We all want strong, shiny, and healthy hair, right? While we try to do our best, sometimes our everyday routines are actually working against us.
From overwashing to using the wrong tools, certain habits can damage your hair over time. The good news? By recognizing these common mistakes and making small changes, you can significantly improve your hair’s health and appearance.
We asked some of our stylists in training what were the most common hair care errors that they regularly encounter along with how to fix them.
Washing Hair Too Often or Too Little
Striking the right balance in your washing routine is crucial. You want to avoid either washing too often or too infrequently.
Washing your hair too often strips your scalp of natural oils, leading to dryness and encouraging your scalp to overproduce oil to compensate.On the other hand, infrequent washing can cause buildup from products, dirt, and oils, resulting in dull, heavy hair and potential scalp issues.
The best balance?
Most people benefit from washing their hair 2-3 times a week, but this varies based on hair type and lifestyle. For example, oily hair or an active lifestyle may require more frequent washing, while curly or dry hair thrives with less.
Using the Wrong Products
Not all products work for every hair type, and choosing the wrong ones can lead to unwanted results.
Using products not suited to your hair type can exacerbate problems. For instance, rich products may weigh down fine hair, while clarifying shampoos might dry out already brittle strands.
Many people also focus solely on hair strands and neglect scalp health. A healthy scalp is essential for healthy hair growth.
Try to avoid products with harsh sulfates, heavy silicones, or artificial fragrances that can lead to buildup or irritation. Instead, look for nourishing ingredients like argan oil for hydration or keratin for strength.
Skipping Heat Protection or Misusing Styling Tools
Heat styling tools are unfortunately a major culprit of hair damage. It’s something we often see and also teach our hairstyling students to avoid!
Using hot tools without protection can weaken the hair cuticle, causing split ends and breakage. Always apply a heat protectant spray or cream before using heat tools like blow dryers, curling irons, or straighteners.
If you’re not super familiar with the tools, try to incorporate heat-free styling methods, such as braids for waves or rollers for curls, to reduce reliance on heat tools.
Over-Brushing or Using the Wrong Tools
How and when you brush your hair matters more than you might think.
Contrary to popular belief, brushing your hair 100 times a day doesn’t make it healthier. In fact, overbrushing can lead to unnecessary breakage.
Choose brushes and combs suited to your hair type. For example, a wide-tooth comb works well for detangling wet hair, while a paddle brush is great for straight styles.
Start detangling from the ends and gradually work your way up to the roots to minimize pulling and breakage.
Neglecting Regular Trims Or Going Too Long Between Them
Regular trims aren’t just for maintaining style – they’re vital for hair health.
Regular trims help keep your hair looking fresh and healthy – especially if there’s damage. For instance, split ends can travel up the hair shaft, causing more damage over time if not treated quickly.
Aim for trims every 6-8 weeks, though some hair types may need more or less frequent maintenance. It may be a common misconception, but trimming your hair doesn’t make it grow faster!
Rough Handling When Wet
Wet hair is at its most vulnerable, and rough handling can cause serious damage.
Rough towel-drying, brushing wet hair with a regular brush, or tying hair tightly while wet can all cause damage.
If possible, use a microfiber towel or a soft T-shirt to blot your hair dry. Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb, starting from the ends and working your way up.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding common hair care mistakes is an easy way to improve the health and appearance of your hair. By balancing your washing routine, using the right products, protecting your hair from heat, and handling it with care, you can prevent damage and promote stronger, shinier hair.
Take a moment to reflect on your current habits and make small adjustments—they can lead to big improvements in the long run. Start today, and enjoy healthier hair tomorrow!
Passionate about hair care? Our professional hairdressing program puts you on the path towards an exciting and successful career in the beauty industry.
Contact us to learn more!