10 Common Haircare Mistakes That Prevent Us From Having Great Hair

When it comes to hair care, it’s well-known that what works for your friend might completely differ from what works for you. But there are some universal things that we do either daily or occasionally that ruin our hair. That’s why, many of us notice that even when we check everything on our to-do list of hair care, something is still amiss.

We at Bright Side gathered a list of things you should avoid at all costs in order to get the perfect healthy hair we all strive for.

1. You don’t trim your hair regularly.

Even if you’re trying so hard to grow your hair, you still need a proper trim schedule. The thing is, trimming your hair regularly gives it a healthy look, makes it look thicker, and is great for growth because you get rid of the damaged parts. You don’t have to get a haircut every super-often, cutting a quarter-inch of our hair every 12 weeks will do the trick, according to hair experts.

2. You skip the conditioner.

Conditioning takes up part of the hair washing routine. Using a conditioner is essential because it softens the hair, it also helps restore the balance of oil production that can be over-stripped from shampoos and other factors. While conditioner is usually used right after shampoo, it has been said that applying conditioner first will make your hair look more voluminous.

3. You don’t drink enough water.

We believe that there are countless reasons why we should be mindful of our daily water intake but little did we know that drinking enough water is beneficial for our hair. It has been proven that water is a key ingredient that contributes to your hair growth. Hence, it is possible for one’s hair to stop growing completely if you’re not drinking enough water.

4. You use products that are too harsh.

Before putting anything on your hair, you should be aware of the ingredients in your products. There are some ingredients you definitely need to avoid like silicone and alcohol-based products which could be the real cause behind your hair damage. Remember to treat your hair gently and use what works best for it.

5. You brush your hair too often.

Just like any hair care practice, brushing your hair needs to be done properly. It is known that brushing our hair helps with scalp stimulation which encourages hair growth, but experts found out that too much brushing can lead to hair loss. That’s why they don’t recommend anything more than brushing your hair twice a day — morning and night.

6. You sleep with wet hair.

It’s highly likely that you’ve gotten out of the shower so tired that you slept with wet hair, we’ve all done this for sure. But it’s no surprise that it’s a damaging habit because hair is weakest when it’s wet, that’s why it becomes prone to damage. Also, the warmth of your head and the prolonged dampness of your hair will create bacteria that will cause dandruff.

7. You use heat styling equipment too often.

Changing our hairstyle is tempting, that’s why it’s difficult to abstain from using heat styling equipment. However, we can reduce the number of times we use heat in order to keep our hair healthy. But if you notice some heat damage signs like hair that tangles and knots easily and overly dry hair, it’s time to treat it based on your hair type and avoid heat for a good amount of time.

8. You use the wrong water temperature.

The wrong water temperature can be very harmful to your hair because there’s a specific temperature that needs to be used in each step. Since hot water opens pores and cleanses thoroughly, it’s best to massage your scalp and wash your hair with warm water. On the other hand, wash off your conditioner with cold water since it seals moisture in the hair.

9. You don’t eat enough protein.

A good source of protein is good for the hair too, that’s why we need to be aware of what we put into our system if we’re looking for long, strong, and shiny hair. Apparently, hair is made of protein, so any protein-based food like eggs will make it even stronger and healthier.

10. You skip hot oil treatments.

Some advice we used to get from our moms and grandmas is to use hair oils. They are very beneficial for the hair, we just have to find the oils made for our hair type/texture. One thing we know for sure is that it’s the best way to protect and nourish dry, brittle hair. You can do it at home or choose to get an oil treatment at the salon, just be sure to do it the right way and your hair will thank you.

What other hair damaging habits would you like to add to this list? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!