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Alright, hair mavens and mane tamers, gather ’round! We all dream of having those luscious, envy-inducing locks that not only turn heads but also spark that oh-so-satisfying question, “What’s your hair secret?”
But let’s be real for a second—sometimes, we unknowingly commit hair crimes that leave our tresses looking more “meh” than “wow.”
Whether it’s overzealous styling, skipping those crucial trims, or playing chemist with DIY concoctions, we’re here to spill the beans on the top 10 absolute worst things you can do to your hair.
But don’t worry, we’ve got your back (and your scalp)! We’ll also dish out the ultimate fixes to rescue your strands from the brink of disaster.
Let’s dive in and get those locks looking fierce again!
1. Skipping Those Regular Hair Trims
When was the last time you had a trim? If you can’t remember, it’s probably been too long! Avoiding regular trims can lead to split ends and breakage, giving your hair a frizzy, unhealthy appearance. Aim to trim every 6-8 weeks to maintain healthy, luscious locks.
2. DIY Hair Dye Disaster
Thinking about dyeing your hair at home for a quick fix? Think again! Home dye kits can be tempting, but they often result in uneven color, damaged hair, and costly corrective treatments.
Professional stylists know how to mix colors and apply them evenly (apparently they study all this if you didn’t already knew, lol), ensuring your hair looks its best.
Save yourself the trouble and book an appointment with a professional colorist. They’ll get the shade just right and keep your hair healthy in the process.
3. Washing Hair with Warm/Hot Water
Do you love a good hot shower? Who doesn’t?! But did you know hot water can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it more so dry and brittle? Opt for lukewarm or cool water instead to keep your hair hydrated and shiny.
4. Brushing Wet Hair
Ever tried brushing your hair right out of the shower? It’s a no-no! Wet hair is more prone to breaking and snapping because it’s at its weakest. Instead, use a wide-toothed comb to gently detangle your hair while it’s still damp. Or use a wet hair detangler from Tangle Teezer (it’s my absolute favorite gem)!
5. Sleeping with Wet/Damp Hair
We get it—sometimes you’re just too tired to dry your hair before bed. But sleeping on wet hair can cause it to tangle, break, and even lead to scalp issues due to prolonged moisture. It can also make your hair smell funky and grow a nice mildew in it, ew!
Make sure your hair is thoroughly dried before hitting the sack. I always recommend air drying, but if you just cannot, use a blow dryer. Also, invest in a silk or satin pillowcase. Not only does it reduce friction, but it also feels super luxurious!
6. Not Cleaning Your Brush Every Month
Ever wonder why your hair feels greasy all the time? When was the last time you cleaned your hairbrush? If you can’t remember, it’s been seriously too long!
Dirty brushes harbor old hair, oils, and product buildup, which you then redistribute through your locks every time you brush. Gross, right?
To keep your hair fresh and clean, make it a habit to clean your brushes at least once a month. Just soak them in warm soapy water for a few minutes, then use a toothbrush to remove any trapped hairs and other dirty junk.
7. Using Insane Amounts of Heat Without Any Heat Protectants
Love those sleek, straight styles or bouncy curls? Using hot tools excessively without heat protection is a fast track to fried hair. Heat damage can lead to dryness, breakage, and split ends.
Think of heat protectants as a shield for your hair—like SPF for your skin. Before you grab that curling iron, apply a heat protectant spray or serum to minimize damage.
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8. Mixing Up Shampoo & Conditioner
Yes, it happens! You’re in a hurry, grab the wrong bottle, and end up conditioning your scalp or shampooing your ends. Both are a no-no.
Shampoo is meant for cleansing your scalp, while conditioner nourishes your ends. Mixing them up can throw off your hair’s balance, making it either too oily or too dry.
Take a second to check those labels and make sure you’re applying the right product to the right area and giving them enough time to work.
9. Using the Same Hair Care Products All Year, All Life
Your hair’s needs change with the seasons and as you age, so should your products! Using the same shampoo, conditioner, and treatments year-round can lead to build-ups and inefficacy.
During winter, opt for more hydrating products to combat dryness. In summer, switch to lighter formulas to avoid weighing down your hair. Keep experimenting to find what works best for your current hair needs.
10. Doing Tight, Sleek Hairstyles
Sure, tight ponytails and buns look chic, but they can be a nightmare for your hair. Constantly pulling your hair back tightly can cause tension, leading to breakage and even hair loss.
Give your hair a break by opting for looser styles or using soft hair ties. Switch things up with braids or messy buns to keep your hair relaxed and healthy.
