Our hair goes through a lot of stress every day, which can lead to damaged, dull, and brittle hair over time. Some of the bad hair habits that we all know, such as excessive heating, overwashing, and color damage, can contribute to these problems. However, you may be surprised to learn that you could be damaging your hair without even realizing it. In this article, we'll go over some of those underlying habits you might not be aware of, and suggest some hair ingredients you might want to avoid, so you can have healthier hair.
Wearing Tight Hairstyles
In a 2016 study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, researchers found a strong association between scalp-pulling hairstyles, such as tight ponytails, braids, knots, and buns, and the development of traction alopecia, or gradual hair loss. To combat this, try wearing your hair down whenever possible, and if you insist on tying your hair back, keep it loose to avoid causing breakage and strain on your hair fibers.
Brushing Your Hair When Wet
Your hair is at its most fragile state when it's wet and is susceptible to damage. It is best to try to comb your hair before washing to reduce the tangling. Also, allow your hair to dry at least halfway before brushing. If you have textured hair or tight curls, always comb your hair while it is damp, using a wide-tooth comb for better results.
Towel Drying
Regular towels are usually made with rough, coarse fabric, which leads to more friction when rubbing against the hair. You'll end up creating frizz, pulling on fragile strands, and causing damage and breakage. Instead, opt for a microfiber towel, which glides easily over hair, reducing strain.
Sleeping on a Cotton Pillowcase
When sleeping on a cotton pillow, this can lead to tangled hair when we toss and turn at night and contribute to all that breakage we want to avoid. The smaller fibers, let's say on a silk pillowcase, prevent your hair from excessive pulling as you toss and turn, which leads to smoother hair in the morning. So if you can opt for a silky pillowcase instead, you just might thank me later.
Taking Excessively Hot Showers
The heat can strip away your hair's natural oil, and without it, the hair becomes dry and brittle and more prone to breakage and falling out. For best results, shower with lukewarm water for no more than 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times a week. And for a final rinse, use cold water to help lock in extra moisture.
Hair Sunburn
It turns out you can get sunburn on your scalp. The UV rays target the hair protein and increase free radical damage, making the hair weak and prone to hair loss. UVA and UVB rays can damage the hair cuticle, resulting in hair discoloration, split ends, hair thinning, dryness, and frizziness. Just as you need to protect your skin from the sun, you need to do the same with your scalp as well. Try using a broad-spectrum, sun protector that's residue-free on days when you'll be outside for a while.
Swimming in Chlorine and/or Salt Water
This doesn't mean avoiding swimming in pools or your favorite beach. It's more about knowing what to do with your hair to make sure it isn't damaged. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests immediately rinsing the ocean or pool water from your hair before applying a deep conditioning cream or oil, which will help form a protective barrier around the hair shaft and lock in moisture.
Conditioning your roots. You want to avoid conditioning your roots as this can lead to an oily scalp and weigh down your hair, making it look greasy and flat. Instead, focus on applying conditioner to the ends of your hair, where it needs the most hydration.
Using hot styling tools without heat protection. This is one of the most common causes of hair damage. Heat styling tools like straighteners, curling irons and hairdryers can cause breakage, split ends and even burn your hair. To avoid this, always use a heat protectant spray or serum before using any hot styling tool.
Using the wrong hair products. Using the wrong hair products can also damage your hair. Some ingredients, like sulfates and parabens, can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. Look for products that are free of harsh chemicals and are designed for your specific hair type.
In conclusion, taking care of your hair is important to keep it healthy and looking great. By avoiding these common bad hair habits and using the right products, you can maintain beautiful, healthy hair. Remember to always be gentle with your hair, and take steps to protect it from damage.
0 Post a Comment:
Post a Comment