1. Washing your hair too often or not enough
Washing your hair every day can strip it from its natural oils, leaving it dull, dry and prone to breaking. Not washing it enough will make it greasy and result in clogged pores as dirt and excessive oil build up. It is recommended to wash your hair every two to three days.
2. Using the wrong type of hair products
Your hair is like your skin. It has a type and specific needs. Wavy hair needs volume, curly hair frizzes a lot. Dry hair needs moisture, colored hair protection, etc. Finding your hair type and understanding your hair needs will make it easier for you to choose the right products.
3. Using hair care products with harsh ingredients
Conventional hair care products contain a lot of petrochemicals, sulfates, toxic preservatives, synthetic fragrances etc. All these harsh ingredients may harm your hair and scalp and cause irritations, dryness, dandruff and hair loss.
Opt for organic hair products with natural ingredients that don’t remove the natural moisture of your hair and are gentler on the scalp.
For more information about toxic ingredients in personal care products, read this article.
4. Washing your hair with hot water
Hot water strips your hair from its natural oils, removes its shine and affects its color. Use lukewarm water to clean your hair and scalp and rinse with cold water to add shine and smoothness.
5. Skipping conditioner or applying it the wrong way
Conditioner detangles the hair and is essential if you want to avoid breakage and split ends. Another benefit is that it smooths your hair and protects it from damage.
It is very important to apply it on your mid-shafts and ends and avoid the roots. Conditioners are thick and heavy products and applying them directly on the scalp, will result in clogged pores.
6. Drying your hair with a towel
When your hair is wet, it is more vulnerable and prone to breakage. Rough-drying with a bath towel may cause breakage, split ends and frizz. To avoid hair damage, never rub it with the towel, instead gently squeeze it.
7. Combing or brushing the wrong way
Combing or brushing wet hair can cause breakage and must be done with caution and the right tools. Use a wide-toothed comb or a brush specifically created to detangle wet hair.
Don’t comb or brush your hair too often. It is a very common beauty myth, but brushing your hair a hundred times won’t make it shine. Brush your hair once or twice a day to remove old hair and stimulate blood circulation.
Avoid plastic brushes and opt for a natural brush that will distribute evenly the natural oils from your scalp all the way along the shaft.
8. Using hot tools too often
The overuse of appliances such as hairdryers and straighters can lead to serious hair damage. The excessive heat dries out the moisture from your strands and makes your hair dry and dull. Try to cut down the use of these tools and don’t skip the heat protectant. It will protect your hair from the heat and add the extra moisture needed.
9. Not caring for the scalp
A healthy scalp is essential for healthy hair. Clean your scalp with a mild shampoo and avoid harsh chemicals that disrupt your scalp’s ph balance. Don’t apply styling products too often and cut down the use of dry shampoo. Overuse of these products can lead to a buildup on the scalp that leads to clogged follicles. Gently massage your scalp every time you are taking a bath to stimulate blood flow. Give yourself regular scalp massages using a natural oil like avocado oil or almond oil to keep your roots and scalp moisturized.
10. Not protecting your hair from the sun
Excessive sun exposure can damage the cuticle, cause discolorations, dry strands, split ends and thinning.
During summer time, always wear a hat to protect your hair and skin from the sun. Apply a hair sunscreen to protect your hair during the day and a nourishing hair mask at night to minimize the damage.
11. Coloring too often
Hair dyes contain a lot of harsh chemicals that damage your hair leading to dryness, broken ends and even hair loss. Your hair becomes fragile and brittle and even the best moisturizing hair masks won’t be able to save it.
Wait at least four weeks before coloring your hair again and try to keep it in good condition using color-safe shampoos to make your color last and moisturizing masks to protect and hydrate it.
12. Pulling your hair tight very often
Ponytails, buns and braids are ideal on a bad hair day but you should avoid them on a daily basis. If you constantly pull your hair too tight, it will eventually break and you will damage your hair follicles, resulting in severe hair loss. Instead, leave your hair loose or find hair styles that don’t put too much tension on the hair.
