After years of working as a beauty writer, you'd think I know everything there is to know about hair by now. But it turns out I've still been doing a ton of damage to my locks and not even realizing it. Here I am thinking I'm been doing everything right. I no longer towel dry my curls, use sulfate-free products only and comb my wet hair with a wide-tooth comb instead of a flat brush. So what other bad hair habits do I still need to break? Oh, there are many, wait until you read all the common hair mistakes you need to stop making!
Read more ¿Qué más?: 5 Huge mistakes Latinas with oily skin make
Want gorgeous, healthy hair? Then it's time you kick some of these bad beauty busters to the curb–and ASAP! I did some research to find out which common hair mistakes are doing the most damage to your strands. Check them out and be done with them for good!
Image via Corbis Images
You wash your hair every day
This is probably one of the most common mistakes thus far. It doesn't matter how fine or oily your hair is, you should never wash your hair every day. I repeat, NEVER wash your hair every day! You might not realize it, but this strips your hair from essentials oils it needs to stay strong and hydrated. Freshen up your locks in between washes with a dry shampoo, like Alterna Cleanse Extend Translucent Dry Shampoo ($22).
You wash your hair with sulfate-filled shampoos
If you're still using regular shampoo, then you have a very big problem. These formulas are filled with sulfates and other detergents that don't just strip hair of its natural oils, but lead to drying and breakage. Switch to a sulfate-free cleanser, like WEN Lavender Cleansing Conditioner ($32).
You skip out on deep treatments
Doesn't matter your hair type or texture, every woman's strands could use a little extra TLC. Want healthy hair? Doing a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week is a must! Try Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask ($55).
You don't use heat-protective products
Heat protective products are designed not just to enhance styling but to protect your strands from possible heat-damage. So make sure you actually use them! I love Drybar Hot Teddy Heat Protector Frizz Fighter ($33).
You apply heat styling tools to wet hair
Okay, take it from someone who's been fighting severe heat damage for the past year from using a curling iron on semi-damp hair. Using hot tools on wet hair is like frying your stands. Not only could you potentially ruin your natural texture, but you're also risking having your hair fall out. I know you saw that YouTube video with the girl who burned off her hair with a curling wand. Her hair was NOT dry!
You ignore your scalp
Don't expect healthy hair if you don't have a healthy scalp. A good scalp treatment helps enhance blood flow to the follicles as well as stimulate hair growth. Try PHYTO Phytoplleine Botanical Scalp Treatment ($38).
You towel dry your hair
Towel drying can be rough on your hair and the friction can eventually lead to breakage. Use a T-shirt of a microfiber towel, like DevaCurl DevaTowel ($12).
You over-relax your hair
I always say, anything that changes your hair's natural texture is damaging whether it's a relaxer or a Brazilian Keratin treatment. But if you're going to take this route, looking for a straightening treatment with less harsh chemicals like OGX Brazilian Keratin Therapy 30-Day Smoothing Treatment ($15).
You use the wrong brush
There's a reason why there are so many different brush options out there because there all intended for different functions and purposes. A paddle brush is great for brushing out dry straight, blown-out or in some cases, wavy hair. Wide-tooth combs are meant for detangling damp strands (especially curly ones) and round, boar bristle brushes are perfect for blow-outs, as they provide amazing smoothness. My favorite? Drybar Full Pint Medium Round Brush ($40).
You wait too long to get a trim
Long hair is pretty but split ends are NOT. How often you need to get your ends trimmed really depends on the health of your hair, but I recommend seeing your stylist every six to eight weeks. Use a conditioning treatment, like TRESsemme Split Remedy ($5) in between.
