Many of the dreaded hair conditions, like split ends and the frizz, can be totally avoided and they are more to do with the things that you are doing wrong with your hair, than they are to do with the products you use. In fact, if you avoid some of these common mistakes that people make with their hair, you will probably need fewer products to keep your hair looking great. Here are ten of the biggest hair sins that you really should try very hard not to commit.
Mistake 1: Using too much hair product
You know how guys never read the instructions before they try to build something? Well, a lot of girls are just like that with their hair products too. More is not better with hair products, in fact, the opposite is usually true. Read the instructions on the back of your hair styling products and, if it says a pea sized drop, then use a pea sized drop. Using too much of a product won’t make it work any better, but it will probably cause product build-up, which will make your hair look dull and lifeless.
Mistake 2: Brushing your hair from root to tip
While it does feel rather satisfying to brush your hair all the way through in one swoop, it’s going to make it more likely that you will damage your hair. The correct way to brush your hair is in small steps, starting at your tips and working your way up to the roots. That way, if you come across a knot, you can deal with it, without tugging at your hair.
Mistake 3: Washing your hair in scalding hot water
Very hot showers can be lovely and warming in the winter, but it’s not going to do your skin or your hair any good at all. Very hot water will strip all the natural oils out of your hair and that will make your hair dry and more susceptible to breakage. Lukewarm water, on the other hand, will clean hair just as well, but it will retain the natural shine and softness of your hair.
Mistake 4: Super tight updos
Tight ponytails put a lot of stress on your hair, especially if you wear your hair like that often. Pulling your hair up tight pulls on the strands of hair and it puts a strain on your follicles. In the worst cases, it can lead to hair breakage and even hair loss. Loosen up a bit and wear your hair down on some days to give it a break.
Mistake 5: Rubbing your hair dry with a towel
Rubbing your hair dry with a towel is another sure way to break it. Ideally, you should let your hair air-dry naturally, but if you are in a rush, pat your hair dry with an old T-shirt, rather than using a towel. T-shirts are much more absorbent than standard towels and they will do a lot less damage to your hair.
Mistake 6: Washing your hair too often
Over-washing hair is a common mistake that will dry out hair and make it more brittle. Most people only really need to wash their hair two to three times a week, or perhaps slightly more of you have greasy hair. If you need to freshen up a bit between washes, you could always use a dry shampoo instead.
Mistake 7: Overusing heat
Everyone uses heated tools, but they can really damage your hair badly if you use them too often, or you use them too hot. When you do use heated tools of any kind, apply a heat protection product first, use heated tools on a moderate to low heat setting, and keep the tool moving so that it doesn’t sit for too long in one place. If you ever smell a burning smell, you’ve got it way wrong!
Mistake 8: Using conditioner like you do shampoo
If you are massaging conditioner into your hair in the same way as you do shampoo, then you are going to get an oily scalp and a thick film of product over the strands of your hair. Conditioner should only be applied to the parts of your hair that needs it, and that is usually just the tips. That is where the broken and damaged will be, so that’s the area that needs conditioning.
Mistake 9: Not keeping hairbrushes clean
We don’t want to gross you out, but do you know much grease, bacteria and dead skin accumulates on a hairbrush if you don’t keep it clean? The experts recommend cleaning a hairbrush at least once a week. The best way to clean a hairbrush is to run a toothbrush or comb through it first, to get all the hairs out, and then wash it in it a solution of baking soda and tea tree oil, to kill any germs and get any product residue off the bristles.
Mistake 10: Styling wet hair
The only thing you should really be using on wet hair is a wide toothed comb to get the tangles out and even then you should be very, very gentle with your hair when it is wet. Wet hair is far more susceptible to breakage and damage, so avoid using hair brushes or any type of styling tool on your hair until it has dried completely.
Stay beautiful!
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Hair tips