They may be cheap and easy on your wallet, but they will be harsh on your hair. Many drugstore brand shampoos and conditioners contain silicones and harsh chemicals that can dry out and damage your hair. What you save on shampoo and conditioner you will later spend on buying masks and treatments. Instead, consider buying some salon brands. They are more expensive, but they are also less-damaging when it comes to hair. They help rebalance your hair's pH and restore moisture. Just because a product does not say that it is meant for damaged hair doesn't mean that it won't help. If you cannot find something that says "for damaged hair" on the label, look for something that will hydrate, nourish, or strengthen your hair. These sorts of traits will help erase the damage, or at least make it less noticeable. Here is a list of things you should look for when buying shampoo, conditioner, and other products: Products that say "Dry and Brittle Hair" are great for damaged hair. They are extra nourishing and moisturizing and will help make your hair stronger. Look for products that contain moisturizers, such as Argan oil, coconut oil, or shea butter. Smoothing and softening shampoos and conditioners contain healthy oils that will make our hair appear healthier and less frizzy. Any products that say: repairing, hydrating, or moisturizing. Consider buying some leave-in conditioners. They will help lock the moisture in, and prevent your hair from drying out. If you dye your hair, then look for something that says "For Colo-Treated Hair." These products not only help prevent fading, but they also provide your hair with extra moisture and nourishment. Most of these shampoos contain alcohols and chemicals that are bad for your hair. They will cause your hair to become more brittle and dry, which could lead to more damage. If you must use something fragranced, look for something with a natural fragrance, such as essential oil or coconut oil. Certain ingredients found in shampoos and conditioners (particularly the drugstore kind) can be very harmful to your hair and body. You can prevent damaging your hair even more by avoiding the following ingredients: Parabens are preservatives that have been linked to breast cancer. Sulfates often appear in the ingredient list as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. They are harsh detergents often found in floor cleaners and capable of stripping your hair of its natural oils, resulting in dry and brittle hair. They are responsible for the foam and lather in a shampoo. Ureas are added for their anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties. Unfortunately, they have been linked to dermatitis and cancer. Phthalates/plasticizers may disrupt the endocrine system Petrochemicals, such as Lanolin, Mineral Oil, Paraffin, Petrolatum, Propylene Glycol, and PVP/VA Copolymer seal the toxins in your hair while keeping moisture and oxygen out. Certain ingredients found in shampoos and conditioners are beneficial for your hair. Here is a list of oils and moisturizing agents that should be in your hair products: Oils such as Argan, avocado, and olive oil Moisturizing agents such as glycerin, glyceryl stearate, propylene glycol, shea butter, sodium lactate, sodium PCA, and sorbitol. Many hair products contain alcohols. Some of them are too drying or your hair, leading to more damage, and should be avoided. Others are not bad for your hair, and make good substitutes: Avoid the following alcohol: isopropyl alcohol, propanol, propyl alcohol, and SD alcohol 40. The following alcohols are not bad for your hair: Cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, and stearyl alcohol.

Summary: Avoid drugstore brands when buying hair products. Look for products that will hydrate and nourish your hair. Pass on the overly-fragranced shampoos. Avoid products containing parabens, sulfates, and other harmful ingredients. Look for natural oils and moisturizers in the ingredient list. Know what alcohols should and should not be in your hair products.

When you're married to a narcissist, self-care should be a #1 priority. It's important for you to take part in activities that make you feel good about yourself and connect you with positive people. Narcissists often try to isolate you from other people, which may make it hard to maintain your relationships. You may also find that it is hard to keep up with your interests because you are trying to keep the peace at home. Think about some activities that you have put off since becoming married, or have been dying to try out. Sign up for a class, a Meetup, or check a book out from the library to learn more about a specific interest. You might learn a language, start crafting, become a writer, or start taking kickboxing. Do something you love, just for you. To ensure that your time away doesn't create a sore spot for your attention-hungry spouse, check in often while you're engaging in hobbies. You might say, "I'm at my writing course, dear. Is there something I can get for you when I'm headed home?" or "I'm enjoying kickboxing, but I sure miss your handsome face." Marriage to a narcissistic spouse can feel like everything is about your partner while nothing is about you. Combat feelings of inadequacy by giving yourself permission to be a little selfish and set some goals you have been secretly harboring. To make sure you achieve them, make them SMART goalsthat is, specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound. Have you always wanted to go back to school? Make a list of steps you must take to reach this goal. Your list might include researching universities, deciding on a major, taking entrance exams, and getting letters of recommendation. Just because your spouse isn't attending to your emotional needs doesn't mean no one can. Find a trusted friend or confidant to share your feelings and experiences with. Spend time with people who value who you are as a person and give as much as they take. You can reach out to an existing friend by saying, "Hey, Randy, some things have been happening in my marriage and I could really use someone to talk to. Can I trust you to keep this between us?" If you don't have a trusted person to talk to, try attending a support group for loved ones of narcissists. In such groups, you can connect with people who are going through similar experiences and learn how they cope. Although it can make your marriage more fulfilling if your spouse gets treatment, it can also be helpful if you see a professional as well. Years of belittling, criticizing, and being put in second place can take a toll on your self-esteem, leading to anxiety and depression. Research a therapist in your area who has experience working with the spouses of narcissists. Interviews several professionals before selecting one you feel comfortable with. Seeing a therapist can also help you learn more about the disorder affecting your spouse and learn more skills about how to cope with it in your marriage. You may be completely against divorce, but you should reconsider your decision if your spouse starts to abuse you. Although many narcissists never become violent, it can happen. Speak with a professional to develop an action plan to follow in times of crisis. Even if your spouse never physically abuses you, narcissistic abuse still involves emotional and mental abuse that can have lasting consequences to your well-being. Talk to your therapist to weigh the pros and cons of leaving your marriage, especially if you have children because this behavior can be learned.
Summary: Regain your identity by pursuing passions. Develop realistic personal goals for yourself. Surround yourself with a positive network. See a professional therapist. Consider ending the marriage if your spouse becomes violent.