Break These Habits That Will Damage Your Hair
The hair on our heads is one of the first aspects of us that other individuals recognize. Why do you think we spend so much time standing in front of the mirror attempting to spruce it up? Companies spend millions of dollars attempting to sell us their products that swear it'll do our hair justice, but are they right for us? Don't worry, continue reading and we'll inform you of the worst things you can do to your hair. You'd be surprised at how many of these you already do!
Don't Skip Your Breakfast
We understand that it can be challenging to find time for breakfast in the morning, but hear us out on this one. When you don't grub on something in the morning, your body will run on fumes, and your hair won't get the proper nutrients it needs.
Whatever nutrients and minerals you consume in the morning go to more vital bodily functions before reaching your hair. If you skip this, it can lead to shedding and slower growth, so eat something before work!
Stay On Schedule With your Hairdresser
There may come a point when you try to grow out your hair if you haven't tried already. When you're doing so, the first thing you need to do is schedule an appointment with your hairdresser.
If you have split-ends, they'll travel up your hair shaft, ruining your beautiful locks you've been working so hard on. To best deal with this and avoid other damages, schedule an appointment with the dresser every two months for more complete and healthy hair. It's not a science; it's facts.
Please, Don't Tie Too Tight!
When you're having a bad hair day, putting your flowing hair into a ponytail is a quick and easy fix. You must be cautious not to tie it up too tightly and frequently, or you may cause some damage to your roots.
You also want to avoid thin, tight hair ties because they can cause breakage and irritation when you tie too tightly. That's why you need to find ties that are thick and covered in fabric - avoid nylon at all costs. Bobby pins as hair clips are good alternatives to get your hair out of the way, too.
If It Isn't Clean, Don't Let It In Your Hair
If you aren't about to use a clean styling tool, then don't use it at all. Unclean brushes and combs have dead skin, germs, and other unwanted residues that you don't want your hair touching.
That doesn't mean you have to throw them out and buy a new one regularly. Simply soak the combs or brushes in baking soda and water for one minute and allow them to air dry before using them again. It's as easy as that.
Choose Your Shampoo Based On Hair Type
Seldom do people ever keep the same type of hair their whole lives. It's okay to switch things up, but you must watch how what you do after the change because it can affect your hair.
Whenever you get a perm or even dye your precious strands, you can't keep using the same shampoo. The new style will last longer and look healthier with the proper shampoo and conditioner, so do your research and find the best fit!
Consume Your Proteins
Were you aware that your hair is made up of the protein keratin? Don't worry, not many know that fact. What you need to know is that you should be consuming a fair amount of protein to keep your hair happy.
If you aren't, then your body can't grow healthy hair. Always be sure to incorporate some nuts, beans, fish, or chicken in your diet to help your hair grow and remain strong. No proteins mean no flowing hair on your head.
You Might Need To Hold Back On Those Hot Showers
Are you a fan of hot showers, but also love your hair? Well, we hate to break it to you, but that warmer water you use when you clean yourself isn't that great for your hair health.
The steam tends to wash away the natural oils your hair produces, which can cause dandruff and your scalp to overproduce oil. Something else to be aware of is showering too often can lead to greasier hair as well. Be cautious of those warm showers!
Style When Your Hair Is Dry
This next tip doesn't apply to every type of hair, but it's an excellent rule for the majority. Due to your hair becoming more fragile when it's wet, it's better to style and comb when it's dry.
You can still detangle it when it's wet, but use a wide-toothed comb and the proper brushing technique (the one we taught you earlier) to ensure you limit breakage. There's a cost you have to pay to have your hair looking sensational.
Opt For Silk Or Satin Pillowcases
Of course, the standard pillowcase to use is cotton due to its softness and durability, but there are issues with that material. The friction you create when you rub your hair against it can cause split-ends and frizz, two things you don't need.
Instead, one should opt for silk or satin pillowcases for healthier hair. Besides, satin and silk feel sensational after you've had a long day, and it's time to rest for the night.
Don't Fall Victim To All The Products
With so many hair products on the shelves and a ton of people and websites making suggestions about which ones to use, it can be tough deciding which to put in your hair. One too many screams and sprays can weigh down your hair or make it oily.
The three that you can consider necessary are shine serums, heat protectors, and dry shampoo, especially if you style your look every day. You need to remember that less is more when figuring what goes on your head.
Watch That Bleach...
We know that brunettes want to see what the blonde life is like, but bleaching your hair isn't the safest thing to do. While you might've already had a feeling that applying bleach to your hair isn't safe, you might not have known why.
When you add bleach to the equation, it infuses your hair cuticles with chemicals. This process damages your strands, making them appear dry and brittle. Do you want those features being prevalent with your hair?
Heat Applied To Your Hair Isn't That Great
Making sure your hair gets dry as soon as possible is a high priority when you're getting ready, but be careful with how high you turn that heat up on your blow dryer!
Also, straightening your hair every day dehydrates it, leaving it prone to damage and dullness. You can dry it every other time you wash it, using the heated drying tools on the medium setting. We're trying to save your hair here, so trust us.
Relax On All The Treatments
While many of the tips we've provided thus far can help the health of your hair, we can't stress this one enough. Repetitively relaxing, coloring, and perming exposes your hair to too many chemicals.
Naturally, this isn't great for any part of your body, but it can lead to drier and weaker hair. You need to always inform your stylist of any previous treatment you've received so that they can best choose how to work on your hair.
Be Easy With The Towel Drying
When you've got a towel, and you need to dry your hair, it's hard not to vigorously rub it while trying to get it as dry as possible. Wet hair is the most vulnerable to damage because that's when it's the weakest; do you get where we're going with this one?
The best thing to do is to try not to towel dry it so violently. All that friction can cause frizz and breakage that you don't need!
Do You Skip Heat Protection?
Preventative work is always easier than trying to repair. That's why you need to protect your hair when you style it! Heat is one of the elements that is highly damaging, mainly if you use blow dryers and straighteners often.
To combat this, be sure to use a protecting spray whenever you're styling with heat to help prevent breakage and dehydration. It'll save you a load of time due to not having to repair it.
This One's A Real Head Scratcher
Due to issues with the scalp being mostly hidden, it can be easy to avoid them. One thing that we don't avoid is an itchy head because we scratch away!
Itching your scalp can lead to scarring, which ultimately damages your roots and causes your strands to fall out! Scratching your head could be a habit or dryness, but whatever it is, be sure to address the problem so that your scalp can stay healthy!
Before You Get In The Pool...
When it's summer, the pool is the place to be. You need to remember that hair absorbs chlorine, so that means you're damaging your locks and causing brittle strands when you dive into the pool water.
You need to protect it before you do that belly flop. Wet your hair with tap water before getting in the water, or spray it with a silicone-based protector. These processes seal the cuticles before you have your fun splashing around.
Think Twice Before Lighting Up
There are many reasons why you should quit smoking, but hair health is one of the aspects you need to consider. Smoking is one of the leading causes of brittle, dull hair, and tends to speed up greying.
Not only do you have to worry about several other health detriments every time you light up, but the state of your hair is on the line as well. The chemicals from the fumes coat your strands and infuse them with harmful chemicals.
Watch Out For The Sun
For the most part, the sun is good for us. It provides light, heat, and vitamin D for everyone, but too much of the sun can be a bad thing. You need to protect your hair from it just like you do with your skin.
If you plan on being outside for extended periods, too much of that powerful star can damage and dehydrate your locks. A deep conditioning treatment once a week can help things healthy and happy.
Watch The Way You Brush
Who would have guessed that the way you stroke your hair when you brush it matters? The proper brushing tactic can help prevent breakage and keep your hair shiny and healthy.
What you shouldn't do is commence brushing from the roots. Instead, start from the ends. After each stroke, begin higher until you're brushing from the roots to the tips. This method will help to avoid getting stuck mid-stroke and all that yanking and abusing your scalp.
