Want healthy, shiny hair? You’re probably damaging your hair without knowing it. But make these 5 simple changes to your daily routine and you’ll be on your way to strengthening your hair.

Everyone wants shiny, healthy hair. You don’t need to spend lots of money on fancy hair products or spend hours in the salon to get it, though.

You’re probably doing things every day that are damaging your hair without you even knowing! Make these 5 simple changes to your daily routine and see the results!

1. Stop washing every day

Washing your hair too frequently strips it of its natural oils, causing damaged hair and a dry, itchy scalp. There isn’t a set rule for how often you should wash your hair—it all depends on what type of hair you have. Straight, thin hair needs to be washed much more often than curly, thick hair. But as a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t wash your hair more than every other day. Invest in a good dry shampoo to keep your hair looking clean without drying it out.

2. Go heatless

Cool it with the styling. Too much blow drying, straightening, or curling causes damaged, dry hair. Heat protectants work a little, but the only way to totally prevent heat damage is to avoid heat products all together. Opt to airdry after a shower, if possible. Embrace your natural hair. Try out any of these heatless hairstyles to save your hair!

3. Feed it what it needs

Your body requires certain nutrients, and so does your hair. What you eat directly affects the way your hair looks, grows, and feels. Foods high in protein, vitamins A, C, and E, omegas, and zinc aid in hair growth. Eggs, avocados, berries, salmon, and spinach add these essential vitamins that promote hair growth and strength. Check out this list of hair healthy foods and recipes.

4. Take collagen supplements

Sometimes you can’t get all the nutrients your hair needs through the food you eat. You can add all the extra vitamins and proteins that your hair wants through supplements. Collagen is a very important supplement for hair, skin, and nail growth. Collagen is the body’s building block, and makes hair shinier, promotes growth, and prevents breakage. Add a collagen drink to your morning routine. It will help you start out the day with a glass of water and give you that extra protein boost that your hair needs. Try out Ideal Collagen.

5. Brush gently

There’s a myth that brushing your hair 100 times per night will make it shiny. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Brushing your hair too often actually damages it, making it look dull and brittle. Use a soft or plastic brush, and use a leave-in conditioner liberally to soften tangles before brushing. Try to brush your hair only once a day. Remember to be gentle with it!