Everyone knows that things like hair dye and excessive heat will damage hair and cause split ends, but there are several other things you’re probably doing that are harming your hair. Here are eight ways you’re unknowingly damaging your hair without your knowledge. To have happier, healthier hair, try to refrain from these common hair care mistakes almost everyone makes!
Showering With Water That’s Too Hot
It’s widely known that applying heat to your hair in the forms of a curling or straightening iron can damage strand health, but have you thought about the temperature of the water you’re showering with? Shampooing with extremely hot water can have equally damaging effects and over time can even cause your hair to become more dry, frizzy, and broken. Instead, try using cool to lukewarm water to wash and rinse your hair, even if you like your showers piping hot.
Using the Wrong Brush
Not all hair brushes are created equal. Depending on your hair type, it will respond differently to different types of brushes. However, a good rule of thumb is not to use brushes with bristles that are incredibly stiff or unforgiving. Sure, the harder brushes may seem like they untangle your hair quicker, but sometimes it’s better to take your time with a softer brush to prevent your ends from breaking. Just like with your toothbrush, also remember to switch your brush periodically; hairbrushes with bent or broken bristles will tear at your hair, causing premature breakage and split ends.
Brushing Too Often
If you’ve seen the old movies where a woman is seated in front of her vanity mirror, counting strokes as she brushes her hair, you probably believe that quantity equals quality when it comes to brushing — WRONG! While it may seem like more is better, the opposite is true. You should only brush your hair to remove loose strands and work out tangles; anything more is overkill and may stress your hair into breakage. Once you can pass your brush through your hair without hitting any tangles or knots, you should stop.
Not Getting Regular Trims
Especially if you’re looking to get long, luscious locks, it might not seem logical to cut your hair regularly, but frequent trims actually promote healthier stronger hair. Chopping off an inch or so every several months keeps the strands of your hair from getting tired and splitting at the end, which leads to uncontrollable, frizzy and unhealthy hair. Contact our Malibu hair salon for regular haircuts to keep your hair happy and healthy.
Putting Oil or Product on Your Hair Before Drying It
If you’re already concerned about your hair health, there’s a good chance that you’re using a post-shower leave-in conditioner or hair oil. Common choices like argan oil, Moroccan oil, and keratin-infused blends can help keep your hair shiny and healthy, but you need to be careful when applying them. If you’re working oils like these through your hair directly after your shower, but before you use your hairdryer, you’re risking damage to your ends. The reason for this is that oils heat incredibly quickly; when exposed to heat from hair dryers or curlers, they retain hot temperatures and can actually burn and damage your hair. For this reason, always be sure to apply any oil or product after drying, straightening or curling your hair.
Using Too Much Product
When one product promises sleek hair and the next swears it’s going to make your curls shine like diamonds; it’s tempting to start piling on conditioners and serums, convinced that your hair’s going to be happy and healthy. The truth is that the healthiest hair has had minimal exposure to products. Sure, if used in moderation, they don’t hurt (and can even help), but slathering your hair with different chemicals and contents will likely weigh it down, stress it out, and cause it to break or become damaged. If you’re using a lot of products, start thinking about which ones you truly need, and try to scale it back; you might be surprised how well your hair responds to fewer gels and creams. Sometimes, less really is more.
Wearing Your Hair in Tight or Stressful Styles
If your go-to style is a ponytail, it doesn’t mean that you’re in danger. However, regularly or excessively drawing your locks back into tight, slick styles (especially if you have long or thick hair) can tug at hair roots and stress it into breakage. In some cases, women have even blamed tight hairstyles such as slick buns and ponytails for premature hair loss and thinning.
Using the Wrong Hair Ties
It’s probably tempting to just go with whatever is cheapest, but hair ties are one surprising product that can actually pay off if you splurge a little. To reduce breakage, try springing for elastic hair ties that are sturdier and gentler. Stray away from any products with excessive grips or rubber parts — these may seem like great ideas that will hold well and perform excellently, but ties with these features can often tug and pull at hair, causing it to break or tangle.
If your hair breaks often and becomes frizzy or unmanageable despite your best efforts, you may be committing one of these eight hair care mistakes. If you refrain from doing these eight things, along with continuing to care for your hair and wash it regularly, you’ll probably notice it becoming fuller and healthier. The simple truth is that if you’re good to your hair, your hair will be good back to you.
Contact Our Malibu Beauty Salon
Is your hair in need of a little TLC? Our artists are devoted to restoring your hair’s health with a trim or hair treatment. Schedule your hair appointment by calling 310.456.8459 or texting: 310.283.2296. Can’t make it to the salon? We offer unique experiences by bringing beauty wellness directly to you through our beauty concierge services in Malibu. Our network of talented professionals is licensed, insured, and ready to bring any salon service straight to your home.