6 Ways You Might Be Ruining Your Hair in the Shower

A shower can be refreshing in the morning and relaxing in the evening, but while it’s a great way to start your day or wash away stress at night, it might be damaging to your hair if you’re not doing it the right way. As it turns out, there are several mistakes you probably didn’t even know you were making that aren’t doing your locks any favors.

We at Bright Side never even thought that something as simple as taking a shower could damage or benefit our hair. That’s why we decided to find out what showering mistakes to avoid for the sake of our strands.

1. You’re not using a shower cap.

Once you get in the shower, you probably want to wash your hair as well. But shampooing your hair every time you wash your body can actually irritate and dry out your scalp. Putting on a shower cap will help you keep your hair dry and wash your body without getting your strands wet.

2. Your water is too hot.

Nothing can compare to a relaxing, hot shower, but if you’re turning up the heat too much, you can cause some serious damage to your mane. Just like hair dryers and hot styling tools can dry out your hair, hot water can make it look dull and lifeless. Washing your hair in hot water will also damage the natural protective lipid layer on your scalp, causing it to become itchy and red.

3. You’re not brushing your hair before a shower.

You are probably thoroughly combing your hair after washing it, but doing it before you step in to take a shower can actually help your hair stay tangle-free for longer. After washing and rinsing your hair, gently dab it dry with your towel rather than rubbing it, which can result in more knots and tangles.

4. You wash your hair every time you take a shower.

If you want healthy and voluminous hair, then less is definitely more when it comes to washing it. There’s no doubt your favorite shampoo is great for removing dirt and product build-up, but when used too often, it can also strip the essential natural oils your scalp produces to keep your hair shiny and hydrated. Most people need to wash their hair no more than every other day, and if your hair is curly, shampooing it just once a week will be enough to keep it clean.

5. You scrub your scalp with your fingernails.

While a good scalp scrub can feel refreshing, using your fingernails actually works the other way around. The skin on your scalp is delicate and vulnerable to abrasive washing, and scratching it with your nails may irritate it and even cause inflammation. It’s better to gently massage your scalp with your fingertips for about 3 minutes and avoid harsh back and forth movements to prevent tangling.

6. You don’t rinse well enough.

Using gentle, rain-mimicking showerheads surely feels relaxing, but it’s better to opt for a higher water pressure when rinsing your hair. If you accidentally leave some shampoo or conditioner in your hair, it can eventually lead to scalp buildup and clogged pores. Make sure to spend 1 to 2 minutes rinsing your hair and turn the water temperature down since cold water doesn’t dry out your hair and helps it stay shiny and vibrant for longer.

Have you been making any of these showering mistakes? Do you have any hair care hacks you’d like to share with other Bright Siders?