Stop Ruining Your Hair! 17 Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to assume that hair damage only comes from using harsh products, but the truth is that your daily habits can be just as harmful. Overusing heat tools, skipping proper nutrition, or even something as simple as brushing your hair the wrong way can take a toll on its health. If you’re serious about keeping your hair strong, shiny, and healthy, it’s time to take a closer look at the little things you might be doing wrong. Here are 17 everyday habits you should avoid to protect your hair and keep it looking its best.
Overwashing
Washing your hair too frequently can disrupt its natural oils, causing dryness, breakage, and scalp irritation. Finding a good balance based on your hair type—oily, dry, or regular—is crucial for optimal health and appearance. Only wash your hair when it’s really needed.
Skipping Conditioner
The conditioner is an essential part of your hair care routine for replenishing moisture, detangling, and improving the overall manageability of your hair. Skipping conditioners can leave your hair feeling rough, frizzy, and more susceptible to breakage, especially if you have dry or damaged hair.
Using Too Much Heat
Excessive heat styling with tools like curling or flat irons can lead to split hair ends, breakage, and dullness. Using heat-protection products and reducing the frequency of heat styling can help minimize damage and preserve the health of your hair.
Over-Coloring Your Hair
Constantly coloring your hair can really take a toll, leading to breakage and weak strands. Try to space out your color treatments and stick to products designed for color-treated hair. Techniques like balayage are less harsh and can give your hair a break. Cutting back on how often you color will help keep your hair looking and feeling healthy.
Not Protecting Your Hair From The Direct Sun
The UV rays can easily damage the hair cuticle, causing dryness, fading of color, and increased brittleness. Wearing hats or using hair products with UV protection can help your hair from sun damage and maintain its strength and vibrancy.
Ignoring Split Ends
Split ends aren’t just a cosmetic issue—they can worsen over time, leading to further damage along the hair shaft. Regular trims every 6 to 9 weeks are essential for removing split ends and preserving your hair’s health and appearance.
Brushing Wet Hair
Wet hair is most vulnerable and prone to stretching and breakage. Instead of brushing with a regular brush that can cause damage, use a wet brush, or your fingers gently detangle. Start this from the end and work your way up to the roots.
Using The Wrong Hair Products
Choosing products different from your hair type can result in various problems, from excessive greasiness to dryness and frizz. It’s essential to select products formulated for your specific needs, whether you have straight hair, curly hair, dry hair, or oily hair.
Tight Hair Styles
Tight ponytails, braids, and buns can exert excessive tension on the hair follicles, causing breakage and even hair loss over time. Opt for looser hairstyles or use hair accessories that evenly distribute the tension to minimize damage.
Sleeping On Cotton Pillowcases
Cotton pillowcases can create friction against the hair, leading to frizz, tangles, and breakage, especially for those with delicate or textured hair. Satin or silk pillowcases provide a smoother surface, reducing friction and helping to maintain your hair’s integrity while you sleep.
Skipping Regular Haircuts
Even if you’re growing out your hair, regular trims are crucial for maintaining its health and preventing split ends from traveling up the hair shaft. Schedule a trim every few months to keep your ends looking fresh and prevent further damage.
Overlooking Dietary Factors
Your diet influences your hair’s health. Inadequate nutrition, especially vitamin, mineral, and protein deficiencies, can manifest in dull, brittle hair prone to breakage. You need to ensure that you eat a balanced diet that includes the essential nutrients for hair health or consider supplements if necessary.
Stress
Stress profoundly impacts hair health, potentially leading to increased shedding, thinning, or even hair loss. Stress-reducing techniques such as exercising, walking, meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help mitigate these effects and promote overall hair health.
Ignoring Scalp Care
A healthy scalp is key to healthy hair, so don’t skip it. Regularly exfoliate to get rid of dead skin and product buildup. Give yourself a nice scalp massage to boost blood flow and help your hair grow. Try using scalp treatments or oils to keep things balanced and fend off dandruff.
Using Hard Water
If you live in an area with hard water, it can be tough on your hair. The extra minerals like calcium and magnesium can build up over time, leaving your hair dry, dull, and more likely to break. To fix this, try using a shower filter or a clarifying shampoo every now and then to get rid of the buildup. It’ll help bring back your hair’s natural softness and shine, so it feels healthy and fresh again.
Using Dirty Brushes
Clean your brushes often to avoid dirt and oil buildup. Using a dirty brush can put old products and bacteria back into your hair, leading to scalp issues and dullness. Make it a routine to remove hair from your brush after each use, and give it a good wash with shampoo and warm water once a week. A clean brush means fresher, healthier hair.
Towel Drying
According to some studies, towel drying causes hair to rub against the towel, leading to friction and breakage. Although many trichologists suggest air drying altogether, if you use a towel, ensure you’re only gently patting your hair with it and letting the rest air dry. It will save your hair from unnecessary damage.
More For You
Avoiding common hair mistakes, like over-styling or using harsh products, helps your hair look its best and perfectly complements your outfit. This way, your entire look comes together seamlessly, giving you that picture-perfect ensemble.
This article was first published on the RB ITALIA Blog.
