10 Things That Ruin Your Hair

Even when you’re knowledgeable when it comes to hair care, you can still slip up and hurt your tresses in ways that aren’t immediately noticeable. Take a look at the worst ways in which you can treat your hair in order to avoid them.

Some things that ruin your hair are very obvious, while others are less known or simply considered unimportant. If you’re serious about keeping your hair beautiful and healthy, here are the habits to avoid at all times.

1. Over Shampooing

Even a very mild shampoo can strip too much of the useful natural oils from your scalp and hair when you use it dairy. However, if you absolutely have to shampoo every day, don’t use too much of it.

A quarter sized amount of shampoo is enough for daily use, even for long hair. If you have a pixie cut, you might use even less than that.

2. Getting Rough with Wet Hair

One of the most obvious things that ruin your hair, brushing it when wet leads to a lot of breakage. If you have to detangle, always use a wide tooth comb and leave-in conditioner. But that’s not the only way you can hurt your hair when it’s wet. Making a turban out of your towel isn’t that great either, especially if you twist your hair while it’s rubbing against the fabric.

More: 9 Best Dry Conditioners

3. Using Dirty Styling Tools

Your styling tools can quickly turn into a breeding ground for bacteria, which can then impact your scalp and threaten the health and look of your hair. Hair should be removed from brushes after every use, and properly cleaned once a month, along with combs. Dissolve a little baking soda in water, and let your brushes and combs soak for a few minutes in order to clean them without any harsh chemicals.

4. Exposing Your Hair to Excessive Chemicals

Bleaching, perming, relaxing, and coloring your tresses excessively are all things that ruin your hair. Make sure that you counterbalance any chemical treatments with preemptive care, but at the same time, don’t load your hair with products with harsh chemicals every day. Always make sure that you use a good hair mask before heading to the salon and share your recent hair history with your stylist.

5. Keeping Your Hair in Constant Tension

Buns and ponytails may be trendy, but if you hair is forced into a style that keeps it in tension regularly, you’re drastically increasing the risk of damage. You probably know how to avoid elastics and metal clips that snag your hair, but remember to avoid keeping it in tension for too long in order to prevent breakage.

6. Excess Heat

One of the most common things that ruin your hair is styling with heat regularly. Whether it’s curling irons, flat irons or even your hair drier, it’s important to keep heat to a minimum and always use good products to prevent your hair getting dry and damaged. Even switching from drying with hot air to cool air can make a big difference.

7. Using The Wrong Hairspray at the Wrong Time

Hairspray, especially if it contains alcohol, can be very drying, especially when combined with heat styling tools. Never use hairspray before using a hot iron. Instead go for a thermal protecting spray and use the hairspray once you’re done with the heat.

8. Exposing Your Hair to UV Radiation

Believe it or not, the sun is also on the list of things that ruin your hair. Without protection against UV radiation, your hair will suffer, especially if it’s been recently colored or otherwise chemically processed. Use a good spray or cream to protect your tresses whether you’re lounging by the pool or at the beach.

9. Brushing the Wrong Way

It’s time to stop brushing from the roots altogether. Instead, start from the ends and work your way up to the roots, as the best way to detangle and prevent any snagging and breakage. Once you’ve cleared the first 4 inch section from the ends, move on to the next.

10. Postponing Trims

Split ends are among the most common things that ruin your hair. You don’t need to get a trim every six weeks if you don’t have split ends, but don’t let more than 2 months pass by without dealing with this problem that only gets worse the more you ignore it.