Taking great care of your beautiful hair is essential because many of us unknowingly engage in practices that lead to hair damage. How to stop hair damage? Over time, damaged hair becomes fragile, leading to breakage and leaving you with frizzy and unhealthy-looking locks.
It’s important to prevent further issues, such as thinning or even bald spots. Fortunately, simple changes in your hair-care routine can make a significant difference. Listening to dermatologists’ tips and adopting a few common practices can help you stop damage and maintain the health of your hair.
For example, consider gentle handling techniques and minimizing the use of heat tools. Your hair deserves the best, so let’s embrace these changes for a vibrant and healthy mane.
10 hair-care habits that can damage your hair
1. The Wrong Way to Wash Your Hair
One common mistake many people make is to rub shampoo into the length of their hair instead of focusing on the scalp. It’s essential to gently massage the shampoo into your scalp, allowing the lather to flow through your hair as you rinse. This way, you avoid unnecessary friction that can cause damage. When washing, it’s easy to resist the temptation to scrub your hair hard, but that can lead to breakage and frizz. By being mindful of how you wash your hair, you can keep it healthy and looking great.
2. The Importance of Conditioner
Many people think that skipping the conditioner is fine, but this habit can lead to serious hair damage. After using shampoo, you should promptly apply a conditioner to protect your hair, especially if you’ve been swimming in a pool with harsh chemicals. Using a good deep conditioner helps to keep your hair hydrated and prevents it from drying out. If you’re a swimmer, consider using a specially formulated swimmers’ shampoo and always rinse your hair immediately after getting out of the pool. A swim cap can also offer extra protection, ensuring your hair stays healthy and vibrant.
3. Drying your hair by rubbing it with a towel
After washing your hair, many people wrap their hair in a towel and rub it vigorously to absorb the excess water. This can lead to damage and make your hair more prone to breakage. Instead of rubbing, gently squeeze the towel to remove water and let your hair air dry whenever possible. This simple change can help keep your hair healthier and prevent unwanted frizz. Treat your hair with care during drying, and you’ll notice a positive difference in its overall look and feel.
4. The Risks of Brushing Wet Hair
Brushing your hair while it is wet can lead to major damage, especially if you have straight, textured, or tight curls. When hair is wet, it becomes more fragile and prone to breakage. Instead of using a regular brush, it’s better to gently comb your damp hair with a wide-tooth comb. This helps detangle without pulling or causing unnecessary strain on your strands. Taking care during this process can make a big difference in keeping your hair healthy and strong.
5. The Dangers of Heat Styling Tools
Using a blow dryer, hot comb, or curling iron can seriously contribute to hair damage. While these tools can help you style your hair quickly, it’s important to be cautious. Try to limit their use and consider letting your hair air dry whenever possible. If you must use heat, always set your device to the lowest heat setting. Aim to use these tools less frequently, ideally once a week. This way, you can keep your hair looking great without compromising its health.
6. The Impact of Long-Lasting Styling Products
Using styling products that offer long-lasting hold can make your hairstyle look great, but they often contain harsh chemicals that can require extra effort to remove. These products can build up on your hair, making it look dull and lifeless over time. Instead of relying on these strong hold products every day, consider opting for lighter options or natural alternatives. This change will help maintain the health and shine of your hair while still allowing you to achieve the look you want without the damage.
7. Pulling your hair back tightly, such as in a ponytail, bun, or cornrows
Wearing your hair pulled back tightly in styles like a ponytail, bun, or cornrows can cause significant damage over time. This pressure can lead to breakage and even traction alopecia, a condition where hair falls out from constant pulling. Instead, try to wear your hair loosely and consider using covered rubber bands made especially for styling. Switching up your hairstyle and giving your hair a break from tight looks can help keep it healthy and strong. By making these small changes, you can prevent unnecessary stress on your hair.
8. Wearing a weave or hair extensions
Wearing weaves or hair extensions can give you a new look, but they can also harm your natural hair if not done correctly. It’s important to choose light extensions that won’t pull on your hair and to get them from a salon that specializes in these services. Ideally, you should wear a professional weave or extensions for only two to three months at a time. Regularly maintaining your scalp hygiene while wearing them is crucial to prevent any buildup or irritation. Don’t forget to switch up your hairstyles every now and then to give your hair a break and allow it to breathe.
9. Coloring, perming, or relaxing your hair
Dying your hair, along with perming or relaxing, can cause significant damage if not managed carefully. To keep your hair healthy, try to add more time between touch-ups, especially during the winter when the air is dry. Stretch the time between touch-ups to 8 to 10 weeks or even longer. If you want more than one service, like a coloring followed by a relaxer, do the relaxer first and wait two weeks before coloring. Always use a conditioner after each shampoo to keep your hair nourished. When going out in the sun, it’s wise to protect your hair with a leave-in conditioner that contains zinc oxide or wear a wide-brimmed hat for extra shielding.
10. The Myth of 100 Brush Strokes
Brushing your hair 100 times a day is a myth that can actually lead to more damage than good. Instead of over-brushing, it’s better to style your hair gently. Use a wide-tooth comb to remove tangles, especially when your hair is damp. This helps to avoid pulling or tugging on your hair, which can lead to breakage. If you need to brush your hair, do it gently and consider using a moisturizing conditioner to make the process smoother and healthier for your hair.
When to Consult a Dermatologist
If you’re changing your hair care but still don’t see healthier results, it may be time to see a dermatologist. They can help find the root cause of your problem. This is especially important if you’re concerned about thinning hair or hair loss. Many causes can be stopped or treated effectively, and the sooner you get help, the better the results you can achieve.
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