Straightening curly hair requires damaging heated straighteners -- or so you thought. There are other ways to straighten your locks without a flat iron so you can give your hair a break from the heat once in a while.

Soft, shiny hair isn't just for the ladies. Some men may limit hair care to a dab of harsh, generic shampoo in the shower followed by a quick run-through with a comb, while others may opt for moisture-stripping hair gels or hot-blow-dryer styling techniques.

Whether you are bald by choice or experiencing premature hair loss, shiny scalp skin that reflects light like a mirror is frustrating. The shiny appearance occurs on top of the head because gravity pulls it down tight against the underlying skull.

Aloe vera juice comes from the aloe vera plant and contains 32 vitamins and minerals, 75 nutrients and hundreds of active enzymes. Many people associate aloe vera with treating burns and sunburned skin. While it’s great for these issues, aloe vera juice can also benefit your hair when applied topically.

Hydrating the scalp can save you from potentially embarrassing and uncomfortable conditions related to a dry scalp, such as dandruff, eczema and seborrheic dermatitis. You can add moisture to the scalp with products from your local drugstore and salon or try natural recipes and remedies, such as oatmeal and oils.

Getting a perm involves altering the structure of the hair. Since hair types are different, you always have the potential that the perm will not take or becomes too tight.

One of the most relaxing parts of a spa facial occurs when a hot, moist towel is carefully draped over the face and left for several minutes. This practice, first used by barbers to prepare facial hair for the subsequent shaving ritual, was integrated into many spa facials as an alternative to steam.

Scrunching your hair can give you beachy, easy waves that look elegant and effortless. But if you have stick-straight hair, you might think you're out of luck and can't get wavy hair.

Hair color covers up a gray mane, but salon dyes often contain chemicals that aren't friendly to your locks. If you prefer something gentler, you can darken hair naturally by making your own herbal tea dye. Dried herbs produce a tea that gives gray hair rich color and subtle highlights.

A flat iron can make your hair smooth, sleek and shiny, but over time it can cause the outer layer of your hair to become damaged, making it difficult for your hair to retain the moisture that protects it from breakage and dullness.

Thin, wavy hair can be a challenge to deal with. It’s not straight enough to carry off a sleek bob and not full enough to go for the tousled, sexy bed-head look.

Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids that nourish and moisturize the scalp and hair. Polynesian cultures historically have and still do use extra virgin coconut oil as a beauty product, notes the Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu, Hawaii. A study published in the "Journal of Cosmetic Science"