Daily Habits That Secretly Damage Your Hair (and How to Fix Them)

We all want luscious, healthy locks, but some of our daily habits can do more harm than good. Don’t worry: Once you know what to avoid (and how to fix it), you’ll be on your way to better hair days. Here are some sneaky culprits that damage your hair and practical tips to keep your hair strong, shiny and happy.

Neglecting scalp care

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Neglecting your scalp (whether due to inadequate cleansing or not addressing issues like dryness and dandruff) can affect the quality of your hair.

The solution:

• Treat your scalp like your skin. Use gentle exfoliating scrubs to remove buildup and promote circulation.
• Choose shampoos 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 falling out of your hairconsider products such as minoxidila current one hair growth treatment which works by stimulating the follicles. 1

Washing your hair too often

Washing your hair too often can cause your strands to lose their natural oils. This makes your hair dry, brittle and prone to breakage. Washing too often can be especially harmful if you use harsh shampoos with sulfates.

The solution:

• Determine your hair type. If you have dry or curly hair, washing every two to three days is usually sufficient. Those with fine or oily hair may need to wash more often, but even they should avoid daily washing if possible.
• Switch to a gentle shampoo. Choose sulfate-free products that clean without drying out.
• Integrate co-washing. Occasionally use a conditioner instead of shampoo to freshen your hair while keeping it hydrated. 2

Use hot water

A hot, steamy shower may feel like the ultimate comfort, but it’s not doing your hair any favors. High temperatures damage the hair cuticle, leaving your locks frizzy and vulnerable to damage. 3

The solution:

• Wash your hair with lukewarm water. It’s warm enough to clean, but not so hot that it causes damage.
• Adjust the temperature gradually. If cooler showers feel intimidating, turn the temperature down a little each time you shower to ease the transition while keeping your hair healthy.

Rough towel drying

Rubbing your hair with a towel may seem like the quickest way to dry it, but it’s a recipe for disaster. The friction of the towel can roughen the hair cuticle, causing frizz, split ends and breakage. 3

The solution:

• Swap your traditional towel for a microfiber towel or an old cotton T-shirt. Both are gentler on your hair.
• Instead of rubbing, gently squeeze the excess water from your hair. Pat it dry to minimize friction and damage.

Skip heat protectant

Heat styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers can wreak havoc on your hair if used without protection. The intense heat damages the hair cuticle, leading to dryness, breakage and split ends. 3

The solution:

• Use a heat protectant every time you apply heat to your hair. These products act as a barrier and reduce the damage caused by styling tools.
• Reduce your exposure to heat. Use the lowest heat setting available and limit the time the hot tool touches your hair.

Tight hairstyles

High ponytails, tight braids and tight buns may look chic, but wearing them too often or too tight can cause hair breakage and even hair loss. traction alopecia — a form of hair loss caused by pulling the hair. 4

The solution:

• Opt for looser hairstyles. Try a low bun or relaxed braid instead of a high, tight ponytail.
• Use loose hair tiessuch as scrunchies or rolled straps, to reduce tension and prevent snagging.
• Rotate your styles regularly to avoid repeatedly straining the same areas of your scalp.

Sleeping with wet hair

After a long day, it’s tempting to jump into bed with damp hair. However, sleeping with wet hair can weaken strands, making them more prone to breakage and tangles. Additionally, the moisture creates the perfect environment for bacterial growth on your pillow. 5

The solution:

• Shower earlier in the evening allowing your hair to air dry naturally.
• Use a silk or satin pillowcase. These materials provide less friction than cotton, keeping your hair smooth and damage-free.

Using too much product

Styling products like gels, mousses, and sprays can give you the perfect look, but if you overdo it, it can weigh your hair down and lead to buildup on your scalp.

The solution:

• Use products sparingly. Start with a small amount and only add more as needed.
• Add a clarifying shampoo Incorporate into your routine once a month to remove buildup and refresh your scalp.
• Choose lightweight products suitable for your hair type and avoid anything with heavy waxes or oils unless your hair is extremely dry.

Skip regular trims

When you’re growing your hair, it’s tempting to avoid trimming altogether. But skipping regular haircuts can lead to split ends, making your hair look thinner and less healthy.

The solution:

• Cut your hair every few months. Even a little bit of ‘dusting’ of the ends can prevent the damage from worsening.
• Discuss your hair goals with your stylist to create a maintenance plan that works for your desired length.

Conclusion

Many of us unknowingly damage our hair through daily habits, but a few conscious changes can help restore its health and vitality. Taking the time to understand what your hair needs and making small adjustments can make a big difference.

Achieving healthy, vibrant hair goes beyond using the right shampoos or conditioners; it’s about building a routine that addresses underlying issues. This might mean washing your hair less often, switching to a silk pillowcase, or even considering options like order medicines online for targeted hair care solutions. These small steps, when combined, can lead to noticeable improvements in the strength and appearance of your hair.

Bibliography

1. Regaine. (n.d.). How minoxidil works. https://www.regaine.co.uk/minoxidil/how-minoxidil-works
2. 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
3. Lee, Y., Kim, Y.-D., Hyun, H.-J., Pi, L., Jin, X., and Lee, W.-S. (2011). Hair shaft damage due to heat and drying time of the hair dryer. Annals of Dermatology, 23(4), 455. https://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2011.23.4.455
4. American Academy of Dermatology. (2024, November 6). Hairstyles that pull can lead to hair loss. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/causes/hairstyles
5. Sleep Foundation. (2024, March 11). Is it bad to sleep with wet hair? https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-faqs/is-it-bad-to-sleep-with-wet-hair