We're not perfect. That regrettable front fringe in high school or low rise jeans, are evidence of that.
Thankfully, aside from a few embarrassing Myspace pictures, these mistakes don't usually cost us too much.
Haircare mistakes, however, can be fatal. Well, fatal for the health of your hair, I mean.
From over-washing, to skipping steps in your routine, there are many common haircare mistakes you're probably making.
But fret not, because here's how to fix them.
Also read: How to protect your hair while you sleep
1. Too clean
Shampooing too often is one of the most common and dire haircare mistakes you're probably making.
So why is washing your hair too often bad for it?
This is because it strips your strands of their natural oils.
Oil really gets a bad rep when it comes to hair.
But, let me tell you;
You actually need a certain amount of natural oil, or sebum, for your locks thrive.
If you're committing this common haircare crime, your hair will be dry, brittle and lacking in shine.
So, how often should I wash my hair?
Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all answer to this.
There are many factors that influence how often you need to wash your hair.
If you have particularly oily hair, you may need to wash it as often as every second day.
But you should never need to wash it every day.
Your hair washing routine will also depend on your lifestyle.
If you're hitting the gym daily or live in a humid climate, you might need to wash your locks more frequently.
Generally speaking, the sweet spot for hair washing is once or twice per week.
2. Blow out
This might sound crazy, but you shouldn't be blow-drying your sopping wet strands straight out of the shower.
Blow drying hair that is too wet is an extremely common haircare mistake.
The blast of concerted heat will damage your strands, causing them to become frizzy, dry and even break.
This is especially dangerous if you blow-dry your wet hair using a brush, as this causes your strands to stretch and snap even more.
To minimise blow-drying damage;
You should wait until your hair is about 80% dry before you blast it.
While this may be hard, especially if you're in a rush, it will be well worth it.
Giving your hair time to dry naturally will result in less frizz as well as stronger, smoother and healthier hair overall.
Oh, and always use heat protection spray.
Read: What Causes Hair Breakage and How To Fix It
3. Use your head
Are you skipping scalp care?
Don't worry; you're not the only one.
But did you know healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp?
So if you're scratching your head, wondering, "what is scalp care?"
Here is a quick explainer;
Scalp care is the new hair care.
Put simply: It's the process of caring for your scalp.
Which aids in not just hair growth but your hair's thickness and texture too.
Here are a few simple ways to care for your scalp:
Scalp Care Hack #1: Scrub
Scalp scrubbing is the secret to solving many of your hair woes.
It's the simplest and most effective way to get rid of dirt, grime and excess oil.
This unclogs your hair follicles allowing your strands to grow luscious and long.
Do this once a week for silkier, shinier and thicker hair in no time.
Scalp Care Hack #2: Not too hot
Whether it's the shower or the sun, if it's too hot, your scalp will suffer.
Slip, slop, slap on a hat to protect your head from UV rays and turn the temperature down in the shower.
Scalp Care Hack #3: Deep clean
While I did say earlier, you should only wash your hair once or twice a week, try not to wash it any less than that.
Washing your hair too little is a haircare mistake that can cause an imbalance in the scalp biome.
Scrubbing will help keep your scalp clean, but you should also be giving your locks a thorough wash between scrubs.
Make sure you are getting to the root of the problem, literally wash your strands all the way to the roots and giving your scalp a scratch with your fingertips with your shampoo.
This will dislodge any nasties clogging your follicles.
Other users read: The Best Hair Extensions For Fine Hair
4. You are what you eat
Not eating the right food is a colossal haircare mistake.
You are what you eat, after all.
You should eat certain foods in bulk, and some you should steer clear of if you want healthy hair.
A healthy hair diet should be moderate in protein, high in unrefined carbs and low in refined sugar.
Pack your day full of nourishing root veggies, leafy greens, beans and lentils, and you will start to resemble Rapunzel in no time.
Avoid sugary treats, fizzy drinks, white bread and alcohol.
You don't have to cut them out altogether, just cut back and consume them in moderation.
Food For Thought: Is Your Diet Good For Your Hair?
5. Pony, oh-no
A big fan of throwing your hair up in a ponytail or messy bun and rushing out the door?
Aren't we all.
But did you know;
That wearing your hair up every day or always pulling it up in the same position is a severe haircare mistake?
This is because,
The constant snagging and pulling on your strands creates extra pressure causing them to become brittle and break.
And...
...if you have sensitive hair, pulling on the same sections of hair can cause your hair to come out of its follicle, creating tiny bald spots!
Try this instead:
Wear your hair down sometimes, or even just swapping up the style.
Some days instead of the high pony, go for a low bun or mid pony to give your hair a rest.
You can even opt for hair silks, bobbles or claw clips to put your hair up with instead of damaging elastics.
Also read: 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Halo Hair Extensions
