As summer ends and school starts, many students are making their way back to college and dorm life. As a freshman at Bradley University and the daughter of a salon owner, I've found that keeping my hair looking great in a non-air-conditioned dorm with community showers isn't quite as easy as it was at home. With everyone trying to look good for parties and other events, late night movies, and early classes, there just isn't enough time to primp and pamper.

So what can you do to keep your hair healthy and looking great? I've noticed a lot of my hall mates like to shower in the morning, again before they go out at night, and sometimes even after they get home-and they always blow dry it after.

While it may leave you feeling fresher, the constant washing and drying is very damaging to your hair. You can still shower, of course, but try to avoid washing your hair; invest in a good shower cap or even just a ponytail holder. As for making your hair look good, this is where hair products come in. A good styling cream, gel, or hair spray will make you look as great as if you had just washed and styled your hair.

During the hot late summer months, most students spend their time outside. The only problem is that the sun can really damage your hair. Just as you do with your skin, invest in a good sunscreen for your hair. There are many products that have sun protection in them, such as Redken's Sun Shape line.

My final tip is more of a reminder than anything. It's college and it's supposed to be fun, so don't worry too much about how you look. Instead of damaging your hair with flat irons and curling irons, give your hair a break sometimes. Save yourself some time in the morning, and just tuck it under a hat or throw it in a ponytail before class. Most people won't be looking at your hair anyway.

While you may be worried about making it look good, once it's the consistency of straw and breaking off, there's no saving it. TPW