The things you do every day might mess things up without you even knowing. It’s not just about using the wrong shampoo or forgetting to condition. There are lots of sneaky habits that can make your hair look worse.
In this article, I discuss 17 things you might be doing that are secretly ruining your hair.
Over-washing
Washing your hair every day can strip it of natural oils. This makes your hair dry and frizzy. Your scalp might also produce more oil to make up for it, leading to greasy hair. Try washing your hair every other day or less often if you can.
Using Hot Water
Super hot showers feel great, but they’re bad for your hair. Hot water dries out your scalp and hair, making it brittle. It can also fade hair color faster. Use warm water instead and finish with a cool rinse to close the hair cuticles.
Rough Towel Drying
Rubbing your hair with a rough towel causes frizz and breakage. The rubbing motion damages your hair’s cuticles. Instead, gently squeeze out water with a soft towel or an old t-shirt. This is much gentler on your hair.
Sleeping with Wet Hair
Going to bed with wet hair can lead to breakage and funky-looking hair in the morning. Wet hair is weaker and more likely to break as you toss and turn. Try to dry your hair before bed, or use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction.
Tight Hairstyles
Ponytails, buns, and braids that are too tight can damage your hair. They put stress on your hair follicles, which can lead to hair loss over time. Loosen up your styles and give your hair breaks from being pulled back.
Overusing Heat Styling Tools
Using straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers too often can fry your hair. The heat damages your hair’s structure, making it dry and brittle. Try to air dry when you can and always use a heat protectant product.
Skipping Trims
Avoiding haircuts might seem like a way to grow your hair, but it actually hurts in the long run. Split ends travel up the hair shaft, causing more damage. Regular trims every 6-8 weeks keep your hair healthy and actually help it grow better.
Using the Wrong Brush
Not all brushes are good for your hair, especially when it’s wet. Using a comb with tiny teeth on damp hair can make it break. Instead, go for a comb with big spaces between the teeth or get a special brush made for wet hair. These tools help you get the knots out without hurting your hair.
Not Protecting Hair from the Sun
Your hair can get burned by the sun, just like your skin. Too much sun can make your hair color look dull and leave your hair feeling dry. When you’re going to be outside for a while, try wearing a hat or using special hair stuff that blocks the sun. This helps keep your hair looking good and feeling healthy.
Scratching Your Scalp
Got an itchy head? It might feel nice to scratch, but it can hurt the spots where your hair grows. Plus, scratching can move oils around and make you even itchier. Instead, try rubbing your scalp softly with your fingertips. If you see little white flakes, a special shampoo for dandruff might help fix the problem.
Poor Diet
What you eat affects your hair. Not getting enough protein, vitamins, and minerals can make your hair weak and dull. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to keep your hair healthy from the inside out.
Stress
High-stress levels can actually cause hair loss. It can push hair follicles into a “resting” phase, where they stop growing. Find ways to manage your stress, like exercise or meditation, to keep your hair (and you) healthier.
Coloring Too Often
Changing your hair color is fun, but doing it too often can seriously damage your hair. The chemicals in dye can make your hair dry and brittle. Try to space out your color treatments and use hair masks to keep your hair moisturized.
Not Drinking Enough Water
Dehydration affects your whole body, including your hair. Not drinking enough water can make your hair dry and more prone to breakage. Aim for 8 glasses of water a day to keep your hair (and the rest of you) hydrated.
Wearing Hats All the Time
While hats protect your hair from the sun, wearing them too often can cause problems. Tight hats can restrict blood flow to your scalp and trap oils and sweat. This can lead to hair loss over time. Give your head some breathing room when you can.
Using Too Much Product
Loading up on hair products might seem like a good idea, but it can backfire. Too much product can weigh down your hair and make it look greasy. It can also build up on your scalp, clogging hair follicles. Use products sparingly and wash them out thoroughly.
Ignoring Your Scalp
Many people focus on their hair and forget about their scalp. But a healthy scalp is key to healthy hair. Ignoring scalp care can lead to dandruff, itchiness, and even hair loss. Gently exfoliate your scalp once a week and make sure to massage it when you shampoo.
18 Ways to Save Money on Your Next Cruise
18 Ways to Save Money on Your Next Cruise
13 Clues Your ‘Friend’ Might Actually Be a Frenemy
13 Clues Your ‘Friend’ Might Actually Be a Frenemy
15 Most Evil Experiments Conducted on Humans
