13 Common Hair Mistakes and How to Correct it!

Here are some mistakes you’re making that you should avoid!

13 Common Hair Mistakes and How to Correct it!

You Lather Your Hair Every Day

As a general rule, hair should be washed as frequently as needed!

For most stylists we talked to, that’s every two to 3 days. Any more, and you risk stripping your hair of its natural, protective oils that maintain it shiny and healthy!

This is especially true for people who color their hair, as over-washing can dull the vibrancy of their color.

Of course, there are other elements involved. If you work out and sweat a lot, you may not be able to wait three days.

In that case, try rinsing with water, scrubbing the scalp, and conditioning your ends only. If you’re dealing with a super oily scalp, look into a hydrating shampoo and conditioner.

It sounds counterintuitive, but your body may be producing more oil due to dryness—attempting to naturally fix the problem. Second, invest in some dry shampoo to extend the time between washes. James likes TRESemme Fresh Beginning, which soaks up oil and gets rid of odor—without any weird powdery residue.

2. You Use Too Much Conditioner

To avoid greasy strands, apply conditioner on the ends of the hair, where it truly needs hydration—not the scalp.

Start with an amount about the size of a dime (yes, a tiny dime), and try to disperse it evenly throughout the hair. If needed, up the amount, but never exceed a quarter size.

“If you’re using a half-dollar size of the product, you will definitely be spending a lot of money on shampoo and conditioner and not doing much for your hair,”.

3. … and the Wrong Shampoo

Sulfates, the cleansing agents in shampoos, “have become the gluten of the hair world,”.

There’s a lot of hype around ‘em—some of it valid, some not. While they don’t pose any serious health hazards, some people find these chemicals dry out hair, skin, and scalp, or strip away color.

If you’re seeing tangling, frizziness, and split ends, try a sulfate-free shampoo, which can clean your hair gently. Just keep in mind it won’t get as sudsy as a frequent shampoo.

There are plenty of budget-friendly options: Wasser and Abramite suggest the L’Oreal Paris “Ever” collection.

For higher-end options, James recommends Pureology Hydrate Shampoo, LuxeOrganix Argan Oil Shampoo, and Conditioner, or Joico Color Endure Shampoo.

4. You Never Use a Deep Conditioner

It may sound like an unnecessary step, but the pros we spoke with all recommend using a deep conditioner—especially if your hair is dry, damaged, or split from coloring or heat styling.

Use a treatment, like Joico’s K-PAK Reconstructor, at least once per week. “Get in the habit of pampering your hair, and you’ll notice it behaves and looks better.”

It’s a non-negotiable if you color or process your hair. “Use a deep conditioner the week leading up to and after any chemical process—it’ll help prepare your hair for battle, seal the hair cuticle, and prevent breakage.”

And contrary to what many people with thin or fine hair fear, the right mask will not weigh your hair down.

5. You’ve Been Using the Same Shampoo and Conditioner Since High School

Wasser likens your hair-washing routine to your workout: “By spin class 2,567, your body’s pretty used to it,”.

Similarly, your hair gets used to shampoo and conditioner—and then the products start to leave behind a residue.

If you’re loyal to one routine, she suggests using Neutrogena’s Anti-Residue Shampoo once every month or so to give your hair a clean slate.If you’re more non-committal, keep a few different formulas in the shower to use depending on how your hair feels, Wasser suggests. Feeling dry?

Work in a deep conditioner. If it’s feeling limp, use a lighter formula. Frizzier than usual? Use a moisturizing one. “You know your hair—listen to what it needs,”.

6. You Brush Your Hair When It’s Wet

Wet hair is much weaker than dry hair, so treat it carefully. One of the worst things you can do is tug a brush through it, forcing tangles apart.

Instead, try brushing your hair before hopping in the shower to work out knots and air out the roots.

During your shower, consider using a wide-toothed comb to work the conditioner through your strands.

After use a comb to work out tangles from the bottom, working your way up to the roots for the least damage, Norton suggests. Bottom line: Use a brush only on dry hair and a wide-toothed comb on wet hair.

7. You Roughly Towel Dry

This isn’t the worst you can do, but it’s definitely not the best. After showering, don’t vigorously rub your hair with a towel—gently blot instead.

“Blotting will not rough up the cuticle and cause frizz.” Want to go the extra mile? Use a paper towel to dry your hair. This is the most gentle, if not the most practical, method possible.

8. You Use Too-Hot Tools

Whether your hair is fine and slim or coarse and thick will determine which heat setting will get the job done.

So it’s fortunate that most hot tools, like straighteners and curling irons, come with adjustable temperature settings. Don’t crank it to the hottest setting right off the bat.

Start at 300 degrees. If you acquire the desired results, stay there. If not, gradually turn up the heat until you do. Typically coarse hair requires higher temps than fine hair.

And no matter what, always use a heat protector (more on that soon). As for those wet-to-dry hot tools intended for use on damp hair? They’re a no-go: “Never use hot tools on wet hair,”. “It can burn the hair.”

9. You Skip Heat Protectant

These get a 100-percent “yes” from the stylists. “It’s like asking if you need an oven mitt to pull something out of the oven,”.

Spraying a heat protector on your hair proactively protects hair from heat damage, plus it seals in luster, calms frizz, and keeps hair from becoming dry

She likes L’Oreal Sleek It Iron Straight Heatspray. Wasser recommends Redken Satinwear or Redken Pillow Proof Primer.

10. You Use Too Many Styling Products

You only need three products:

1. a protectant,
2. a styling product (like a mousse for volume or an anti-frizz cream for sleekness), and
3. a finishing product (like hair or texture spray).

Use cremes and oils sparingly, and only apply to the mid-shaft through ends—a little goes a long way.

11. You Avoid Haircuts

While the six-week rule is definitely not set in stone, most people need a trim about every three months; for others, it’s shorter or longer.

Trying to grow out your hair? As soon as you start to notice split ends or the ends seem “see-through” or brittle, it’s time to take action.

“The damage will just continue up the shaft, so by the time you [eventually] go for a cut, you’ll end up having to cut more than you would have if you’d just bitten the bullet with the trim,”.

Really afraid to take off length? Ask for a “dusting,”. Yes, it’s a thing. “This technique is to go through sections and lightly—just about a millimeter length—clean up your ends.”

12. You Overdo Chemical Treatments

Allow yourself two per year at most (aside from coloring). “I don’t believe the chemicals are harmless, and they aren’t great to breathe in on a regular basis.”

James also suggests spending your cash on heat protectors, irons, and conditioning treatments instead of relaxing or straightening treatments. If you must, only do relaxers every six to eight weeks, or better, up to 12 weeks.

The more frequently you do it, the greater the chance of breakage or damage.

13. You Don’t Correctly Describe What You Want

The most important thing to remember before you visit your stylist: Bring photos. And be careful of buzzwords: “Just because you’re describing what you think is a ‘natural’ look with ‘warm undertones,’ doesn’t mean the stylist is on the same page,” .

If they say something is tough to do with your hair type, believe them—they’re usually right. And ask them about the upkeep involved with any particular style or color.

Be clear about how much time you want to dedicate to your hairstyle, whether you’re open to using products, and how many. If it sounds like too much work, it probably is.

What to read next? I’ve got you!

• Homemade Body Scrub For Dry Skin For Your Awesome Look
• Homemade Face Scrub For Blackheads
• 10 Awesome Smoothies For Skin Whitening

Sharing is Caring, Pin this for later!✌

See ya, Sisi!