10 hair care habits that can damage your hair

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Having healthy and beautiful hair is something we all desire. We spend so much time and effort trying different hair care products and treatments to achieve the perfect mane. However, sometimes we unknowingly engage in habits that can actually damage our hair. In this blog post, I will discuss 10 common hair care habits that you should avoid in order to keep your hair healthy and strong.

1. Overwashing your hair

There’s just something refreshing about that squeaky-clean, post-shampoo feeling, so it’s not surprising that many women  wash their hair every day.Washing your hair too frequently can strip it of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. Aim to wash your hair every other day or every few days, depending on your hair type and lifestyle.

How often you should wash depends on a number of factors, including hair type, texture and your personal routine.I know oily hair gets a bad rap, but the sebum your scalp produces is vital to healthy, shiny hair.Despite what shampoo commercials lead you to believe, washing your hair can be a key contributor to a bad hair day. 

you should wash it once it’s oily and feels unclean to the touch.

2. Using hot water

While a hot shower can be relaxing, hot water can actually damage your hair. It strips away the natural oils and can make your hair more prone to breakage. Opt for lukewarm or cool water instead.

But someone says that there are benefits to washing your hair with hot water; for example, higher temperatures open up pores, which helps shampoo and other products to penetrate the scalp. Washing your hair with hot water may help remove dirt, grime, product, and oil more effectively than cold water.If you choose to wash your hair with hot water then  it should follow by a cold water rinse. 

If you would like your hair to look shinier and healthier, I highly recommend using distilled water instead of your regular tap water. Distilled water is pure and free from any hard mineral build up or harsh chemicals like chlorine. This makes distilled water an excellent addition to hair care regimen.

3.Rough towel drying

Vigorously rubbing your hair with a towel to dry it can cause friction and breakage. Instead, gently squeeze out the excess water and pat your hair dry with a soft towel or an old t-shirt.Consider upgrading the towel you use on your hair to a different material like bamboo or microfiber, or a different weave like gentler jersey.

The best way to dry your hair is to let it air dry under the fan as much as possible. However, some experts believe combining air and blow-drying is healthier than just air drying. It is good to let your hair air-dry seventy percent of the way and then blow-dry till they become dry ultimately.

4. Brushing wet hair

Wet hair is more fragile and prone to breakage. Avoid brushing your hair immediately after showering. If you must detangle it, use a wide-toothed comb or a brush specially designed for wet hair.

And also brushing your hair when it's wet can lead to frizzy hair once it's dried up.

While your hair is still completely wet, run a wide-tooth comb through your hair. Why a comb? The individual teeth will separate your hair and promote better airflow, which will in turn accelerate dry time.

Avoid pulling it back tightly into a ponytail or bun. Use a loose hair tie or clip instead of a tight one. If you must tie your hair back, make sure it's completely dry first, and use a soft, fabric hair tie to avoid damaging your hair.

5. Using heat styling tools without protection

Every time you use heat to style your hair, you temporarily break the hydrogen bonds in your hair. While this allows you to shape and style your hair as you wish,repeatedly applying heat without protection can lead to dehydration, split ends, and weakening of your hair.

Heat styling tools like flat irons and curling wands can damage your hair if used without protection. Always apply a heat protectant spray or serum before using any heat styling tools.These sprays and creams have the ability to protect the hair fibre during heat exposure, as well as intensely hydrating each strand.

Hair that is not protected can see damage take form in a number of ways. You can expect everything from color shift (i.e., blonde hair turning brassy), cuticle damage, and split ends.

Signs of heat damaged hair:

• Dryness and dullness. The cuticles of your hair are what make it shiny
• Split ends
• Breakage
• Frizziness
• Flyaways
• Rough or changed texture
• Knots and tangles
• Incorrect hair color

6. Tight hairstyles

Every once in a while, it's OK to wear your hair tightly pulled back, but you want to avoid wearing a tightly pulled hairstyle every day. The constant pulling can cause strands of your hair to break or fall out. In time, the continuous pulling can damage your hair follicles.Constantly wearing tight hairstyles like ponytails, braids, or buns can put stress on your hair, leading to breakage and hair loss. Give your hair a break and opt for looser styles whenever possible.

So, to help you through, there are five easy everyday hairstyles that you can try to prevent hair fall:

• Loose braid
• Wear them down
• Half up, half down with a claw clip
• Messy, loose updo
• Low bun with a headband

7. Overusing hair products

Hair loss and breakage: Although hair care products are meant to strengthen the hair, excessive usage of them, especially those laden with chemicals can weaken your locks and lead to breakage and hair fall. Using too many hair products or using them excessively can weigh down your hair and make it look greasy. Use only the necessary amount of products and avoid applying them directly to your scalp.

 Your hair can only hold so much, and any product that isn't absorbed into the shaft will lie on top. This isn't usually a problem, until it begins to weigh your hair down and cause it to look greasy or crunchy.

If you use hair products often, not washing can cause product build up. These products can also trap dirt and oil, which can lead to dry and dull hair. 

Most people deal with split ends once the hair isn't cut regularly, which essentially wears on the ends of the hair and keeps it from getting longer. The hair splits, and the splits run up the shaft. Eventually, the hair can break off at these weakened spots if not cared for.Avoiding regular trims can result in split ends and breakage. 

When you get a haircut, the damaged ends of your hair are removed, which makes your hair look healthier and thicker. Regular haircuts help get rid of split ends, which can cause hair to break and prevent hair growth. A hair trim every 6-8 weeks helps ensure that your hair is in its best possible condition.Schedule regular appointments with your hairstylist to get rid of split ends and maintain the health of your hair.

By not cutting your hair, you are actually risking the length rather than letting it grow. Frequently trimming your hair, you'll prevent breakage by removing the dead, fragile ends.

9. Using harsh hair ties

When too tight or used excessively, hair ties can cause a condition known as traction alopecia, which is hair loss due to the constant pulling or tension on the hair shafts. Furthermore, hair ties with metal connectors or made from rough materials can catch and tear hair strands, leading to split ends and breakage.

 Opt for soft hair ties made of fabric or use scrunchies to minimize hair damage. Look for materials like satin and silk because their smooth textures minimize harmful friction that rips hair and can lead to frizz.Curly and coily hair is more fragile than straight hair, so you want to be extra careful to avoid materials that may snag.

Tightening your hair can damage your hair, making it dry and frizzy. Wearing a tight ponytail often, like a ponytail, also messes up your hair more than if it were left loose. Because the ponytail causes tension in the hair, for a long time, the ends of the hair get tangled together.

10. Ignoring your scalp health

A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair. Neglecting your scalp can lead to issues like dandruff, itchiness, and hair loss.Taking care of your scalp can help you create a healthy environment for your hair to grow, and help you nourish the skin that protects your skull from trauma and infection.

Going a long time without washing your hair can cause a buildup of a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia on your scalp. Over time, this leads to a layer of dead skin cells that shed from your head in the form of oily, yellow-ish dandruff flakes. Dandruff can also make your scalp red, scaly, and itchy.

Take care of your scalp by keeping it clean, moisturized, and free from product buildup.

By avoiding these hair care habits, you can promote the health and strength of your hair. Remember, it's the small changes in our daily routines that can make a big difference in the long run. So, start implementing these simple changes today and watch your hair transform into its most beautiful and healthy state.

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