We all want Disney princess hair, but the path there is clogged with sun damage and itchy scalps. Put down those harsh chemicals and don’t even think about that box of at-home hair dye because we’ve narrowed down the worst hair habits…and the best!
1. Overusing Heat Tools
Without proper protection, curling or straightening irons can significantly damage hair. Unless you want dry hair or split ends, make sure to use a heat protectant before styling. Drugstore brands are fairly inexpensive and can work just as well as high-end names.
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2. Aggressive Brushing
Thorough brushing is necessary but can be tough depending on your hair type. Even though a good brushing might take a while (and work out those arms), it’s important not to overdo it—aggressive or quick brushing can cause tears and even hair loss in more extreme cases.
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3. Skipping Conditioner
A hair wash just isn’t complete without conditioner. Once your shampoo washes out all the product, your conditioner comes in to nourish and moisturize. Without it, hair is a brittle, frizzy nest that’s even harder to maintain.
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4. Tight Hairstyles
Tight buns, ponytails, or braids are bad news for healthy locks. In fact, consistently tying your hair too tight can easily cause hair loss and breakage. Let that hair down, Rapunzel, or at the very least opt for looser styles to protect your mane.
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5. Sleeping With Wet Hair
It certainly seems more convenient, but avoid hitting the hay with wet hair. Not only does wet hair lead cause breakage, but a sopping wet head is a breeding ground for bacteria. Invest in a satin pillowcase to help hair stay strong and make sure you blowdry before bedtime.
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6. Rough Treatments
Frequent treatments like coloring or perming can have long-lasting effects on hair. Coloring, in particular, can weaken strands and bleaching is even worse—both can dry out your hair and make it more prone to breakage, but bleaching is always rougher. Additionally, at-home coloring can sometimes do more harm than good, despite the reduced cost.
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7. Skipping Regular Trims
It seems strange, but regular trims are actually the key to hair growth. Skipping regular appointments leads to brittle, split ends and hinders growth. Even if you trim them at home, it’s vital to tend to split ends before they take over.
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8. No Sun Protection
Hair needs sun protection the same as our skin does. Without it, those UV rays can fry hair and lead to more frequent breakage; leave-in conditioners or oils help lock in moisture to ensure you don’t lose healthy oils or keratin.
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9. Ignoring Your Scalp
Hair health isn’t just about those luscious strands—healthy scalps promote growth, prevent thinning, and ward off conditions like dandruff. Start with gentle shampoo and conditioner combos or introduce a scalp oil.
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10. Using Too Much Product
You don’t need an army of products for healthy hair. Some have harsh ingredients that strip your hair of natural oils, leading to dry, damaged locks. Too much product, on the other hand, can easily weigh down hair or lead to buildup. It’s best to choose lightweight options or speak with a professional to figure out which is best for your hair type.
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Now that we know what not to do, let’s dive into the best hair habits!
1. Use the Right Products
Color-treated hair benefits from different products than someone with thin strands. Do your research and invest in the right products for your specific hair type. You should also be mindful of harsh ingredients like parabens, alcohol, or sulfates.
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2. Wash Less Often
Speak with your hairdresser about how often to wash your hair. Depending on your needs and hair type, washing frequency can easily vary. For example, most can get away with one or two washes in a week, but people with colored hair may need to wash less. It’s worth speaking with someone!
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3. Deep Condition
Deep-conditioning hair masks bring those locks back to their former glory. Hair masks tackle specific issues to ensure your scalp and strands get the TLC they need, and a little research can narrow down which is best for you.
4. Protect Your Hair
Whether it’s from heat styling tools or the sun, hair needs protection. Heat protectants keep hair safe from flat or curling irons while hair masks and hats save your locks from the sun.
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5. Eat Healthier
Healthy foods do wonders for your overall health and that includes your hair! Foods high in iron, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids can all contribute to healthier hair, however, low-calorie diets have been linked to hair loss, so make sure you’re eating enough.
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6. Reduce Stress
It’s easier said than done, but stress reduction keeps hair healthy, too. Chronic stress can lead to hair loss and its inability to grow back, so it’s essential to calm your mind. Meditation, listening to music, or making more time for hobbies can keep stress at bay.
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7. Invest in Silk
Ditch the cotton because silk pillowcases and sleep caps lock in moisture while you sleep, preventing breakage or dry strands. Satin can also help, though it’s not as reliable as silk.
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8. Massage the Scalp
Use your fingertips, not your fingernails in the shower for a proper scalp massage. Nails can easily scratch the scalp, which doesn’t do it any favors, and could also cause lost strands. You can also purchase a scalp massager to encourage growth.
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9. Drink Lots of Water
Hair has a much better chance of growing and staying strong with enough water. Dehydration leads to all kinds of issues like breakage, dandruff, and dried-out manes—ensure you drink enough during the day to ward off these problems.
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10. Use the Right Temperature
Yes, Goldilocks, water that’s too hot or cold can damage hair, meaning you need a temperature that’s just right. It’s worth speaking with a professional about which temperature makes the most sense since either can affect hair in different ways.
