In today’s world, it has become extremely necessary for all of us to take extra care of our hair, especially because of the increase in environmental pollution. We face a lot of issues and problems such as frizzy hair, split ends, oily hair, hair fall problems, etc. Moreover, there are certain mistakes that we unknowingly end up making while taking care of our hair. This ultimately damages our hair, making them look dull and ugly.
Given below are some common hair care mistakes that we make unknowingly:
1. Washing hair every day:
This is a habit followed by many of us who wash hair almost every day. However, the experts recommend that hair should be washed only two or three days in a week. This is because washing hair daily strips them off their protective and natural oil, which makes them look healthy as well as shiny. Especially the people with colored hair should totally avoid over – washing their hair as it may make the hair color look dull.
However, those people who workout daily can wash their hair frequently since the sweat on the scalp can feel a bit annoying. But they should try to rinse their hair simply with water, scrub their scalp and condition only the ends of their hair. Moreover, individuals who have an oily scalp can look out for hydrating shampoos and conditioners. Individuals can also try using dry shampoos in order to increase the time period between hair washes.
2. Using too many conditioners:
Some individuals also have the habit of overusing hair conditioners. Conditioners should actually be used for applying on the ends of the hair in order to avoid greasy strands. Experts recommend that the amount of conditioner taken to apply on the hair should exactly be like the size of a small dime. Individuals should never exceed using more than a quarter size of the conditioner.
3. Using the wrong shampoos:
Many shampoos consist of a particular chemical called sulfate in them, which dries out the scalp, the hair and even dulls out the hair color. It is therefore recommended that individuals should use a sulfate – free shampoo in order to prevent split ends, frizzy hair and unnecessary tangling of the hair. Sulfate-free shampoos clean hair gently without damaging them.
4. The use of deep conditioners:
Generally the experts recommend using deep conditioners for healthier hair. Deep conditioners should be especially used by those individuals who have dry or damaged hair and split ends as well. It is also recommended to use a deep conditioner immediately after getting any chemical treatment on the hair such as heat styling, hair coloring, etc. This would help in preventing hair breakage and also secure and protect the hair cuticles from further damage. Deep conditioners are also suitable for people with thin hair.
Also read: 5 Two Ingredient DIY Hair Masks For Different Hair Concerns
5. Using the same shampoo or conditioner:
Using the same shampoo and conditioner for a longer duration leaves behind residues on the hair as well as the scalp. Experts recommend that individuals should not remain committed to a particular shampoo or conditioner for a long period of time. They should switch to new shampoos or conditioners, depending on the condition of their hair. They can replace their regular conditioners with deep conditioners or moisturizers.
6. Brushing wet hair:
Generally, wet hair is much weaker than dry hair. One of the biggest mistakes that individuals commit is brushing their hair while it is still wet, leading to the entanglement of hair. Experts recommend that individuals can brush their hair before taking a shower in order to prevent tangling of hair later on. Hair can also be brushed while taking a shower when the individuals apply conditioner on their hair. They can use a wide – tooth comb to brush their hair while applying a conditioner. Tangled hair should be brushed from the bottom and later worked up to the roots. It is recommended by experts to use a brush for dry hair and a wide – tooth comb for wet hair.
7. Rough towel drying:
Most individuals have the habit of vigorously rubbing their hair with towel. Experts usually recommend that individuals should pat-dry them gently with a towel instead. Pat drying hair will help in reducing the risk of frizzy hair or rough cuticles. Sometimes it is also recommended to use a paper towel instead of a regular towel for drying out the hair. This is the most practical and gentle method for drying out the hair.
8. Using hot hair styling tools:
Although most of the hair styling tools such as hair straighteners and hair curling irons are available with adjustable settings for adjusting their temperature, but still they do have a negative impact on the hair. People who use them frequently are advised not to put up their settings at the highest, hottest level as it may lead to permanent hair damage. Coarser hair generally needs a higher temperature than fine hair. Moreover, individuals are also recommended to use heat protect whenever possible. It is also advised never to use hot tools on wet hair as it may burn the hair and lead to permanent damage.
9. Not using heat protectors prior to using styling tools:
It is strongly recommended to use a heat protector on the hair beforehand in order to prevent hair damage and frizzy or dry hair. It also helps in sealing the original shine of the hair and maintaining is healthy growth.
10. Using too many hair styling products:
Most individuals tend to use a lot of hair styling products which may damage their hair permanently. Experts usually recommend using hair protectants, anti-frizz creams, hair or texture sprays, etc. for caring about hair properly. Avoid using gels, styling hair sprays or too many chemical filled products on your hair.
11. Avoiding haircuts:
People are usually advised to get a haircut done every three months, either longer or shorter. Women having long hair generally face the problem of split ends. So, it is recommended to get a haircut done whenever they notice brittle or split ends. Not cutting hair for a long time will lead to more split ends, which will lead them to cut more lengths of hair later on. Few experts also recommend another technique known as dusting which includes lightly cleaning up the ends of the hair up to just a millimetre long.
12. Overdoing chemical treatments:
Nowadays the trend of getting hair straightening or smoothening is getting more and more popular among people. But these treatments require the use of a lot of chemicals which are considered to be harmful for the hair in the long run. A few experts recommend to use heat protection, ironing or conditioning treatments instead of choosing hair straightening or smoothening. However, even if people want to go for such chemical treatments, then they must keep an interval of at least a few months for getting their next hair treatment done.
So, these are some of the common hair care mistakes committed by almost every individual which may lead to hair damage. One should be very careful when it comes to taking care of the hair if they want their hair to look at its best all the time. If in doubt, they may also consult a certain hair care expert or stylist for various hair care tips.
Given below are certain tips and techniques for taking care of the hair properly:
1. Oiling the hair:
Make it a habit of oiling you hair before washing them in order to get the best results. You can use any type of oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, etc. and massage it on their hair as well as scalp at least one hour before taking a shower.
Also Read: 10 Best Oils For Hair Growth And Thickness
2. Using cool and lukewarm water:
Hot water should never be used to wash hair as it tends to damage the hair a lot by dehydrating it and causing split ends. You should always wash your hair either with cool water or lukewarm water in order to retain the moisture of the hair as well as protect the hair cuticles.
3. Using shampoo in the correct manner:
Most individuals have the habit of pumping up the shampoo and applying it directly to their hair. Instead, it is recommended by experts to dilute the shampoo in a mug of water and then apply it on the hair to get better results.
4. Massaging the hair properly:
You should not rub your head too harshly while shampooing your hair. You should massage your scalp as well as hair in a gentle manner with small and circular motions while shampooing to prevent tangling and hair damage.
5. Application of conditioner:
You should apply conditions only from the mid-length of the hair till the ends. Moreover, the conditioner should not be left applied on the hair for more than two minutes.
6. Using microfiber towels or paper towels:
Most regular towels or terry cloth towels tend to be rough on wet hair and cause it to become more entangled, dry or frizzy in nature. You can start using paper towels or microfiber towels instead of these regular towels for gently drying off your hair.
7. Avoid blow drying the hair:
The heat coming from the blow dryers tend to cause a lot of damage to the hair. So, experts usually recommend to simply apply a leave-in conditioner on the hair and let it air – dry. However, if there is still a need for blow drying, then it should be done only on partially dried up hair in order to reduce the damage caused by heat on the hair.
8. Avoid the use of heat styling tools:
It is best recommended not to use heat styling tools on the hair of the individuals. Even if heat styling needs to be done, it should be done only once or twice a week. Application of too much heat on the hair can cause a lot of split ends and ultimately damage the hair.
9. Protection of hair from the sun and pollution:
It is usually recommended to cover the hair while you are outside, especially during the summer season. You can wear a hat or a scarf in order to protect your hair from intensive sun damage. Moreover, many hair sunscreens are also available on the market for the use which protects the hair from harmful ultraviolet rays. It is also recommended not to step out in the sun if the hair is wet or oily.
10. Styling the hair properly:
Leaving the hair open for a long period of time while going outside can make it more prone to becoming dry and get damaged. People should also deeply condition their hair at least once a week in order to cleanse the scalp as well as the hair in a proper manner. This also helps in restoring the moisture of dry and dull hair.
Moreover, it is also recommended to use soft hair elastic bands for tying up the hair. Women should avoid using of bands with metal clasps and rubber bands for tying their hair as they may cause breakage of hair. Moreover, the hair also should not be tied up too tightly in buns, braids or ponytails as it may damage the hair follicles and also cause hair fall. Tying up the hair too tightly may also lead to frequent headaches.
11. Taking care of hair during night time:
It is recommended to tie up the hair loosely with a soft hair elastic band or bandana. Tying up the hair tightly will lead to more hair breakage while sleeping at night. Women should use either a silk or satin pillowcase for sleeping during the night time. They can also wrap a silk scarf around their head while sleeping. Cotton pillowcases should generally be avoided as they tend to cause frizzy hair ultimately leading to hair breakage. It is also recommended to rub a little bit of oil on the ends of the hair in order to moisturize it well before going to bed.
12. Natural treatments for nourishing the hair:
It is advised that the individuals should choose the correct shampoo, conditioner as well as styling products on their hair in order to prevent it from further breakage or damage. Olive oil is one of the best natural remedies for damaged hair. Individuals can warm up a little bit of olive oil and massage it on their scalp for better results. They can also make a mask using apple cider vinegar along with olive oil and egg whites and then apply it on their hair for more effective results. Yogurt is also another natural remedy for nourishing the hair naturally.
Also read: Review | St. Botanica Coconut & Bamboo Hydrating Shampoo – Best Hydrating Shampoo For Dry Hair
So, these were some of the best tips and techniques for taking care of hair properly. With a little bit of effort and following a few simple rules, you can take care of your hair and make it appear healthy and beautiful.