10 Hair Care Habits That Could Be Damaging Your Hair
Achieving beautiful, healthy hair often requires a little more than just shampooing and conditioning. Many of us unknowingly adopt hair care habits that can actually cause more harm than good. Damaged hair becomes weak and brittle, making it prone to breakage and frizz. If these damaging habits continue, you may even notice thinning or bald patches. The good news is that simple adjustments can prevent further hair damage. In this article, we’ll explore 10 common hair care habits that can harm your locks and share dermatologist-approved tips to help you protect your hair.
1. Rubbing Shampoo Into Your Hair
How to Avoid Damage: Instead of vigorously rubbing shampoo into your hair, gently massage it into your scalp. When rinsing, let the shampoo flow through your hair naturally. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing your hair, as this can cause breakage and frizz.
2. Skipping Conditioner
How to Avoid Damage: Always use conditioner after shampooing. It helps to replenish moisture and protects your hair from becoming dry and brittle. Dermatologists recommend using a deep conditioner once a week for extra nourishment, especially if you have dry or color-treated hair.
3. Not Protecting Hair From Pool Chemicals
How to Avoid Damage: Swimming pools contain chlorine and other chemicals that can damage your hair. To protect your hair, wear a swim cap while swimming, and rinse your hair immediately after swimming. Follow up with a specially formulated swimming shampoo and a deep conditioner to restore moisture.
4. Towel-Drying Your Hair
How to Avoid Damage: Rather than rubbing your hair with a towel, gently wrap it in a towel to absorb excess moisture. Avoid aggressive towel-drying, as this can cause friction and breakage. Let your hair air-dry whenever possible.
5. Brushing Wet Hair
How to Avoid Damage: Hair is most vulnerable when wet, so it’s important to treat it gently. If you have straight hair, let it dry slightly before using a wide-tooth comb. For coarse or curly hair, detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb while your hair is still damp.
6. Using Heat Styling Tools Excessively
How to Avoid Damage: Heat styling tools like blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons can cause long-term damage if used too frequently. Try to air-dry your hair as much as possible. If you do use heat styling tools, opt for the lowest heat setting and limit the use to once a week or less.
7. Tight Hairstyles
How to Avoid Damage: While tight ponytails and buns may look stylish, they can put stress on your hair and lead to breakage. Instead, try looser hairstyles or use hair ties that are designed to prevent damage. Avoid pulling your hair too tight, especially when styling.
8. Wearing Wigs or Hair Extensions Too Often
How to Avoid Damage: If you wear wigs or hair extensions, choose lightweight options that won’t put excessive strain on your natural hair. Visit a professional salon for proper application and removal, and avoid wearing them continuously. Give your scalp a break by taking them off regularly.
9. Over-Processing Hair with Dye, Perms, or Relaxers
How to Avoid Damage: Chemical treatments like hair dye, perms, and relaxers can weaken your hair. To minimize damage, extend the time between treatments, especially during dry weather. In winter, try spacing your touch-ups to every 8 to 10 weeks. Also, consider doing only one chemical process at a time (e.g., dyeing or perming, not both) to prevent excessive stress on your hair.
10. Excessive Brushing or Pulling Your Hair
How to Avoid Damage: Contrary to the belief that brushing your hair 100 times a day makes it healthier, excessive brushing can actually cause breakage. Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush with soft bristles and avoid pulling your hair while styling. When detangling, apply a moisturizing leave-in conditioner to help reduce breakage and ease knots.
Conclusion
While hair care is essential for maintaining healthy locks, some common habits may be doing more harm than good. By following these dermatologist-recommended tips, you can protect your hair from unnecessary damage and keep it looking vibrant and strong. Small changes in your routine—such as using conditioner, protecting hair from pool chemicals, and avoiding excessive heat—can make a big difference in the health of your hair. Treat your hair gently and give it the care it deserves, and you’ll enjoy beautiful, healthy tresses for years to come.