You should already be aware of some substances that are bad for your hair. We’re talking about things like overdoing the highlights, skipping routine trims, and using hot tools without a heat protectant, to name a few. However, did you know that there are a few more, much more covert, and less evident offenders that could also be causing damage to your hair? Here, stylists discuss five of these covertly harmful behaviors and offer suggestions for alternatives.
If you are someone who enjoys taking showers or washing their hair at night, it may be tempting to go to bed when your hair is still damp, but you should fight the impulse to do so. “Sleeping with wet hair can cause the cuticle, which is the outermost layer of the hair, to lift up, which can lead to split ends and breakage,” explains Katelyn Ellsworth, a natural color and extension specialist and the creator of The Roslyn in San Diego. Ellsworth runs The Roslyn. When you combine this with the fact that the friction that is produced when your hair rubs against your pillowcase during the night can cause frizz and tangles, you have a formula for a true disaster. (Ellsworth makes the observation that although this can occur with all types of hair, people with fine hair are even more prone to it.) ‘Kee’ Taylor, a stylist at Deeper Than Hair, recommends that you blow-dry your hair until it is just barely damp. This is the bare minimum that you should have done. She goes on to say that you should then style it in a low, loose braid so that it does not drag across your pillow while you are sleeping.
When we talk about wet hair, another major hazard is making the mistake of brushing your hair just after you get out of the shower. “When your hair is damp, it is at its most fragile and fragile. Because brushing or being rough with your hair while it is damp can cause breakage, split ends, and damage, stylist Andrew Fitzsimons, who is also the inventor of the eponymous haircare product, warns against doing so. That being said, it is essential to brush it out while it is still damp, particularly for curly textures; the method is the most crucial aspect of this process. In the beginning, he suggests using a microfiber towel to gently squeeze out excess water. This type of fabric is more gentle and less abrasive on the hair than regular terry cloth. According to Fitzimons, if you have curly hair, utilizing a Denman brush will help you gently detangle your hair while still contributing to the definition of your curls. If this is not the case, use a comb with wide teeth to gently comb through the hair once it is almost completely dry.
Neglecting to clean your hair tools
When it comes to cleaning makeup brushes, everyone emphasizes the significance of doing so, but what about cleaning your hair brushes (and other tools)? Fitzsimons warns that if you do not clean the brush, all of the dead skin cells, oils, and product residue that accumulate on the brush as you use it will just end up back in your hair. According to him, it is not necessary to clean it every day; even once a week, with the use of warm water and a light shampoo, is acceptable and sufficient.
In addition, just so you know, your straighteners and curling irons need to be cleaned as well. According to Taylor, the product residue that builds up on these tools can result in the accumulation of oil and germs, and it can even cause the metal to begin to deteriorate over the course of time. Aim to clean these on a monthly basis, using an alcohol wipe to clean the surfaces. Of course, this should be done after the tool has been turned off and allowed to cool down.
Neglecting Sun Protection
It’s true that shielding your hair from the sun is just as crucial as protecting your skin. Primarily, exposure to the sun can alter one’s skin tone, causing unpleasant yellow undertones in blondes and brunettes, according to Ellsworth. In addition, Taylor points out that UV radiation can harm hair cells, which may hasten the thinning and destruction of hair. Fortunately, there’s an easy fix: SPF-containing hair product or wear a hat whenever you’re in the sun, advises Ellsworth.
Putting too much pressure on your ponytail
We are just as much in love with the appearance of a sleek, snatched ponytail as anybody else is, but if keeping your hair in a tight ponytail is your go-to look every single day, you might want to rethink your approach. In spite of the fact that ponytails are simple and handy, pulling your hair back too tightly places an excessive amount of tension on the scalp, which can result in hair loss around the hairline and temples, as explained by Fitzsimons. He also mentions that individuals with fine or thin hair are particularly susceptible to experiencing hair loss. However, he advises that you do not have to fully abstain from wearing your hair in a ponytail. Just make sure that the designs that are easier on your hair, such as a low bun or a loose braid, are also a regular part of your rotation of hairstyles.
