Everyday Habits That Are Secretly Damaging Your Hair (And How To Fix Them) 

We all want luscious, healthy locks, but some of our everyday habits might be causing more harm than good. Don’t worry — once you know what to avoid (and how to fix it), you’ll be on your way to better hair days. Here’s a closer look at some sneaky culprits that are damaging your hair and practical tips to keep your hair strong, shiny, and happy.

Neglecting Scalp Care

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Neglecting your scalp — whether it’s through insufficient cleansing or not addressing issues like dryness and dandruff — can affect the quality of your hair.

The Fix:

• Treat your scalp like your skin. Use gentle exfoliating scrubs to remove buildup and promote circulation.
• Choose shampoos with nourishing ingredients like tea tree oil, aloe vera, or hyaluronic acid to keep your scalp balanced and healthy.
• If you’re noticing significant hair thinning or loss, consider products like minoxidil, a topical hair growth treatment that works by stimulating follicles. 1

Over-Washing Your Hair

Washing hair too often can strip your strands of their natural oils. This leaves your hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Over-washing can be especially damaging if you’re using harsh shampoos with sulfates.

The Fix:

• Determine your hair type. If you have dry or curly hair, washing every two to three days is usually enough. Those with fine or oily hair may need to wash more frequently, but even they should avoid daily washing if possible.
• Switch to a gentle shampoo. Opt for sulfate-free products that cleanse without over-drying.
• Incorporate co-washing. Occasionally use conditioner instead of shampoo to refresh your hair while keeping it moisturized. 2

Using Hot Water

A hot, steamy shower can feel like the ultimate comfort, but it’s not doing your hair any favors. High temperatures damage the hair cuticle, leaving your strands frizzy and vulnerable to damage. 3

The Fix:

• Wash your hair with lukewarm water. It’s warm enough to cleanse but not so hot that it causes harm.
• Gradually adjust the temperature. If cooler showers feel daunting, lower the heat slightly with each shower to ease the transition while keeping your hair healthy.

Rough Towel Drying

Rubbing your hair with a towel might seem like the quickest way to dry it, but it’s a recipe for disaster. The friction from the towel can roughen the hair cuticle, causing frizz, split ends, and breakage. 3

The Fix:

• Swap your traditional towel for a microfiber towel or an old cotton T-shirt. Both are gentler on your hair.
• Instead of rubbing, gently squeeze excess water out of your hair. Pat dry to minimize friction and damage.

Skipping Heat Protectant

Heat styling tools like flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers can wreak havoc on your hair if used without protection. The intense heat damages the hair cuticle, leading to dryness, breakage, and split ends. 3

The Fix:

• Use a heat protectant every single time you apply heat to your hair. These products act as a barrier, reducing the damage caused by styling tools.
• Lower your heat exposure. Use the lowest heat setting available and limit the time the hot tool touches your hair.

Tight Hairstyles

High ponytails, tight braids, and sleek buns might look chic, but wearing them too often or too tightly can cause hair breakage and even traction alopecia — a form of hair loss caused by pulling on the hair. 4

The Fix:

• Opt for looser hairstyles. Try a low bun or a relaxed braid instead of a high, tight ponytail.
• Use snag-free hair ties, like scrunchies or coiled bands, to reduce tension and prevent snagging.
• Rotate your styles regularly to avoid putting repeated stress on the same areas of your scalp.

Sleeping With Wet Hair

After a long day, it’s tempting to hop into bed with damp hair. However, sleeping with wet hair can weaken the strands, making them more prone to breakage and tangling. Plus, the moisture creates the perfect environment for bacterial growth on your pillow. 5

The Fix:

• Shower earlier in the evening to allow your hair to air dry naturally.
• Use a silk or satin pillowcase. These materials create less friction than cotton, keeping your hair smooth and damage-free.

Using Too Much Product

Styling products like gels, mousses, and sprays can give you the perfect look, but overdoing it can weigh your hair down and lead to buildup on your scalp.

The Fix:

• Use products sparingly. Start with a small amount and add more only if needed.
• Incorporate a clarifying shampoo into your routine once a month to remove buildup and refresh your scalp.
• Choose lightweight products suited to your hair type, and avoid anything with heavy waxes or oils unless your hair is extremely dry.

Skipping Regular Trims

When you’re growing out your hair, it’s tempting to avoid trims altogether. But skipping regular trims can lead to split ends, making your hair look thinner and less healthy.

The Fix:

• Trim your hair every few months. Even a tiny “dusting” of the ends can prevent damage from worsening.
• Discuss your hair goals with your stylist to create a maintenance plan that works for your desired length.

Conclusion

Many of us unknowingly damage our hair through daily habits, but a few mindful changes can help restore its health and vitality. Taking the time to understand what your hair needs and making small adjustments can make a significant difference.

Achieving healthy, vibrant hair goes beyond using the right shampoos or conditioners — it’s about building a routine that tackles underlying issues. This might mean reducing how often you wash your hair, switching to a silk pillowcase, or even considering options like ordering medication online for targeted hair care solutions. These small steps, when combined, can lead to noticeable improvements in your hair’s strength and appearance.

Bibliography

1. Regaine. (n.d.). How minoxidil works. https://www.regaine.co.uk/minoxidil/how-minoxidil-works
2. HCA Florida. (2023, October 23). How many times a week should you wash your hair? https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/healthy-living/blog/how-many-times-a-week-should-you-wash-your-hair
3. Lee, Y., Kim, Y.-D., Hyun, H.-J., Pi, L., Jin, X., & Lee, W.-S. (2011). Hair shaft damage from heat and drying time of hair dryer. Annals of Dermatology, 23(4), 455. https://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2011.23.4.455
4. American Academy of Dermatology. (2024, November 6). Hairstyles that pull can lead to hair loss. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/causes/hairstyles
5. Sleep Foundation. (2024, March 11). Is it bad to sleep with wet hair? https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-faqs/is-it-bad-to-sleep-with-wet-hair