If you’re not careful, you could be damaging your hair without even realizing it. Here are five things you should avoid doing if you want to keep your hair healthy and looking its best..
1. **Over-washing your hair**.
One of the most common mistakes people make is washing their hair too often. This can strip your hair of its natural oils, which can lead to dryness, frizz, and breakage. Aim to wash your hair no more than two or three times a week, and use a shampoo that is designed for your hair type..
2. **Using harsh shampoos and conditioners**.
Harsh shampoos and conditioners can contain sulfates, parabens, and other ingredients that can strip your hair of its natural oils and damage the hair shaft. Look for shampoos and conditioners that are sulfate-free and paraben-free, and that are designed for your hair type..
3. **Brushing your hair when it’s wet**.
Wet hair is more fragile than dry hair, so brushing it when it’s wet can cause breakage. If you need to brush your hair when it’s wet, use a wide-tooth comb and be gentle..
4. **Using heat styling tools too often**.
Heat styling tools, such as blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons, can damage your hair if you use them too often. Heat can cause the hair shaft to become dry and brittle, which can lead to breakage. If you must use heat styling tools, be sure to use a heat protectant spray and limit your use to once or twice a week..
5. **Not getting regular trims**.
Regular trims are essential for keeping your hair healthy and looking its best. Trims remove split ends, which can travel up the hair shaft and cause further damage. Aim to get a trim every six to eight weeks..
