We all have more important things to worry about than our hair, right? The answer is absolutely; but that doesn’t mean we should ignore our hair, either! It’s too easy to just continue with our old habits, but some of those habits are damaging. If you’re worried about the health of your hair and aren’t sure where to start, we’re here to help! Check out these super easy tips for preventing and repairing hair damage.
Some things to avoid:
1.- Over-Washing
One of the most common hair mistakes is over-washing! You may not know or feel as if you’re damaging your hair, but you are. The real purpose of shampooing your hair is to remove oil and product buildup on your scalp as well as cleanse it. If you’re continually washing your hair before it has a chance to replenish its natural oils, that will cause your hair to feel dry and lose its shine! We recommend washing your hair every 2 to 3 days, but find a routine that works for you!
2.- Using Curling Irons or Flat Irons on Wet Hair
Alright peeps, this on our list of things you should never EVER do. We’ve all had those days where we’re running late and rush through our routine, but using hot tools on wet hair (aside from your blow dryer) is NOT an option! When your hair is wet, it’s extremely vulnerable to damage. Using your flat iron or curling iron on wet or damp hair can cause some serious breakage, and your hair is more likely to pop! (Yep, your hair can pop just like popcorn because of the water in your hair coming in direct contact with high heat.)
3.- Over-Brushing
Oh yes, you can indeed brush your hair too much! Over-brushing your hair can result in split ends as well as breakage, so try to minimize how often you brush those locks! I also recommend using a special wet brush, like this one, for brushing your hair while it’s wet! Too much friction on your hair is never a good thing, so get those tangles out and then let those tresses be!
4.- Wearing Tight Hairstyles
Is everyone familiar with ponytail headaches? Yeah, that ain’t the best for your hair. Tighter hairstyles like ponytails, buns, and braids are a great way to change up your style; but they shouldn’t be worn all the time! Wearing a tight ponytail everyday can cause breakage and hurt your scalp. Try embracing wearing your hair down when you can, or try some loose braids every now and then!
5.- Using Too Much Heat
I will say it time and time again; don’t fry your hair with that curling iron! The first tip in regards to using hot tools is not to forget about the heat settings. Fine, thin hair should always use low heat, and the average time you need to hold a curl is only 5 to 10 seconds!
Another tip for preventing heat damage is to use a heat protectant before you use a blow dryer or styling tools! I highly recommend the Melu Hair Shield or the Blow Dry Primer from Davines. Always keep in mind that heat changes the chemical bonds in your strands and can easily cause permanent damage if you use heat every day.
6.- Brushing Starting at Your Roots
The most efficient way to brush out those nasty tangles is actually to start at your ends, not your roots! When you try to detangle starting at the top, you’ll find you encounter a lot more knots, and you might accidentally rip some hair out. Brushing from the bottom to the top allows you to tackle every knot on its own, which means you’ll have an easier time getting them undone. You might even find that brushing your hair is faster that way!
Some things to add to your routine:
1.- Prep for Swimming!
It’s officially summer, and it’s time to enjoy some days by the pool! If you love the pool like I do, you might forget that chlorine is harsh on your hair. (Salt water can dry out your hair, too!) To avoid getting that dry, crispy feeling in your locks, try using a leave-in conditioner before you get in the water! The Oi All in One Milk is one of our most popular leave-ins, and it’s perfect for creating a little protection from the chemicals in pool water. Spritz a little bit of your favorite leave-in in damp hair, and then hit the pool!
2.- Protect Yourself from the Sun!
Did you know that your hair can get damaged from sun exposure? That’s right, and it’s a great idea to protect it just like you’d protect your skin! I recommend wearing a comfy hat if you’re going to be out in the sun for a while, or try using hair products that provide UV protection.
3.- Wash with Lukewarm/Cool Water.
Nobody likes a scalding hot shower as much as I do, but hot water can do terrible damage to your skin AND your hair. To keep your hair healthy, the best choice is to always use lukewarm or cool water to wash your hair. Hot water can strip your hair of the natural oils it needs to stay soft and shiny, especially if you have colored hair!
Thanks for reading!
Thanks for checking out the TouchUps Beauty Blog! We hope you found these tips helpful, and if you’d like to give us some feedback feel free to send us an email! Have a wonderful day, and we’ll catch you next time! PEACE.
