Styling your hair can complete your look, but it could also be damaging your locks depending on your technique. Put your self-care routine to the test and see if you're harming your hair without even knowing it. There are plenty of ways you may be harming your precious strands without even knowing it. If you recognize some of your own habits, have no fear, it's never too late to cultivate a healthy hair regimen.
Infusing hair with too many chemicalsToo many artificial chemicals are bad for any part of your body — and your hair is no exception. Too much coloring, keratining, and relaxing can cause breakage and damage. Make sure you keep the number of chemical processes to a minimum, and consider establishing a routine that involves preemptive care before undergoing chemical treatments, like a scalp mask or an elasticizer — a pre-shampoo protective treatment — a couple days prior to visiting the hairdresser.
When you do arrive at the salon, always tell your stylist about any prior treatments, even if they didn't work out.
Conditioning from the rootsWhen conditioning your hair it is important to avoid your roots. Conditioners, which are typically thick and heavy, cause blockages in the pores of the scalp. This means you will be prone to ingrown hairs, damaged follicles, and excess oil. The hair at the top of your head is your newest and consequently the most hydrated. The hair closer to your ends is older and dryer, so it is essential to target those areas while conditioning. A good rule to follow is that conditioner should never come above your ears.
Forgetting a heat shield when using hot tools
When using hot tools on your hair it is imperative that you apply a sufficient heat protectant. Without one, your hair will endure long-lasting damage and noticeable dullness. High temperatures automatically cause strands to split and dry out. A protectant will create a barrier that prevents the heat from attacking the substance of your hair altogether. Not all heat protectants are created equal, though, so do your research and find out if a blow dry balm, primer spray, or other option is the best fit for your hair type.
Handling wet hair roughlyWhen hair is wet, cuticle scales can lift, making moist strands more delicate and more susceptible to breakage and split ends than dry hair. Make sure you always smooth damp hair with a wide-tooth comb using a brush or narrow-tooth comb can be too rough because it pulls too harshly causing snaps and breakage.
The same goes for towel-drying, which can lead to ripping or breaking the strands if you rub too hard.
Spending too much time in the sunOur skin is very similar to our hair. Both entities are deeply affected by the sun's harmful rays. When our skin is exposed to excessive sun our bodies become covered with burns that have potentially cancer-causing repercussions. Similarly, the sun causes our hair to become dry and dull. Even though this damage is sometimes disguised as natural highlights, our hair becomes subject to serious breakage. In order to avoid these negative effects remember to apply amble sunscreen and invest in a chic floppy hat for the summer season.
Washing your hair too often Washing your hair too often will result in dry, dull hair. When we over-wash, we strip our hair of all of the essential oils that keep it healthy and beautiful. The same goes for our skin. Similarly, when we rarely wash our hair we can experience serious negative effects. The build-up of dirt, dust, and added oils in our hair will cause the pores of the scalp to clog which, in some cases, can cause hair loss or stunted hair growth. Our scalp and hair are worthy of the same due-diligence as our faces and bodies, so make sure to consult a hair specialist to establish a wash schedule that works for you.