## Bad Hair Habits: 6 Common Mistakes That Damage Your Hair
Over-washing Your Hair
Washing your hair too often can strip away the natural oils from your scalp and hair, leading to dryness. This, in turn, can cause hair to become brittle and prone to breakage. Instead of daily washing, consider washing your hair 2-3 times a week to maintain its natural oil balance.
Brushing Wet Hair
Brushing your hair while it’s still wet can damage its structure and lead to breakage. Allow your hair to air dry or use a conditioner to make brushing easier.
Applying Shampoo Directly to the Scalp
This can irritate the scalp or damage the hair follicles. Dispense shampoo into your palms, lather, and then apply it to your hair, ensuring that the shampoo does not come into direct contact with your scalp.
Use only lukewarm water when washing your hair, even in winter. On the other hand, if you use water that is too hot, your hair will be more prone to tangles than usual, and if you use cold water, you won’t be able to remove the dirt and residue from your scalp.
Diet
Unbalanced eating habits and extreme dieting can lead to nutritional deficiencies that affect not only your health but also the condition of your hair, making it dry, brittle, and more prone to fall out.
Not Protecting Your Hair from the Sun
When you step out, the UV rays from the sun start to erode the elasticity and strength of your hair. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s high temperatures can dry out your hair and scalp.
Using High Heat to Blow-dry Hair
Use a cotton towel to absorb excess water from your hair before blow-drying, and opt for a moderate temperature setting. This helps retain your hair’s natural moisture and reduces the risk of dryness and breakage.
When blow-drying your hair, use a moderate temperature and always maintain a safe distance between the dryer and your hair. Use the cold setting after removing most of the water with a cotton towel. This helps retain your hair’s natural moisture and prevents frizz.
Frequent Styling
Exposure to chemicals and high heat can damage the hair follicles, making your hair more prone to breakage and, over time, even leading to baldness.