5 Ways You’re Damaging Your Hair & What To Do Instead
We all know that we can get fried hair from over bleaching & using hot tools. I think those have been pounded into our head for good. But most of the times damage is caused by small day to day things we do to our hair, not the major events of using a straightener too hot like in this video:
So if you feel like your hair is constantly feeling damaged, these are five things you can do to prevent it and also how to fix damaged hair.
1. YOU WASH YOUR HAIR EVERYDAY
Yes, washing your hair every day damages your hair. Your scalp produces natural oils that actually protect our hair. If you are washing everyday (especially with a sulfate shampoo) you are stripping away those natural oils which will dry out your hair. Dry hair is more prone to breakage.
WHAT TO DO:
- Start by washing every other day. (even if you work out, even if you feel like your hair gets greasy.)
-Use a dry shampoo to control the oily-ness at your scalp if necessary
-Dying to wash your hair on that second day? Put on a cute hat, or wear your hair up. I promise .. you got this!!!
2. YOU ARE PUTTING TOO MUCH TENSION ON YOUR HAIR
This isn’t just for those of you who wear a top knot everyday. This is also for the ones who are still using these ponytails to wear their hair up..
If we were to compare hair to a fabric, it would be lace. It’s not a durable cotton that you can tug on. If you tug on lace it could rip. Same goes for your hair. Creating too much tension on your hair with ponytails, clips or headbands becomes an even bigger issue when you have poor elasticity in your hair. Good elasticity is when you can stretch hair and it will return to its natural state. Poor elasticity is when you stretch hair and either stays stretched out or breaks.
WHAT TO DO:
– Switch out your ponytails for a satin or silk scrunchy & avoid doing tight top knots too often. Especially going to sleep. Try to opt for a low loose pony or braid. Here are also a few other ponytail options that are better than the old school ones:
3. YOU’RE STILL USING YOUR BATH TOWEL ON YOUR HAIR
This is similar to #2. Using a terrycloth towel on your hair after you wash creates friction, frizz and dries out your hair. Our hair is the most fragile when its wet, so hopping out of the shower and rubbing your wet hair with a bath towel could be causing your hair to dry out and create damage.
WHAT TO DO:
– If you must use a bath towel, be gentle. Instead of rubbing, gently squeeze out the excess water. But I highly recommend swapping out your bath towel for a microfiber hair wrap. They wont create friction on your hair and are amazing at absorbing the water from your hair.
4. YOUR HAIR IS UNDERNOURISHED
Our hair is one of the last things to receive vitamins nutrients because our hair is not a vital organ. If you are not eating a healthy balanced diet, your hair could be suffering for it. Also if you aren’t drinking enough water your hair will be dry. Our hair is 70-80% water. Can you believe that? So if your body is dehydrated your hair definitely is.
WHAT TO DO:
– Eat more fruits and veggies. This is something we already know we should be doing, but if you are concerned about the health of hair, make sure you eating a colorful plate at each meal.
– Drink more water! Add lemon, berries or cucumber if you’re not a big water drinker. Carry around a water bottle to encourage yourself to drink more throughout the day.
– Add a nutrient dense hair masque to your routine. My favorite right now is the Mr.Smith Masque.
5. YOU’RE NOT USING AN AT HOME TREATMENT
Yes, that is a thing. Its a category I maybe just made up but I talk to way to many clients and find out they are not using these products and they are struggling with damaged hair. Just washing your hair and using some conditioner is not going to cut it if you want to keep your hair healthy. It is so much easier to prevent than repair damage. IT IS SO MUCH EASIER TO PREVENT THAN REPAIR DAMAGE. That needed to be said again.
WHAT TO DO:
– Use a Deep Conditioner weekly to nourish your hair
– If you do any heat styling (blow dryer, straightener, curling iron) use a heat protectant.
– If your prone to dry hair or split ends you should be using a leave conditioner (pea size amount) EVERY DAY.
MY FAVORITE AT HOME TREATMENT FOR DAMAGE:
