I've been on this wild journey to get healthy, long hair. When I was a teenager, I did everything possible to wreck my hair. Looking back, it feels like I was on a mission to damage it. I dyed it & even straightened it, and curled it every single day throughout high school. I even kept up those bad habits when I went to college. But honestly, it slowed down a bit because, come on, who has time to get all dolled up every day with three essays due, tests to study for, and homework to complete?
My hair was frizzy and so damaged that I ended up chopping it to shoulder length. It was such a relief to get rid of all that damage, but I really missed my long hair. Ever since, I’ve been trying different things to improve my hair health and avoid further damage. It's been a few years now, and my hair has improved so much.
Getting healthy hair takes time and consistency. Your hair needs so much love and attention. I wish I could go back and smash the straightener and curler I used daily. They ruined my hair, and I've definitely paid the price. Over the years, I’ve figured out what really damages hair, and I'm going to share them with you so you don’t make the same mistakes.
15 Hair Care Mistakes To Avoid
1. Over-Washing Your Hair
Washing your hair every day strips it of its natural oils. These oils keep your hair moisturized and shiny. Over-washing can lead to dryness and breakage. I used to play soccer in high school and we had practice every day after school, I would end up all sweaty so I would shower and wash my hair every single day after practice.
Now a days, I hit the gym every day but instead of washing everyday I use dry shampoo or I just put my hair up on a bun. I wash my hair maybe 2-3 times a week and my hair has been looking healthier ever since. My hair has also stopped falling as much.
2. Using Too Much Heat
Blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons are major culprits of hair damage. Too much heat weakens the hair shaft, leading to breakage and split ends. Always use a heat protectant spray with ingredients like keratin to shield your hair from damage. But also, try to reduce using them if you can, let your natural hair come through. I promise you, the less you use heat, the more you start loving your hair.
3. Skipping Heat Protectant
Speaking of heat, if you’re using those hot tools without a heat protectant, you’re basically asking for trouble. Heat protectants with silicones and hydrolyzed wheat protein form a barrier that keeps your hair safe from high temperatures. Use this Kenra Platinum heat protectant, it leaves your hair so soft and smooth and it smells heavenly. It's a blow dry protectant but it will work if you are straightening or curling, it protects up to 428 degrees F.
4. Brushing Wet Hair
Wet hair is super fragile, and brushing it can cause breakage and split ends. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb and gently detangle your hair starting from the ends. I recommend this wide tooth comb from Amazon, it's so cheap. I no longer use brushes, I've noticed they pull out so much hair when I comb.
5. Towel Drying Roughly
Rubbing your hair with a towel is a big no-no. It causes friction, leading to frizz and breakage. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel or a soft cotton t-shirt.
6. Ignoring Scalp Health
Your scalp is the foundation for healthy hair. Neglecting it can lead to dandruff, itchiness, and poor hair growth. Use a scalp scrub or a shampoo with tea tree oil to keep your scalp clean and healthy. Or try hair & scalp oiling. I will talk more about this in #16.
7. Using the Wrong Hair Products
Not all hair products are created equal. Using products not suited for your hair type can lead to buildup, dryness, or greasiness. Identify your hair type and choose products accordingly. Look for shampoos and conditioners with natural oils like argan and pumpkin oil for added moisture.
If you're looking for something clean and repairing, I recommend Acuree Shampoo & Conditioner. I started using them when I first started my hair health journey and I swear by it. I didn't see no overnight results but I've just noticed how much my hair has changed since I started using them. Plus, they smell so good!
8. Skipping Regular Trims
I know it’s tempting to skip haircuts to grow your hair out, but regular trims are essential. They get rid of split ends and prevent them from traveling up the hair shaft. Aim for a trim every 8-12 weeks.
9. Using Hair Elastics with Metal Clasps
Those old-school hair ties with metal parts can snag and break your hair. Opt for seamless hair ties or scrunchies made of soft fabric to prevent damage.
10. Overdoing the Hair Products
Less is more when it comes to hair products. Using too much can weigh your hair down and cause buildup. Stick to a pea-sized amount of serum or a small dollop of mousse.
11. Not Protecting Hair While Sleeping
Sleeping on a cotton pillowcase can cause friction, leading to frizz and breakage. Switch to a silk pillowcase, or wear a silk sleep cap to keep it smooth and protected.
12. Using Hot Water
Hot water strips your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. Rinse your hair with lukewarm or cool water to seal the cuticle and lock in moisture.
13. Brushing Hair Too Often
Brushing your hair too much can cause breakage and damage. Stick to combs and only comb your hair once or twice a day.
14. Not Oiling Your Hair
Oiling your hair might seem old-fashioned, but it’s a game-changer for keeping your hair healthy and strong. Skipping this step means missing out on the nourishing, hydrating and strengthening benefits of natural oils. Regular oiling with ingredients like the ones in the Veenourish Hair Growth Oil will help repair damage, stimulate the scalp and promote hair growth.
I strongly recommend this oil because it has ingredients like castor, rosemary, peppermint, amla, argan, pumpkin and more! It's also herb infused and 100% natural. it’s like giving your hair a superfood smoothie – packed with all the good stuff it needs to grow and get healthy.
It's very easy to use, I like using it as a hair mask. I apply to my hair and scalp once a week, leave it on for 45 minutes and then I wash it off. I would say it has helped my hair grow faster and my hair has been less frizzy too.
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