Probably there isn’t a woman in this world who doesn’t want to have healthy, gorgeous and shiny looking hair. It is probably safe to say that hair plays a vital role in our overall appearance and attractiveness. Because of this, many women spend substantial sums of many buying a great deal of hair care cosmetic products whereas they are overlooking the basic principles that need to be taken into consideration if they want to keep their hair healthy. vIf you are reading this, you probably got to the point that expensive shampoos, balms, and masks are simply not enough, am I right?!
The last time I was sitting in my hairstylist chair we had a really nice and thorough conversation about many of the popular, and less known hair care mistakes that most of us are making. I must say, I felt a bit guilty from the moment I left the hair salon because I was aware that I commit many of them from time to time. Since that day, I try to avoid making these hair mistakes and my hair seems to feel grateful for that. If you are not sure if you make them too, keep on reading because I am about to explain to you the most (and less) common mistakes you may be making.
Hair Care Mistake № 1. Using Too Hot Water
Many people are washing their hair with hot water and this is a very serious mistake. Hot water activates the oil-producing glands and strips the hair of color. It is for the best to wash it with warm or tepid water, in order to remove the dirt, dilute the oil glands’ secretions and improve blood circulation. Ideally, you should end up the procedure by using a cold shower. Such a finish will definitely stimulate the circulation at the roots of your hair, making it look shiny and smooth.
Hair Care Mistake № 2. Intense Towel Drying
Tying a towel around your head after a shower is another hair care mistake most of women (and men with long hair) are making – it could damage your hair follicles. Also, rubbing your hair too much might roughen up the cuticle, leading to frizz, dull hair, and breakage. Instead of making this mistake, you should blot the hair gently from the roots to the ends, using a towel. Another option is to wrap your head in a cotton T-shirt instead of a towel. 
Hair Care Mistake № 3. Using a Hairdryer Incorrectly
The improper use of hairdryer can seriously damage your hair. Here is a step-by-step guide to using your dryer properly and avoid mistakes. In the first instance, soak up the excess water off your hair with a towel. After that, by using a flat nozzle attachment on your hairdryer which you should position at a sharp angle to the hair strands, begin to dry your hair from roots to ends. This technique will close the cuticles. While the hair is still very wet, you can switch the dryer to maximum temperature and then gradually start decreasing the temperature to avoid over drying, thus damaging your hair. I would advise giving preference to dryer model with multiple temperature settings when buying a new one. End the process of drying by treating your hair to a few blows of cold air.
Hair Care Mistake № 4. Aggressive and Frequent Combing
If you comb your hair too much it can lead to overstretching and breakage. It is also important to know that your hair is weakest when it is wet and this means that you should never comb it immediately after showering. First, wait for the hair strands to dry up a bit. Second, gently separate them with your fingers. Start combing your hair from the roots and move toward the ends, using a comb with wide teeth. Also, to prevent snarls after showering, brush your hair before you hop in. If you prefer combing while showering, apply conditioner or hair mask first, untangle the hair strands with your fingers, and then brush it with a wide-toothed comb. 
Hair Care Mistake № 5. Daily Washing And Using The Wrong Shampoo
Maybe you have a very oily scalp, but you should probably know that most heads of hair don’t like daily washing and tons of cosmetic products. Excessive washing strips the scalp of its healthy natural oils, which leads to dry and lifeless hair. No matter what, you can keep showering on a daily basis, but try to rinse your hair with water only or maybe apply some light conditioner or natural hair mask every other day. Also, it is very important to pick a shampoo that is compatible with the pH balance of your scalp and hair. If you have colored hair you should definitely use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos that protect your hair color from fading. If you have a dry scalp and your hair needs hydration, use nourishing or 100% natural shampoos. Shampoos based on coconut, aloe vera or awapuhi are very effective if your hair needs moisture. If these products make your roots too oily, you should probably switch to a cleansing shampoo that usually contains sulfates, as well as some hydrating conditioner through the ends. When it comes to the recommended frequency of washing your hair, that depends on various factors, like the quality of water you are using or your hair type. If you have an oily hair, you should wash it every 1-2 days. The quantity of shampoo you should use depends on your hair length. However, remember that less is more and you should determine your norm with practice.
Hair Care Mistake № 6. Skipping Haircuts
This is my worst hair care mistake according to my hairstylist – skipping trims. I am sorry ladies, but I must tell you that once your hair splits at the ends, there are no hair products on the market that will mend it. If you want to avoid them you should stop over-washing your hair, ditch the damaging heat devices, stop with the outrageous towel drying and go get a regular trim. Regular trims are very important if you want to keep your hair healthy and luscious, even if you try to grow out your hair. As a matter of fact, regular trims will help to keep your hair in shape which will encourage you to cut it on a regular basis. Visit your hairdresser at least every 2 months. As a temporary solution to smooth out visibly broken ends, you can try using a serum with argan oil or product that contains beeswax. 
Hair Care Mistake № 7. Sleeping On A Cotton Pillowcase
This may sound a bit trifling tip to you, but you should definitely take it into consideration if your aim is to grow lush hair. If you lay and sleep on cotton pillowcases you should probably consider changing them with silk ones. Silk is way smoother than cotton and it will prevent your hair from getting tangled while you sleep. In the long run, this will probably mean less friction and reduction in hair loss.
Hair Care Mistake № 8. Not Taking Enough Vitamins
For every living creature, food is a natural source of vitamins and nutrients. But often times we’re not getting enough from our daily meal plan. This means that if your aim is to have healthy and shiny hair, you will have to increase your vitamin intake through special pills or hair supplements. If social media are any pointer to you, the secret to long and lush hair does not lie in some miracle cosmetic product anymore. According to Kylie Jenner and other celebrities, using Sugar Bear Hair vitamins is the best way to solve your hair issues. To learn more about the ingredients and their effects, read the Sugar Bear Hair review. Over and above, unhealthy eating schedule and poorly balanced meals make it impossible for your organism to recompense its supplies of vitamins and minerals. You can forget about having beautiful hair if there isn’t enough protein, biotin, zinc, iron, calcium, folic acid, and vitamins such as A, B-6, B-12, C, D, E etc in your metabolism. To choose the best vitamin plan that will suit your personal needs, I would advise to consult a doctor first.
Hair Care Mistake № 9. Skipping Heat Protection
You probably know by now that heat is one of the most damaging elements to your hair. During the hot sunny days wearing a hat is a must in order to offer good protection for your hair from the harmful rays. When you are buying a hat, make sure that it isn’t sitting too tightly on your head and that it’s comfortable to wear. Despite the Sun, using heat styling devices is another common hair sin. Styling irons, hairdryers and suchlike cause your hair to lose fluid and make it brittle and dry. If you can’t do without frequent blow-drying, curling, or flattening, don’t forget to apply a heat-protective spray first along the whole length of the hair to shield strands and smooth cuticles. These sprays get a 100-percent “yes” from the hairstylists. Using heat protectors will proactively protect your hair from damage, ensure shine, calm frizz and prevent dryness. Also, make sure you NEVER use hairspray before curling or straightening, only after. The alcohol in it burns in contact with heat. 
Hair Care Mistake № 10. Incorrect Conditioning
Everybody has heard that it is advisable to condition only the ends of your hair to prevent tangled hair strands and breakage from brushing. However, people with fine hair should condition their hair from roots to ends, because their hair is way more delicate and prone to breakage. Another common mistake is over conditioning. You should use just enough to untangle any snags and avoid serious slathering. Treat yourself with a once-a-week deep treatment or hair mask. Also, it is advisable from time to time to use a clarifying shampoo to prevent residual build-up and always, be sure to rinse your hair well, till the water runs clear.
Which of these hair care mistakes do you make? Or there is other hair-related sin you commit? Do tell! I promise I won’t tell anybody!
Author Bio:
Viktor is a big enthusiast, great chef, blogger, sports fan (and a beer lover). He loves to travel the world, to tell good jokes and to cook some delicious meals. He is a creative journalist who can write nearly on every possible subject there is, including women’s fashion and beauty routines. Visiting amazing architecture cities, sunbathing on tropical beaches and taking long walks in the beauty of mother nature, always have the power to recharge his batteries.
