Hair care is always a top concern for women, because shiny hair not only enhances charm but also helps women feel more confident. However, many people accidentally make mistakes in their daily hair care habits, causing their hair to gradually become dry, brittle and lifeless. To protect and maintain the natural beauty of your hair, avoiding common mistakes is essential.
Let’s explore 10 common mistakes and how to fix them to keep your hair soft, healthy and radiant:
Washing your hair with water that is too hot
Although washing your hair with hot water feels relaxing and comfortable, this habit can make your hair and scalp dry, brittle and prone to breakage. Instead, use cool or warm water to wash your hair, which both cleans effectively and limits sticky hair and dandruff without damaging your hair.
Do not create shampoo foam before use
A common mistake when washing your hair at home is pouring shampoo directly onto dry hair without creating foam first. The surfactants in shampoo need to be dissolved in water to create foam before coming into contact with the hair and scalp. Pouring shampoo directly onto dry hair will limit the ability of the foaming agents to dissolve.
In addition, if you do not create foam first, the amount of shampoo will not be distributed evenly. Areas that are exposed to too much can easily irritate the scalp, causing hair loss and dryness. On the contrary, areas that receive less shampoo may not be completely cleaned.
Do not rinse hair thoroughly after shampooing
Not rinsing hair thoroughly after shampooing can irritate the scalp, making it easier for dirt and excess oil to stick, making hair stickier faster. Don’t mistake the lack of suds in your hair for being completely clean. Use warm water to wash your hair, followed by a final cool rinse for best results.
Rinse hair thoroughly after shampooing to help reduce scalp irritation.
Lack of hair care
Improper hair care, such as not trimming regularly, skipping conditioners or treatments, can cause hair to become weak and brittle. If not protected from harmful factors such as high temperatures or chemicals, hair is at risk of thinning over time.
In addition, the habit of washing hair infrequently can also cause the scalp to become sticky or dry, leading to excess oil or dandruff. The mixture of sebum, sweat and dirt from the environment is an ideal environment for scalp conditions such as fungus, itching, or dermatitis.
Washing hair too often
Washing hair every day is not a good habit for hair health. This can remove the natural oils on the scalp, which help protect the hair, keep it healthy and shiny. As a result, hair is easily dehydrated, dry and lacking in moisture. Therefore, it is best to only wash your hair about 2-3 times a week. If you need to clean your hair quickly, you can use dry shampoo.
Brushing wet hair
Brushing wet hair can easily cause hair breakage or split ends, because wet hair is very vulnerable. To avoid this, you should brush your hair before shampooing. After shampooing, use a soft towel to gently pat dry and let your hair dry naturally before brushing or styling.
In addition, choose a wide-toothed comb to gently detangle your hair. When brushing your hair, start from the middle of the hair to the ends, then brush from the top of the head down to help soften the hair and minimize damage caused by pulling force.
Brushing wet hair can cause breakage or split ends.
Use conditioner on the scalp
Conditioners contain many nutrients that help soften, smooth, and sometimes protect dyed hair. However, these nutrients are only suitable for the hair, not the scalp. When applying conditioner to the scalp, excess nutrients can make hair greasy quickly. In particular, ingredients such as silicone, which are designed to smooth hair, can clog hair follicles, making hair weak and prone to breakage.
After shampooing, apply conditioner to the hair shaft, focusing on 2/3 of the hair from the ends. You can use a cotton towel to wrap your hair for about 20 minutes, then rinse with cold water and dry with a soft towel.
Apply hair oil to the scalp
Similar to conditioner, using conditioner directly on the scalp can make hair greasy. Conditioner should only be applied to the ends of the hair in a sufficient amount to bring shine and softness to the hair.
It is important to distinguish hair oils from scalp-specific serums. Scalp serums often contain ingredients that nourish hair follicles, help reduce hair loss, and improve baldness. Some common ingredients in scalp serums include grapefruit essential oil. If you only apply serum to the hair, the product will not work effectively and can also make the hair heavy.
Hair care starts with keeping the scalp healthy. When the scalp is clean and clear, new hair follicles are strong, helping the hair to be nourished from root to tip, becoming softer and shinier. For best results, read the instructions on the product packaging carefully and use it correctly.
Read the instructions for using hair conditioner carefully to get the best results.
Tying or Bunting Your Hair Too Tight
Hairstyles such as high buns or tight ponytails can put a lot of pressure on the hair follicles, leading to tension on the scalp. If you regularly do these hairstyles, the risk of traction alopecia will increase. According to research, this condition can cause permanent damage to the hair follicles, making it difficult for hair to grow back.
Therefore, you should choose lighter, more comfortable hairstyles to reduce pressure on the scalp. When you need to keep your hair in place, prioritize using soft elastic bands or hair clips to effectively protect your hair.
Using a hair dryer at high temperatures
High temperatures from hair dryers or styling devices such as curling irons and straighteners can seriously damage hair if not properly protected. To minimize the risk, use hair conditioner before drying or styling, which helps create a protective layer that prevents hair from being directly exposed to heat.
When drying your hair, keep a distance of about 15cm between the dryer and your hair and move the dryer continuously to avoid concentrating the heat on one spot. For other styling devices, adjust the temperature to an appropriate level. Too high a temperature not only causes hair to break but also makes hair dry and lifeless.
Using a hair dryer at high temperatures can cause serious damage to your hair.
Hopefully the above article has helped you better understand the 10 common mistakes to avoid to have smooth, healthy hair. To have a strong and smooth hair, combine external care with maintaining a scientific lifestyle. The beauty of hair does not only come from the outside but also depends on how you nourish and protect your hair every day.
