Is your hair looking limp and dull? Is it breaking before you get to your desired length? What are you doing wrong?
Many people who have never spent time learning how to care for their hair have these same problems. Did you know that the way you're treating your hair might be the culprit?
If you're making a few key hair care mistakes, you might be doing some serious damage. Keep reading to learn all about how your daily hair maintenance might actually be making things worse.
1. Brushing the Wrong Way
Did you know that the way you brush your hair might be damaging it?
It's true. Depending on your hair texture, going through a standard brushing routine might be one of the worst things that you do for your hair. While some people claim that brushing and combing hair for several minutes per night will make it smooth and shiny, this isn't true.
People with pin-straight hair don't have to worry too much about brushing, but if your hair has any curl to it, you have to be careful.
Instead of a standard brush, use a wide-toothed comb for most of your brushing needs. Don't brush your hair when it's wet, and use gentle brushing motions.
If a comb is still breaking your hair, use your fingers to comb through any knots or tangles.
2. Using Harmful Hair Care Products
Are the products in your shower harming your hair?
Most popular and affordable shampoos contain sulfates. Sulfates are great for getting rid of oil, dirt, and grime, but they also strip the helpful oils that keep your hair looking smooth and shiny.
There is a time and a place for a sulfate shampoo. When you're doing a clarifying wash every few weeks, it will remove buildup. For the rest of your washes, though, stick to a sulfate-free shampoo or even co-wash.
You also have to be careful when you're choosing conditioner and styling products. You want to avoid silicones. Silicones are popular in hydrating products because they make the hair look soft and hydrated, but they're actually just coating your hair and adding build-up.
3. Over-Washing
If you've noticed that your hair is dry and frizzy even if you're not using "bad" products, consider whether or not you're over-washing your hair.
Some people need to wash their hair every day, but this is uncommon. If you do need to wash daily, consider making some of those washes co-wash days.
Most people can get by washing their hair every other day, or even once per week. There will be a short transition period in which your hair will feel greasy, but it will be healthier as a result.
4. Not Adding Protein
Everyone knows that your hair needs moisture. Have you been layering on conditioners, leave-ins, and various other products to no avail? Is your hair still frizzy and dry?
Hydration might not be your problem at all. You might be suffering from a lack of protein.
We don't mean protein in your diet (though having enough protein is crucial for hair growth). You can do protein treatments on your hair.
You can buy popular protein products, but try out a rice water rinse if you're on a budget. There are several ways to do it, and all you need is rice and water. A rice water rinse will add protein to your hair without weighing it down.
5. Over-Using Heat
Heat can damage hair when you use it in excess (and for some textures, when you use it at all). Do you use heat on your hair?
It's common to use the occasional heated styling tool, like a hairdryer or curling iron, but try to keep this to a minimum. When you heat your hair, you're damaging it.
If you must use heat on your hair for an event or outing, make sure that you don't do it while your hair is wet. Wait for your hair to dry. If it's sizzling, it's too early to use heat.
Try to find alternatives when you can. For example, instead of using a curling iron, use overnight curlers to get those bouncy ringlets.
6. Drying It Wrong
Speaking of avoiding heat, how do you dry your hair?
If you're like many people, you use a hairdryer when you're in a rush. It's even on the highest heat setting! As we mentioned before, this can harm your hair.
If you must use a dryer, use it in a low heat setting. It will take longer, but you'll do less damage to your hair.
It's best to give yourself more time to dry your hair more naturally. When your hair is wet, plop it in a soft microfiber towel. Conventional towels are too rough for some hair types, and they can cause frizz.
When the majority of the moisture is gone, let your hair air-dry. It's helpful to sit in the sun or near a fan to make the process quicker.
7. Tight Hairstyles
Are your cute hairstyles making your hair break off? Certain types of hairstyles can cause traction alopecia. This happens when the hair pulls too hard against the scalp for an extended period of time.
This is common with tight braids and tight buns.
To avoid this, leave space between the style and your scalp. If you feel pain while your hair is styled, take it out and try again. Try out hairstyles that let your hair loose.
Do You Make These Hair Care Mistakes?
These hair care mistakes might be ruining your hair. Do any of them sound familiar?
If so, it's time to make some serious changes to your hair care routine. Swap out harmful products, ditch the heat, and start taking care of your luscious locks. You'll see the difference!
Are you looking for hair care products that can keep your hair feeling strong? Check out our microfiber Turbie towel twists and more!