8 Unhealthy Habits That Ruin Your Hair

You can easily be mindful of what you must do to keep your hair healthy – regular visits to the salon for a trim or treatment, choosing the right products, and even taking hair supplements to bolster your hair’s shine or softness. But what people often overlook are the seemingly innocuous habits that can damage your locks. Here are eight unhealthy habits that ruin your hair and how to get rid of them for good.

There is conflicting evidence (and much debate) about how often you should wash your hair. According to an article in the Journal of Skin Appendage Disorders, some consumers and doctors recommend infrequent washing to prevent surfactant-induced hair damage.

On the other hand, the same entry cites various studies that found how low wash frequency dramatically increases scalp issues like dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Symptoms like itching, redness, and flakes decreased when the subjects washed their hair more.

How often you wash your hair depends on your scalp’s predisposition to oiliness and dryness; and if you have existing scalp problems. Daily washing is crucial if you have fine hair, exercise or sweat a lot, live in a humid place, or have an oily scalp. If your scalp is greasy and your hair is dry, concentrate on your roots while washing – no need to lather up your ends, too.

The type of shampoo you use also makes a difference. Choose a gentle silicone-free formula like Dove Botanical Silicone Free Shampoo for Damaged Hair Restore. It has 100% botanical oil and pink Moroccan rose extract that restores dry and damaged hair leaving you with soft, beautiful hair.

Your brushing technique may also be among the unhealthy habits affecting your hair. Start from the middle, and don't apply too much pressure. This way, you avoid pushing all the tangles to where the hair is most fragile.

Choosing the right brush for your hair type is also crucial. Instead of grabbing the first one you see in the beauty aisle, do a quick hair check and find one based on your specific hair texture. Curly hair will benefit most from a boar bristle brush since it prevents curls from losing shape or getting frizzy.

If you have straight hair, choose a brush with a combination of boar and nylon bristles that will easily glide through your hair without irritating your scalp or pulling through the follicles. Also, equip yourself with a wide-tooth comb for wet hair to prevent breakage. For damaged hair, use Sunsilk Damage Reconstruction Shampoo to revive brittle hair, boost softness, and add shine.

For the girl on the go, ponytails are easy and comfortable enough for everyday wear. Bella Hadid, Selena Gomez, and Kendall Jenner have all worn the latest top-knot updos.

Yet, pulling your hair back too tightly is also an unhealthy habit that can lead to receding hairlines and hair damage. The good news is you don’t need to avoid ponytails completely. Instead of a tight ponytail, opt for a loose, low one, or mix it up by twisting your hair into a bun with a claw clip. Silk scrunchies or coil ponytails are also great options because they won’t tear your hair like regular elastic ties.

Speaking of fabric, the type of sheets you use play a part in keeping ahead of the mane game. Elevate your hair care by switching to silk pillowcases. Cotton, known for its absorbency, can strip the essential oils in your hair that give it its luster. Since silk is naturally smoother than other fabrics, it reduces the friction from tossing and turning while you sleep.

Silk has small amounts of sericin, a natural protein from silkworms that prevents moisture loss – thus protecting you from dryness and reducing your chances of developing fine lines. So, not only will you wake up with more lustrous locks, but your skin gets a treat, too.

Using a curling iron, straightener, hairdryer, or any styling tool that uses heat will contribute to split ends, dryness, and damage, especially if done regularly. Quit these unhealthy habits or make sure your hair is dry before styling. Spray with a good heat protectant before subjecting it to high temperatures. If you can do without them altogether, give yourself a pat on the back (and a hair flip) for being one step closer to healthy hair.

When conditioning your hair, it's crucial to avoid the roots. Conditioners can leave a thick and heavy residue on the scalp, resulting in pore blockage, ingrown hairs, damaged follicles, and excess oils. Your hair ends are the driest and most fragile, so apply conditioner to those areas.

Use a conditioner that will repair damage from the inside out. Cream Silk Treatment Mask Aloe Mint Detox repairs hair and boosts smoothness and shine. After shampooing, massage a liberal amount and leave it on for one minute.

Hair is most fragile when wet, so take utmost care when handling it right out of the shower. Towel dry your hair gently, making sure not to squeeze or roughly rub it, as this can damage your hair cuticles and increase frizz. Use a microfiber towel or wrap your hair with a cotton T-shirt to absorb excess water. Lastly, ensure that your hair is 80% dry before using a hairdryer.

Eat a high-protein breakfast with eggs and berries, two popular breakfast options that promote hair growth. Studies suggest that vitamins and minerals from the food we eat play a crucial role in hair growth and cellular turnover. Unhealthy eating will result in deficiencies in vitamin B12 and D, biotin, riboflavin, iron, and other nutrients that contribute to hair loss. Before skipping breakfast, remember that the key to healthy hair is through your tummy.

These unhealthy habits may be stealthily sabotaging your haircare routine. While kicking them is no easy feat, your hair will thank you when you finally do.