11 Silent Killers That Harm Our Hair, and What We Should Do to Stop Them

Probably most of us dream about long lush locks, but in reality, achieving gorgeous-looking healthy hair isn’t as easy as we’d like it to be. Unfortunately, in our lives, we constantly encounter things that make our hair worse, for example, stress and pollution. And while those two things are hard to combat, there are still some factors that unnoticeably damage our hair, and we can easily get rid of them.

We at Bright Side found some of the hair’s enemies that we should all exile from our lives once and for all.

1. Your hair type might need co-washing.

Co-washing stands for conditioner washing, which means applying conditioner to your hair for cleansing purposes. It might sound wrong, but in reality, there are special conditioners that suit this purpose perfectly without damaging or weighing down your hair. However, not all types of hair benefit from this technique. It’s better to use it if your hair is thick, coarse, dry, or curly.

2. Your hair is always parted the same way.

We usually part our hair the way we’re used to because it’s easier and saves time, but it can lead to hair loss. Wearing hair the same way weighs it down and causes breakage. If you change things up from time to time, it not only allows you to look different, but also helps with hiding baby hairs.

3. You often wear the same ponytail.

Tying hair in ponytails every day might lead to breakage and hair loss along your hairline. What is more, you might get migraines and neck pain. That’s why it’s important to switch things up from time to time.

4. You don’t use a swim cap when swimming in the pool.

Not only does it allow you to swim faster and keeps the pool clean of hair, but swim caps are essential to protect your locks from chlorine. Even though it’s a misconception that the swim caps keep your hair completely dry, they still allow you to avoid the effects of the harsh chemicals on your hair and scalp. Another tip is to wet the hair before going to the pool to prevent it from absorbing pool water.

5. Bring your comb to the shower (or don’t, it depends).

The question of whether to brush your hair dry or wet largely depends on your hair type. If your locks are curly, comb before drying: this will help you avoid frizz and preserve your curl pattern. For straight hair, the opposite is advised: brushing the hair while it’s wet can cause breakage.

6. You use a regular towel.

Terrycloth towels are good at absorbing liquids, which is why it’s their main purpose, but when it comes to the health of your hair, they might be too good for that even. By soaking too much water and creating friction, they might be causing frizz. Instead, try out microfiber towels or head wraps.

7. You use coconut oil on thin hair.

The beauty industry seems to be obsessed with everything coconut, but it’s not as universal as it might seem: for thin hair, coconut oil creates a coat of shine but doesn’t provide hydration. The oil is heavy and might weigh your hair down. Still, coconuts contain a lot of good stuff for your mane, so you can consider using hair care with this ingredient.

8. You don’t protect hair from the sun.

It’s a well-known fact by now that the sun can be damaging, so we should always use SPF on our skin. At the same time, hair needs protection from the UV rays, too. If you’re outside in the sun, use a leave-in conditioner in your hair every other day. It’s also a good idea to use a heat protectant with SPF.

9. Static affects your hair.

If your hair is dry, you might face the problem of static electricity in your hair. It’s quite unpleasant because of the shock feeling you get from it, and in general, it’s just annoying. Make sure your hair is well hydrated, but if that’s not helpful, change your brush to a metal one. Another quick remedy is using a static guard, similar to what is used for laundry or even actual dryer sheets.

10. You dye all of your hair when you have a few gray hairs.

If you only have a couple of dozens of gray hairs, it doesn’t mean it’s time to panic and dye all of your hair. Those chemicals cause thinning of hair and problems with the scalp. You can get a demi-permanent treatment in the salon instead, and only selected areas will be colored.

11. You use castor oil on your hair.

Not all oils are equally beneficial to your hair. While they can be a great natural treatment for the hair, some kinds of oils bring more harm than good. Despite popular belief, castor oil isn’t good for your locks: it leads to hair becoming frizzy and more tangled.

Were you making any of these mistakes? What hair tips do you have?