As a hairstylist, I’ve seen firsthand how everyday habits can affect hair health. You may be doing things you don’t realize are damaging your locks! Here are five surprising ways you could be unintentionally harming your hair—and simple solutions to keep it healthy and beautiful.
1. Using Too Much Heat
The Problem: Excessive use of heat styling tools like straighteners, curling irons, and hairdryers can wreak havoc on your hair over time. The high temperatures break down the protein structure of your hair, causing split ends, dryness, and breakage. Even using a hairdryer too often can weaken strands, especially when applied to wet hair, which is most vulnerable.
The Solution: Always use a heat protection spray before styling, and set your tools to a lower temperature. Consider letting your hair air dry whenever possible. If you must use a dryer, aim for medium or cool settings. By dialing down the heat, you can keep your hair stronger and reduce long-term damage. Click on the link here to see the current top Heat Protectant Products.
2. Brushing Wet Hair
The Problem: Wet hair is incredibly fragile. When hair is wet, the cuticle layer is more open, making the strands more prone to breakage if brushed too aggressively. Many clients brush their hair right out of the shower without realizing how much this damages the strands.
The Solution: Instead of reaching for a brush, gently squeeze out excess water with a towel (avoid rubbing) and use a wide-tooth comb to detangle hair while it’s still damp. This gentler approach minimizes breakage and keeps your hair healthier over time.
3. Tight Ponytails and Braids
The Problem: While ponytails and braids are convenient, wearing them too tight or too often can cause breakage, especially around the hairline. Constant tension pulls at the delicate hair near your scalp, weakening it over time. This can result in thinning or even traction alopecia, a condition caused by repeated tension on the hair follicles.
The Solution: Opt for looser hairstyles, and give your hair a break by alternating styles regularly. If you need to tie your hair up, use soft, no-damage hair ties like scrunchies or coil elastics. This reduces the strain on your hair while still keeping it out of your face.
4. Using the Wrong Hairbrush and Brushing Too Much
The Problem: Not all hairbrushes are created equal, and using a stiff-bristle brush can damage both your hair and scalp, especially if you brush too often or too harshly. Overbrushing can weaken your strands, leading to breakage and thinning
The Solution: Switch to a soft-bristle brush for dry hair, and limit the amount of brushing. For detangling wet or damp hair, a wide-tooth comb or a brush specifically designed for wet hair is best. Also, remember to brush gently—brushing should never feel like an attack on your scalp but rather a gentle massage that stimulates circulation and keeps your hair looking shiny and healthy.
5. Conditioning the Roots
The Problem: Applying conditioner to your roots can make your scalp greasy and lead to overwashing, which strips the hair of natural oils. The roots of your hair naturally receive the most oil from your scalp, so overloading them with conditioner can throw off your scalp’s balance.
The Solution: Focus on conditioning the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, where it tends to be driest and most prone to damage. By conditioning the right areas, you’ll help lock in moisture where it’s needed most, without weighing down your hair or making it greasy.
Wrapping It Up
Taking care of your hair is about more than just regular salon visits—it’s also about being mindful of your daily habits. By adjusting how you style, brush, and care for your hair, you can prevent unnecessary damage and keep your hair looking and feeling its best.
