Shampoo your hair with a moisturizing shampoo. Lather your hair gently with your fingertips, and never scrub your scalp with your fingernails.

Follow every shampoo with a moisturizing conditioner or cream rinse. Leave the conditioner in your hair for three to five minutes or as directed on the container.

Wash your hair with an itch-control shampoo if your scalp is dry, or use a dandruff shampoo if you have an itchy scalp and dandruff. Don't scratch your scalp as this damages the roots of your hair and creates breakage.

Avoid drying your hair with a rough towel because wet hair is fragile and easily broken. Blot your hair with a soft towel or a microfiber towel, with no twisting or pulling.

Detangle wet hair gently with your fingers. Don't use a comb or brush until your hair is nearly dry.

Comb your hair gently using a wide-tooth comb that won't pull your hair. If you use a brush, look for one with widely-spaced bristles and plastic ball tips to prevent friction. Don't use a brush that causes discomfort when you brush it across your palm.

Treat your hair to a deep-conditioning treatment every three to five days. Apply a deep conditioner after shampooing, then leave it in your hair for 10 to 15 minutes. Be sure the entire hair shaft, including the roots of your hair, are coated. Once your hair is healthy and breakage no longer occurs, deep condition with a protein conditioner every seven to 10 days.

Protect your hair from sunlight because exposure to UV rays damage the hair and cause breakage. Wear a soft, floppy sunhat, or apply a leave-in conditioner.

Wear a soft scarf to protect your hair from windy weather. Wind dries the hair and creates tangles that are difficult to remove without aggressive combing. If your hair tangles, dip your fingertips in conditioner, then remove the tangle carefully, working from the ends of the hair toward the scalp.

Avoid hairstyles that damage the hair shaft at the roots, such as braids, tight up-dos or dreadlocks. Never tease your hair. Don't sleep with clips, rubber bands, barrettes or hair combs.

Minimize use of chemical processes as much as possible. Hair dyes, as well as straightening and permanents, damage the hair shaft and lead to breakage. If possible, visit a professional hairstylist for application of chemical processes.

Minimize use of heated styling tools. Apply a heat-protectant product to your hair before using heated tools. Set tools on warm or cool, and avoid hot air. If you use a hair dryer, hold the dryer 6 to 10 inches from your head. Direct the air toward the middle or ends of the hair -- not the roots.