In most cases a once a month or every two weeks visit to the salon is not enough to make damaged hair healthy. In most cases it doesn't even keep healthy hair healthy. There has to be some in between maintenance. Just like your body needs extra TLC so does your hair. When leaving the salon the hair should be fresh and clean and full of body and bounce. Or it should be in the style you desired for that point in time. But after a while the hair will become dirty, oily, and in need of a comb, brush, or hat! If it is not time for you to take a trip to see your stylist you will need to handle this situation at home. I know..I know you don't have the time or patience to do your own hair. But you do have time to keep that image up (swag) and it is not by letting your hair do what it wants until your appointment comes around.
Most of all we want healthy hair. If you do not maintain your hair at home in between salon visits your hair could become damaged and begin to break from it either being to dry or matted from not combing or wrapping it properly. And if you are struggling with dandruff you definitely have to do some shampooing and treatment at home to keep that dry scalp at bay.
Some of the reasons for not doing hair at home is you don't have time, don't have the proper tools, or you can't make it look like it does when the stylist does it. First thing first the client is the client for a reason...get it! Don't make that an excuse for not taking care of your hair. Tools can be found in your local hair supply store the main tools that are need for any style is a flat iron ( 1' - 3' ),
blow dryer ( hand held with comb attachment or hood ), comb, brush ( bristle & paddle ) and strips for short hair...oh of course products.
Daily or weekly maintenance should be a priority when it comes to hair. Some of us do not need daily or weekly maintenance or have a style that does not allow it. But for those that are trying to bring your hair to a healthy state, you must give your hair that much needed TLC.
When it comes to the blow drying, rather it is by hand or under the hood use some type of pre-drying agent. Believe me it will not hurt to use a little...YES even for the oily heads that say 'don't put product in my hair' or 'I don't use or need product'.....YEAH! Any pre-drying product is okay if used properly it will protect the hair from any damage that may occur from using heat and give it the necessary moisture it needs if you prefer not to use product in your hair. Do not confuse this with hair spray, holding spray or oil sheen..its not the same and your hair will thank you.
You can start by paying attention to the products that your stylist is using. If you can not fit that brand of product in your budget then ask your stylist for a alternative brand that will give you the same result. And when using a certain brand it is good not to mix and match, leave that to the professionals. Try to use the same products from beginning to end...meaning for shampoo to styling! This will alleviate any reason for your hair not to look and feel the way you desired it to. And follow the directions...I know you are like 'who doesn't know how to shampoo hair or apply product', but be on the safe side and do what the bottle says until you are familiar with the outcome.