It’s easy to get into a routine with your hair
– you wash it, you brush it, you dry it, you style it, maybe sometimes you
throw it in a ponytail or whip up a braid. The problem with some of our little
habits is that they make our hairstylists’ heads spin - because these are the things that are keeping
us from having the lush, healthy, shiny hair we keep begging them for.
Find out what you’re guilty of – and the effective tweaks to remedy your routine.
Pulling on Split Ends
You wouldn’t believe how many women pulling on
their split ends. Yes, you may momentarily get rid of it, but you’re actually
shredding the hair, and creating a more uneven split end that’s harder to fix.
Instead, snip it off with very sharp scissors. Then it’s gone forever. And you
can make an appointment to get a haircut.
Styling Wet Hair With Heat
Women use heated styling tools when their hair
is still wet, which literally fries the hair. In order to use heat without
damage, the hair has to be completely dry. If you finish blow-drying and the
hair feels cold, that’s a sign that there’s still moisture in it- so keep
going.
Brushing Wet Hair
It’s not a good idea to brush wet hair with
any old brush. A wide-tooth comb is a better bet. It’s shaped like a little
foot and fits snug in your palm. It doesn’t pull or tug on the hair and can be
used on any texture or length.
Sleeping in a Ponytail
Sleeping in a ponytail causes breakage right
at the crown of the head, or wherever the elastic is placed. If you like your
hair off your face, sleep in a loose braid off to the side, secured right at
the end as loose as you can.
Spraying Too Close to Your Head
Most of woman mist aerosol products like dry
shampoo and hairspray, but with the can two inches from their heads – and then
wonder why they’re left with a big white patch or slick spray spot. Instead,
give the can a good shake for better product distribution, then extend your
spraying arm out all the way and spray away. Aerosol products work best when
they’re exposed to air before they reach the head.
Still Using Regular Elastics
Rubber
bands snag the hair when you loop it around too many times, and tears it when
you take it out. Instead, use these great hooked hair ties. Hook one side into
the ponytail while you’re still holding your hair in your hands, then wrap the
bungee around the ponytail and clasp the ends together.
Brushing From Roots to Ends
You can literally hear the hair breaking.
Instead, start at the ends and remove the tangles there first. Then work your
way up towards the root. That way, you’re reducing split ends and frizzy broken
bits.
Cutting Your hair to Make it Grow
Many woman believe that cutting their hair
helps it grow. For every few inches you’re trimming, you’re actually adding
months to your growing time. Instead, try fewer washings, less heated styling
and blow drying, and more deep conditioning. Hair looks longer and fuller when
it’s healthier and stronger.
Using Clarifying Shampoos.
Clarifying shampoos are actually damaging
since they literally strip away all the good oils and make your scalp
overproduce – essentially making your hair greasy all over again. Instead, try
a volume-enhancing shampoo and conditioner which degrease without stripping out
the good.
Towel-Drying Your Hair
It drives me crazy when I see woman towel-dry
their hair by messing it up in every direction, which just roughs-up the
delicate cuticle. When the cuticles are closed, they reflect light and hair
appears smooth and shiny. When they’re open, hair looks dry, dull and coarse.
Instead, when you’re towel-drying, wring your hair out, moving downwards from
root to ends.
Using Too Much Dry Shampoo
If you use dry shampoo or texturizing spray
more than twice a week, you’re likely dehydrating your scalp, which can make
the hair weaker and more prone to breakage.
