Regardless of your hair texture, it's important to take care of it if you want to keep it healthy, shiny, and full. Did you know that your bad hair habits could be ruining your hair?
It's true. While there are other things that contribute to hair struggles (like certain medications, health conditions, and even hard water), some of your hair problems might be your fault.
Not sure what you could be doing wrong? We're here to help. Keep reading for some of the top bad habits for your hair that you can break today.
1. Using Heat
One of the top contributors to hair problems is heat.
It's normal (and sometimes advisable) to use heat on your hair, but when you overdo it, you risk dryness, breakage, and even hair loss. Hairdryers are often the worst offenders and they're also the most common.
When you use a hairdryer on high heat, you're exposing your wet and vulnerable hair to damage. Because people use hairdryers frequently (some use them every day), the damage builds up over time. It's often unnoticeable until it's too late.
If you use a hairdryer, consider using the lowest heat option. It will take longer to dry your hair, but you'll have better results.
If you use styling tools like curlers or straighteners, consider cutting down on them. If not, use a heat protectant on your hair before you use the tools. While this won't completely protect your hair, it will help.
2. Rough Towel Drying
Even if you're not using heat to dry your hair, you could still be damaging it by your normal drying methods.
Standard towels are rough. They can cause your hair to fall out or get frizzy. If you have curly hair, this is an even bigger problem.
Instead, consider other drying methods.
Start by plopping your hair if it's long. This means that you set a soft t-shirt down, place your hair in it, and wrap it around until it's secure. This should take the initial moisture out of your hair and dry it quickly.
You could also try using a microfiber towel to do the same job.
When your hair is mostly dry, switch to air drying. You can use your post-shower products at this time so when your hair dries, it's ready to style.
For quicker drying, flip your hair part back and forth while you're air-drying.
3. Tight Hairstyles
Do you often wear tight braids, ponytails, or topknots? This might be putting too much stress on your hair.
Tight hairstyles, when used too often, can cause traction alopecia. This means that you'll start losing hair where it's being pulled too tight (like around your temples and forehead).
If you don't stop early enough, you may have permanent damage.
Instead, stick with hairstyles that hold your hair without pulling it. Loose braids and buns, low ponytails, and natural styles are the best for protecting your hair.
4. Cleaning Too Often
How often do you wash your hair?
While everyone is different and some people can wash their hair every day, many people with curly hair textures (of any variety) would benefit from washing less often.
Washing too often can dry out your hair and your scalp. Instead, try going several days between washes (and leaving out the shampoo from time to time).
There will be a transitionary period here where you will have greasy or flat hair. Don't give in. Over time, the natural oils in your hair should improve your overall texture.
5. Unsuitable Products
Did you know that not all hair products are good for your hair type? Some aren't good for hair at all.
Again, all people are different, so some "problematic" hair products will work. There are also situations in which these products are fine.
Overall, you want to avoid silicones and sulfates.
Sulfates are common in shampoos. They're what causes soap to foam and strip away dirt and grime. While it's important to have clean hair, if sulfates strip your hair, you may experience dryness and frizzing.
More brands than ever are coming out with sulfate-free shampoos. They should keep your hair feeling clean and soft without the harsh sulfates. The main exception to going sulfate-free is for occasional clarifying washes to remove any buildup or grease.
Silicones are common in shampoo styling products. They coat your hair and make it look shiny and soft, but they can actually cause harm if you use them too often.
They create buildup and they're hard to remove with a sulfate-free shampoo. They'll weigh your hair down over time, making it flat, limp, and lifeless.
6. Bad Brushing Habits
How do you brush your hair?
While it was once popular to spend a long time brushing your hair every night, we now know that this isn't the best choice for most people. Brushes can cause breakage even if your hair isn't knotted.
If you must brush your hair, use a brush with spaced-out bristles or a combe with wide teeth. These should result in less breakage.
Never brush your hair when it's wet. This is when it's most vulnerable to damage. It's a good idea to finger-comb your hair so you can be more gentle and pull loose knots apart instead of forcing them.
7. Sleeping on Rough Pillows
Do you find that your hair is a mess when you wake up? Your pillows might be the culprit!
For some people, the rough texture of pillows is enough to cause frizz and damage. Going to sleep with soft and healthy hair and waking up with frizz is so annoying!
Instead, try using a silk or satin pillowcase while you sleep. You could also try a satin wrap or bonnet.
Do You Have These Bad Hair Habits?
Switching to good hair care habits can change the look, feel, and health of your hair! If you have any of these bad hair habits, make a change. Even if you only change one or two things, you might notice a massive difference!
If you're looking for hair tips and products that can improve your hair, we've got you covered. Check out the original Turbie Twist or the other products in our shop to start transforming your hair.