Every woman wants voluminous, healthy-looking hair. But bad habits — like neglecting to trim unsightly split ends — are sabotaging your ultimate hair goals. If you’re guilty of mistreating your tresses, the video below will help you make healthier choices.
You can take comfort knowing that from every hair mishap, you can learn how to properly care for your strands. Embrace your regrets, and commiserate with friends who've had similar experiences. Laughter may not fix your spur-of-the-moment hair decisions, but it will help mitigate your anxiety.
Not trimming split ends
Getting regular trims will not result in faster hair growth, but it will help prevent dreaded split ends that stifle your long-term goals. If you’ve been having consecutive bad hair days, you may need a dusting. Simply grab a pair of hair shears and snip away any fuzzy, straw-like or split ends. Get the tutorial here to learn the proper technique.
Conditioner on your scalp
If you suffer from dry hair, you may think slathering conditioner onto your scalp will help remedy the issue. In truth, this method will only result in limp, oily strands. Experts say you should use conditioner only on the ends of your hair, where moisture is needed the most.
Not using heat protectant
Would you retrieve a hot pan from your oven with your bare hands? That sounds pretty careless, right? You need to show your strands the same level of protection. Ideally, you should be using a heat protectant spray each time you use a hot tool on your hair. Watch the tutorial here to find out how you can minimize damage while using a curling iron.
Not moisturizing your hair
If your hair feels dry to the touch or snaps when you brush it, then you’re in need of a hydrating moisturizer. The same goes for hair that's been chemically or color-treated. Remember, your ends are the oldest parts of your hair, so they require more care.
Not using a sulfate-free shampoo
Using a sulfate shampoo can strip your hair of its natural oils. This may lead to brittle ends that are more prone to splitting. If you naturally have dry, frizzy hair, a sulfate-free shampoo will yield more moisture. Hair that retains moisture for a longer period of time tends to look shinier and more luscious.
Using a flat iron on wet hair
Flat ironing your hair is damaging enough, but doing so on wet hair will only magnify the effects. If you’ve ever flat ironed damp strands, that sizzling sound was basically your hair boiling from the inside out. Next time you’re looking to straighten your hair, make sure your strands are completely dry.
Using the wrong brush size
The barrel size and brush style has an effect on your hair, especially when it comes to blow drying the hair. Larger brushes help straighten hair. Use a smaller barrel for more curls.
Always using the highest heat setting on your hair
Many people think if the hair dryer or curling iron isn't on the max setting, it's not working properly. Not only do you want to use always use heat protectant, but also remember that the highest heat setting isn't always required. Learn to use a medium setting. Your hair will thank you for it!
Work your hair in sections
It's easy to forget to section your hair when you attempt to style it. Doing it all at once and having too much hair on a curling iron or brush can leave the hair frizzy. Take the extra time to divide your hair into 2 or 3 sections. The more hair you have, the more sections you'll want to use. This tiny bit of time investment will pay itself back when you finish!
Not cutting your hair regularly
We get so busy in our day-to-day lives that it's easy to forget going to the hair salon for a hair cut! For healthy hair, whether or not you have long or short hair, you'll want to go in for a hair cut every 6 to 8 weeks. Routine hair maintenance can keep damage at bay and reduce split ends.
Detangling your hair using a fine comb
Using incorrect tools may lead your hair to break or cause split ends. Be sure to use a wide-tooth comb when it comes to detangling your hair, particularly curls. Always begin at your hair tips and work your way up to the roots.
Washing your hair every day
Overwashing your hair can strip your hair from its natural protective oils. In general, you want to wash your hair as often as you need. If you tend to sweat and work out a lot, this may be a bit more often. However, as a general rule of thumb, once every two or three days is recommended by stylists.
Overbrushing hair when it's wet
When it comes to wet hair, overcombing can definitely lead to more breakage. Try not to comb or detangle right after showering. Instead, while you still have conditioner in your hair, detangle your hair then.
Applying products to your roots
Most hair products on the market are intended to be applied from midshaft to end. Adding products like dry shampoo, serums and oils directly to your roots will increase buildup – which may cause dandruff and even hair loss. Too much product on your scalp will also weigh down your hair.