We all want thick, healthy hair, but some of our daily habits may be doing more harm than good. Don’t worry—your hair will get better once you know what to avoid (and how to fix it). Here’s a closer look at some of the culprits that damage your hair, along with practical tips for keeping your hair strong, shiny, and happy.
Neglect scalp care
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Neglecting your scalp—whether by not cleaning it enough or not addressing issues like dryness and dandruff—can affect the quality of your hair.
repair:
- Treat your scalp like your skin. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub to remove dirt and stimulate circulation.
- Choose a shampoo with nourishing ingredients Such as tea tree oil, aloe vera or hyaluronic acid to keep your scalp balanced and healthy.
- If you notice significant thinning or loss of hairconsider products like minoxidil, a topical hair growth treatment that works by stimulating hair follicles. 1
excessive shampooing
Washing your hair too frequently can strip your hair of its natural oils. This can leave your hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Over-washing can be particularly damaging if you use harsh shampoos that contain sulfates.
repair:
- Determine your hair type. If you have dry or frizzy hair, washing it every two to three days is usually enough. Those with fine or oily hair may need to wash their hair more frequently, but even they should avoid washing their hair every day if possible.
- Use a mild shampoo instead. Choose sulfate-free products that cleanse without over-drying.
- Incorporate co-washing. Use conditioner occasionally instead of shampoo to refresh your hair while keeping it moisturized. 2
use hot water
A steamy shower can feel very comfortable, but it doesn’t do your hair any good. High temperatures can damage the hair cuticle, making strands frizzy and easily damaged. 3
repair:
- Wash your hair with warm water. Hot enough to clean, but not hot enough to cause damage.
- Adjust the temperature gradually. If a cool shower feels daunting, lower the temperature slightly each time you shower to ease the transition while keeping your hair healthy.
Coarse towel drying
Towel-drying your hair may seem like the fastest way to dry it, but it’s a recipe for disaster. The friction of a towel can roughen the hair cuticle, causing frizz, split ends, and breakage. 3
repair:
- Swap traditional towels for microfiber towels or an old cotton T-shirt. Both are gentler on your hair.
- Don’t rub your hair, but gently squeeze excess water out of your hair. Pat dry to minimize friction and damage.
Skip the heat protectant
Heat styling tools like straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers can wreak havoc on your hair if used without protection. High temperatures can damage the hair cuticle, causing dryness, breakage, and split ends. 3
repair:
- Use a heat protectant every time you apply heat to your hair. These products act as a barrier to reduce damage caused by styling tools.
- Reduce heat exposure. Use the lowest heat setting available and limit the time the hot tool is in contact with your hair.
tight hairstyle
High ponytails, tight braids, and sleek buns may look chic, but wearing them too often or too tightly can lead to breakage and even traction alopecia—a type of hair loss caused by pulling on the hair. 4
repair:
- Choose a loose hairstyle. Try a low bun or loose braid instead of a high, tight ponytail.
- Use an accessible headbandsuch as scrunchies or coiled bands, to reduce tension and prevent snagging.
- Rotate your styles regularly Avoid applying repeated pressure to the same area of your scalp.
Sleeping with wet hair
After a long day, it’s tempting to jump into bed with wet hair. However, sleeping with wet hair can weaken your strands, making them more susceptible to breakage and tangles. Plus, moisture creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow on your pillow. 5
repair:
- Take a shower early in the evening Let hair dry naturally.
- Use silk or satin pillowcases. These materials create less friction than cotton, keeping your hair smooth and damage-free.
Using too many products
Styling products like gels, mousses, and sprays can give you the perfect look, but overuse can weigh your hair down and cause buildup on your scalp.
repair:
- Use product with caution. Start with a small amount and only add more when needed.
- Add clarifying shampoo Incorporate it into your routine once a month to remove buildup and refresh your scalp.
- Choose lightweight products Suit your hair type and avoid any products with heavy waxes or oils unless you have very dry hair.
Skip regular pruning
When you grow your hair long, you’ll most likely avoid trimming it altogether. But not getting regular trims can lead to split ends, making your hair look thinner and less healthy.
repair:
- Get your hair trimmed every few months. Even a tiny bit of “dust” on the ends can prevent damage from getting worse.
- Discuss your hair goals with your stylist Establish a maintenance schedule that suits your desired length.
in conclusion
Many of us unknowingly damage our hair through our daily habits, but some changes in focus can help restore the health and vitality of your hair. Taking the time to understand your hair’s needs and making a few small adjustments can produce dramatic results.
Having healthy, vibrant hair requires not only using the right shampoo or conditioner, but also establishing a daily routine that addresses the underlying issues. This might mean washing your hair less frequently, switching to silk pillowcases, or even considering targeted hair care solutions like ordering medications online. These small steps combine to significantly improve the strength and appearance of your hair.
bibliography
- Reggain. (nd). How minoxidil works. https://www.regaine.co.uk/minoxyil/how-minoxyil-works
- HCA Florida. (2023, October 23). How many times a week should you wash your hair? https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/healthy-living/blog/how-many-times-a-week-should-you-wash-your-hair
- Lee, Y., Kim, Y.-D., Hyun, H.-J., Pi, L., Jin, X., and Lee, W.-S. (2011). The heat and drying time of a hair dryer can damage the hair shaft. Annals of Dermatology, twenty three(4), 455.
- American Academy of Dermatology. (November 6, 2024). Pulled hairstyles can lead to hair loss. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/causes/hairstyles
- Sleep Foundation. (March 11, 2024). Are there any harm in sleeping with wet hair? https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-faqs/is-it-bad-to-sleep-with-wet-hair
