Hair Crime:

Are you guilty of hair assault and battery? Here's how to avoid getting busted...

Your Offense: Overusing hot appliances
The Penalty: Dried out ends
Crime Prevention: Cut down on hair appliance use. Let your hair air-dry until 90% of the water's gone, then style. To recondition hair, use an in-depth conditioner. One to try: L'Oreal Hydravive

Your Offense: Cutting your own hair.
The Penalty: An uneven 'do
Crime Prevention: Tempting though it may be, especially when your bangs grow long, follow a hands-off policy. For best results, get your hair trimmed by a pro.

Your Offense: Too much conditioner
The Penalty: Limp hair
Crime Prevention: Don't pour on conditioner, all you need is a dollop about the size of a quarter. Also, concentrate conditioner just on the ends of your hair-your roots don't need it! For fine hair, try a leave-in conditioner-it'll help condition without weighing your hair down.

Your Offense: Ignoring splits
The Penalty: Ragged ends
Crime Prevention: Arrange to have your hair trimmed every six to eight weeks, suggests hair pro Craig Gangi of Cristophe, Beverly Hills. Even if you want your hair long, be sure to get it snipped regularly. Otherwise, your hair'll look dry nad unhealthy and it won't grow out evenly.