10 Habits that You Didn't Know Causing Your Hair Damage

As we try to achieve clear skin and shiny hair, we often get a lot of advice and products. However, there are everyday habits that can quietly harm our goal for healthy skin and hair. These habits can be sneaky and we might not even realize they're causing harm. Before you use another hair product, let's find out about these hidden villains.

Let’s dive into what to expect further:-

• What are the 10 habits that are destroying your hair?
• Washing hair way too frequently
• Brushing Wet Hair
• Rinsing with steaming hot water
• Conditioning from the roots
• Rough drying with a bath towel
• Using the wrong type of hairbrush
• Forgetting to apply a protective layer before using a heating tool
• Skimping on Sun Protection
• Not Cleaning Your Hair Tools
• Sleeping with Wet Hair
• Take Away
• FAQs

What are the 10 habits that are destroying your hair?

Washing hair way too frequently

Washing your hair too frequently can lead to damage by stripping away natural oils produced by the scalp, causing dryness. The scalp's natural oil is essential for hair health, is diminished with excessive washing, making the hair shaft prone to breakage and split ends. Additionally, overwashing can result in a rough hair cuticle, leading to frizz and unmanageability.

Scalp imbalances, such as dandruff or increased oil production, may arise, and color-treated hair is susceptible to faster fading. To maintain healthy hair, it's crucial to find a balance in washing frequency, using sulfate-free products, and considering individual hair types and lifestyles. Professional advice can offer personalized recommendations for optimal hair care.

Brushing Wet Hair

Brushing wet hair requires caution as wet hair is more prone to breakage and damage. When hair is wet, it is in a weakened state, and the elasticity of the strands is reduced. The water causes the hair shaft to swell, making it more susceptible to breakage and stretching.

Vigorous brushing can lead to the snapping of weakened strands and increased hair fall. To minimize damage, use a wide-toothed comb or a brush specifically designed for wet hair, starting from the tips and working your way up. Applying a detangling spray or conditioner can make the process gentler and help prevent breakage.

Rinsing with steaming hot water

Rinsing your hair with steaming hot water can have both positive and negative effects on your hair and scalp. On the positive side, hot water can help to open the hair cuticle, allowing for better penetration of hair products, such as conditioners and treatments. It can also help to dissolve and remove excess oil and product buildup. However, using excessively hot water can have drawbacks.

Hot water can strip the hair and scalp of natural oils, leading to dryness and potential damage. It may also contribute to scalp irritation, especially for individuals with sensitive skin.

To maintain a healthy balance, it's advisable to use lukewarm water instead of extremely hot water when rinsing your hair. This helps to preserve natural oils, prevent excessive dryness, and minimize the risk of scalp irritation.

Conditioning from the roots

Conditioning hair from the roots can potentially damage it by causing excessive moisture and weighing down strands. Conditioners are designed to moisturize and smooth the hair, but the scalp already produces natural oils.

Applying conditioner at the roots may lead to an imbalance, making hair greasy and prone to product buildup. This added weight can flatten the hair, reducing volume and causing it to appear limp.

Moreover, the accumulation of conditioner near the scalp can clog pores and hair follicles, potentially contributing to scalp issues such as dandruff. It's generally recommended to focus on conditioning the lengths and ends to avoid these problems.

Rough drying with a bath towel

Rough drying hair with a bath towel can cause damage due to the coarse texture of the fabric. When hair is wet, it becomes more vulnerable and prone to breakage. The friction created by rubbing hair vigorously with a towel can lead to cuticle damage, resulting in split ends and breakage.

Additionally, the absorbent nature of towels may strip the hair of essential moisture, contributing to dryness and frizz. To minimize damage, it's advisable to blot hair gently with a soft, microfiber towel or an old T-shirt to absorb excess water without causing unnecessary stress on the hair shaft.

Using the wrong type of hairbrush

Using the wrong type of hairbrush can damage hair by causing breakage, split ends, and increased friction. Different hair types require specific brushes for optimal care. For example, using a brush with stiff bristles on wet hair can lead to breakage, as wet hair is more elastic and prone to damage.

Similarly, brushes with tightly packed bristles can cause friction and snagging, particularly for those with fine or delicate hair. Choosing the right brush for your hair type helps prevent unnecessary stress on the strands, maintains hair health, and minimizes the risk of damage during brushing, contributing to smoother and healthier-looking hair.

Forgetting to apply a protective layer before using a heating tool

Forgetting to use a heat protectant when using hot tools on your hair can cause significant damage. Tools like flat irons and curling irons produce high temperatures that can weaken the hair, leading to dryness, breakage, and split ends. Without a heat protectant, the intense heat can remove moisture from the hair, making it more prone to damage.

A heat protectant acts as a barrier, reducing the impact of heat on your hair and helping to keep its moisture balanced. Using hot tools regularly without protection can lead to long-term damage, so it's important to use a heat protectant to preserve the health and strength of your hair.

Skimping on Sun Protection

Skipping sun protection for your hair can cause damage, especially in prolonged sunlight. The sun's UV rays can weaken the hair cuticle, resulting in dryness, frizz, and increased breakage. UV exposure over time can also fade dyed hair.

Hair, like skin, requires protection from the sun. Use products with UV filters, wear hats, or apply leave-in conditioners with SPF to shield your hair from harmful rays. Ignoring sun protection can harm your hair's health and appearance, so it's crucial for maintaining vibrant and strong strands.

Not Cleaning Your Hair Tools

Neglecting to clean your hair tools can harm your hair and scalp health. Hairbrushes, combs, and styling tools can accumulate product residue, oils, and dead skin cells over time. If not cleaned regularly, these buildups can transfer back to your hair, leading to dullness, greasiness, and potential scalp issues.

Dirty tools may also collect bacteria, contributing to an unhealthy scalp environment. Additionally, the accumulation of old hair in brushes can lead to tugging and breakage during use. Regularly cleaning your hair tools, including removing trapped hair and washing with mild soap or shampoo, is crucial for maintaining clean and healthy hair.

Sleeping with Wet Hair

Sleeping with wet hair can potentially cause damage and lead to various hair issues. When hair is wet, it is in a more vulnerable state and prone to breakage. The friction between wet hair strands and your pillowcase can result in tangling and breakage, particularly if your hair is prone to knots.

Additionally, the extended moisture exposure may contribute to a damp environment on your scalp, potentially leading to issues like fungal infections or an unpleasant odour. To minimize damage, consider allowing your hair to air dry partially before sleeping or using protective hairstyles like loose braids. Alternatively, using a silk or satin pillowcase can reduce friction and help maintain hair health.

Take Away

At times, taking good care of your skin and hair isn't about using more products or having complex routines. It's often about getting rid of harmful habits. Many people unknowingly harm their skin and hair through unhealthy habits, but stopping these behaviours is simple. By identifying these mistakes and adopting better habits, you can promote healthier and more radiant skin and hair.

P.S.:- For everyday saloon-like hair even in the winter season you can opt for a good hair serum.

FAQs