How to look after your hair…7 mistakes to avoid
Keeping your hair healthy is as easy as riding a bike – once you’ve mastered the skill. While many people think they know how to look after their hair, the truth is, everyday habits have the potential to wreck their treasured tresses.
But there are things you can do to prevent your locks showing signs of damage and neglect. From split ends to that annoying wispy frizz. Here are 7 common mistakes you probably don’t realise you’re making. We share how to avoid these mistakes and look after your hair to keep it salon sassy.
1. Using the wrong products
One of the main things to consider when it comes to healthy hair are the products you are using. Everyone’s hair is different, which means not all brands and products have the same effect. While one shampoo may work wonders for your friend’s long thick hair, it may not be suitable for finer, shorter hair.
However, there are ways to tell if your products are to blame for damaging your locks. If you’ve been using the same shampoo, conditioner, or hair mask for a long time and are noticing these seven signs, it may be time to change your hair products:
- Hair breakage
- Dry hair
- Stiff hair
- White residue on your scalp
- Your colour is fading
- Your hair feels out of control
2. Washing your hair too often
Want to learn how to take care of your hair naturally? One of the best things you can do is stop washing it as often.
The amount you wash your hair depends on your hair type, but research has shown that the overuse of shampoo can damage your hair. Shampoo is designed to remove excess oil and clean your scalp, but using too much of it will strip essential oils and leave your hair and scalp dry.
Below are the recommended washing guidelines for different hair types:
- Dry, thick and curly: Weekly or even every other week. This will help keep your hair moisturised and preserve the natural oils. To keep it looking fresh between washes, you can rinse with water.
- Fine and prone to being oily: Shampoo every two to three days and only use conditioner once or twice a week.
3. Poor towel drying technique
After getting out of the shower, chances are the first thing you do is grab a towel to roughly dry your hair. However, this can cause significant pulling and stretching. Hair is far more delicate when it is wet.
While the best option is to let your hair dry naturally, for those who don’t like the feeling of wet hair, the next-best solution is to loosely twist it into a hair towel.
4. Not applying a heat shield before using hot tools
Heat shields (or heat protectant sprays) add a protective layer to your hair to keep it safe from heated straighteners, curlers, and other styling tools. They work by smoothing the outer layer of your hair and sealing in its moisture. You can use heat shields to care for dry hair or damp hair, combing through after the application to ensure it has spread through each strand entirely.
By avoiding heat protectors, you are much more likely to strip both natural and artificial colour pigments from your hair, to break down the keratin protein, and to experience excess frizz.
5. Using the wrong brush for your hair type
There are many different hairbrushes available. Some are made for specific hair types and textures.
Choosing the right brush is important for hair care. Bristle brushes are perfect for maintaining thick, curly and straight hair. Whereas paddle brushes suit straight hair of all lengths. It’s worth doing your research to find the best one for you.
And if you’re ever unsure, you can always ask your hairdresser for advice the next time you visit the salon.
6. Tying your hair up when it’s wet
Pulling hair into a bun or ponytail when it’s wet massively increases the chances of breakage. That’s because wet hair is very elastic and heavier when it is wet, and therefore more delicate.
Using thin bobbles to tie hair back can also cause hair to break and lead to dry, flyaway strands.
When wet hair is tied back it takes longer to dry. This can cause flare-ups of eczema and other skin irritations, if you are susceptible.
7. Being too aggressive when detangling hair (wet or dry)
Aggressive brushing will cause hair to break easily – especially when it is wet. It is best to brush and detangle hair when it’s dry before jumping in the shower, especially if there’s product in it.
When detangling your hair, never start from the top. While it may feel natural to do so, you’re actually forcing your hair through the bristles of the brush which can cause damage and flyaway hair. Instead, start from the bottom and gently remove knots. You can also use your fingers to delicately loosen strands, spraying in detangler if it helps.
Could you benefit from hair supplements?
The secret to healthy hair is knowing how to look after your hair on the outside and the inside. The right vitamin supplements can help you to achieve luscious locks.
Is your hair lacklustre and in need of a boost? Our Beautiful hair supplement contains biotin, silica and vitamins B6, B12 and thiamine. These nutrients can replenish your locks and bring back your natural shine.
If your hair is brittle or you suffer from hair loss, dandruff or minor dermatitis our Biotin supplement can help. Biotin (or vitamin B7) stimulates the production of keratin which strengthens hair and can increase follicle growth. Vitamin B7 also helps with the formation of fatty acids which nourish the skin and keep it healthy.
By working from the inside out and adding supplements alongside a good hair care routine, you’ll help to support and maintain the growth, strength and sheen of your locks.
Visit our store to learn more about our hair supplements, and start your journey towards a healthier, more confident you.