We all desire luscious, healthy hair that exudes vitality and beauty. However, certain habits can unknowingly damage our precious tresses, leading to dryness, breakage and overall hair distress. In this article, we will explore some everyday hair-damaging habits outlined by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and provide practical tips on protecting your hair for healthy growth. 

Let’s delve into these habits and learn how to give your hair the care it deserves.

1. Overwashing: Washing your hair with excessive shampoo and too frequently can strip away its natural oils, leaving it dry, brittle and prone to breakage. Instead, aim for a balance by washing your hair every alternate day or as needed, depending on your hair type and lifestyle.

2. Vigorous Towel Drying: Rubbing your hair vigorously with a towel after washing can cause friction and lead to hair breakage. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water from your hair using a soft towel or an old cotton t-shirt. Allow your hair to air dry whenever possible to minimise heat damage from blow drying.

3. Using Hot Water: Washing your hair with hot water can strip away its natural oils, leaving it dehydrated and dull. Choose lukewarm or cool water while washing your hair to help retain moisture and maintain its natural shine.

4. Overusing Heat Styling Tools: Excessive use of heat-styling tools such as flat irons, curling irons and blow dryers can damage your hair shaft, leading to breakage and split ends. To minimise heat damage, embrace your natural hair texture or use heat protectant sprays or serums before styling.

5. Tight Hairstyles: Wearing tight ponytails, braids, buns or other hairstyles that pull your hair tightly can cause tension and lead to hair breakage, especially along the hairline. Opt for looser hairstyles and use hair accessories made from soft materials to minimise damage.

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6. Chemical Overprocessing:h Frequent chemical treatments like perming, relaxing or colouring can weaken the hair structure over time. Give your hair enough time to recover between treatments and consult a professional stylist who can assess the present condition of your hair and recommend the most suitable and gentle approach.

7. Neglecting Sun Protection: Just like your skin, your hair can be damaged by the sun’s harmful UV rays. Protect your hair by wearing a hat or using hair products with built-in UV protection when spending time outdoors.

8. Rough Brushing: Brushing your hair aggressively, especially when it’s wet, can cause hair breakage and damage. Instead, use a wide-toothed comb or a brush with soft bristles to detangle your hair gently, starting from the ends and working your way up.

9. Using Harsh Hair Accessories: Hair accessories with rough edges, metal clasps or tight elastics can cause friction and breakage. Opt for hair accessories made from soft materials, like fabric-covered elastics or scrunchies, to prevent unnecessary damage.

10. Ignoring Regular Trims: Avoiding regular hair trims can accumulate split ends, leading to further hair damage. Schedule regular appointments with your hairdresser in order to keep your hair healthy and maintain its overall appearance.

By being mindful of these hair-damaging habits and adopting healthier hair care practices, you can protect your tresses and promote healthy growth. Remember to nourish your hair from within by maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated and managing stress levels. You can enjoy the beautiful, vibrant hair you’ve always desired with proper care and attention.

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Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

References

https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/habits-that-damage-hair

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513312/