since it can strip hair of its essential oils making it dry and brittle. Try washing hair every other day to keep it looking and feeling healthy.

DO use a comb instead of a brush on wet hair. Since hair is so much more delicate when it’s wet, it’s a good idea to use a wide-toothed comb to get out those tangles. Wet hair stretches a lot more than dry hair does and brush bristles can catch in your locks causing them to snap and break.

DO take special care of colored or permed hair. These treatments are notorious for drying hair out and using the wrong products will only make the problem worse. There are many shampoos and conditioners on the market today that are specially made for hair that has been permed or dyed. Using them regularly will keep your locks in good condition.

DO eat healthy. Maintaining a healthy diet will promote hair growth and keep it looking beautiful. Getting your daily requirements of essential nutrients not only creates a strong body but also makes for strong, shiny hair. In addition to any products you’re using, make sure to eat right and drink plenty of water to keep your locks looking their best.

DO be aware of the sun. While you don’t need to wear a hat every time you go outdoors it’s a good idea to cover up if your hair is going to be exposed to the sun for prolonged periods of time. UV rays aren’t just harmful to your skin but can damage your hair as well so do your best to protect it during those long days on the beach.

DO wash your hair after swimming. Chlorine and salt water can have a very drying effect on your hair making it brittle and dull so try to wash it as soon as possible after swimming. Using a clarifying shampoo afterwards is best. If you spend a lot of time in the water, go with a shampoo and conditioner specially made for swimmers; it will help protect your hair from all the chemicals and salt.

If you’re having a hard time getting your hair in good shape for your wedding, try talking to a stylist that can give you some specific pointers for your hair type. While it may take some time to see results, if you stick with your hair-care routine your locks are sure to be beautiful and healthy for you big day!

- Kelsey Gonzalez