words Alexa Wang
Hair is considered one of the human body’s best accessories. It can be styled in so many ways, comes in a variety of colors and textures, and even those textures and colors can be changed at the drop of a hat.
That’s why it’s important to take good care of your hair so that it’s always at its best. That means knowing what you should and shouldn’t be doing in order to keep it healthy. There are six ways you could be damaging your hair that you may not be aware of.
Avoiding Regular Haircuts
You may tell yourself that you don’t need to cut your hair anymore, and that you’re just going to grow it out for a long time. But avoiding a regular visit to your hairdresser may actually make the health of your hair worse.
Think of it like going to the dentist: regular checkups ensure that there’s no problem with your teeth. Going to get your hair trimmed every three months or so eliminates split ends and will prevent future breakage.
Brushing Your Hair When It’s Wet
After shampooing and rinsing your hair, the worst thing you can do is brush it when it’s still wet. That’s because your hair is most fragile when it’s wet and that means brushing it increases the chances of it breaking. It’s best to wait a few minutes for your hair to partially dry so that it regains some of its strength.
Hidden Chemicals in Your Hair Products
The majority of hair products that you find at the store contain chemicals that can actually damage your hair. These include polyethylene glycol, lauryl sulfate, and isopropyl alcohol. They’re designed to make your hair feel soft and give them some shine, but these effects are only temporary. Look for “organic” or “sulfate-free” hair products at your grocery store if you want to avoid these harmful chemicals.
Using Too Much Heat in the Styling Process
Curling irons, flat irons, hair dryers… we’ve all used them at some point to get our hair looking the way we want it to. But too much heat, over time, can lead to the destruction of your hair. Hot tools suck all of the moisture out of the hair strands, leaving them dry and brittle. Choose to air dry and refrain from using any hot tools a few days each week to give your hair the rest it deserves.
Using The Same Hair Products Over and Over
The human body adapts to the products that you use, and the hair is no different. Using the same products on your hair will result in a residue remaining on your scalp, leaving your hair feeling less clean over time. It’s best to use a clarifying shampoo at least once a month to get rid of this residue or rotate the use of different products in your hair so that your hair doesn’t become accustomed to any specific product.
Washing Your Hair Every Day
Natural oils are produced by the scalp that maintain the health of hair; removing it every day can leave it looking dull. It’s recommended that you wash your hair every two to three days and to use dry shampoo in between if you have naturally oily roots.
Taking care of your hair is essential to maintaining its health for much longer. Knowing what’s ruining your hair can help you take the right steps and make the right choices to keep your hair at its best.
