If you've ever had a hair perm, you probably noticed a strong chemical smell in the salon, and maybe some minor hair loss or sensitivity once the treatment was done. Yet for many women, the after-effects of a "permanent wave" or other chemical treatment can be nothing short of disastrous.

Dry hair has too little oil and moisture to sustain its normal health and texture. Dry hair may be alleviated by washing it less often, using conditioners and discontinuing the use of hair dryers and styling products, according to MedlinePlus.

If you examine a group of people, you likely will see a lot of variation regarding how each person looks, grooms himself, presents herself, dresses and acts. All of these factors contribute to a person’s perceived age, or how young or old he appears to others.

If you have wavy, curly hair, you can get sleek, pin-straight tresses if you crank up the dial of your straightening iron so that it generates maximum heat. However, intense heat, when used on an everyday basis, can lead to damaged, fried-looking hair -- and ultimately hair loss due to breakage.

Your hair is a part of the largest organ of the human body, the skin. Proper care of the skin begins with adequate hydration, or water. So, drink up! African-American skin has tendencies for dryness. However, dry scalp and hair issues are attributed primarily to heat and chemical treatments.

You know that your frizzy hair has the potential for smooth waves, but no matter how you style it, your hair ends up frazzled by the afternoon. Whether you were born with flyaway strands or they're a product of heat and humidity, rethinking your styling methods and products is the key to achieving flawless locks.

Treat your scalp itch with gel from the aloe vera plant, an ancient plant that's been used as an herbal medicine for thousands of years. Aloe vera is among the most commonly used herbs in the United States, with uses that range from wound care to fighting skin inflammation.

It may not have occurred to you that baby shampoo can be used as a facial wash, but the special hypoallergenic formula cleans skin without irritation. Baby shampoo is gentle enough to be used on an infant's skin, so it is also effective and safe for your sensitive face.

Fish oil is consumed in foods or taken as a supplement to prevent or treat a wide range of conditions. Its nutrients also produce a number of cosmetic effects.

Individually or in combination, coconut oil and olive oil are natural treatments to promote healthy hair. Both fight dryness, with a coconut oil treatment being particularly effective in preventing frizz. Research in a 2003 issue of the "Journal of Cosmetic Science,"

The average person sheds anywhere from 50 to100 hairs every day, and when you suffer from hair breakage, that number can increase significantly. Hair breakage can often be prevented by eating a proper diet, limiting the use of hair care products and refraining from overzealous hair-care practices.

Dry hair and scalp products take prominence in beauty advertising, but this doesn’t mean oily hair is less of a problem. Excess oil in the hair can stem from issues in the scalp or from beauty habits. Minor issues may be corrected at home with changes in your hair care routine.