Hair is an important aspect of our appearance, and we all want our hair to be healthy and beautiful. However, there are many things that we do in our daily lives that can damage our hair without us even realizing it.

In this article, we will discuss 30 common habits that damage hair and what you can do to prevent them.

Habit 1: Shampooing Too Often

Over-washing your hair can strip it of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. Ideally, you should only shampoo your hair every other day or even every two days if you have dry hair.

If you have oily hair, you can wash it daily, but make sure to use a gentle shampoo and conditioner.

Habit 2: Using Hot Water to Wash Hair

Hot water can damage your hair by stripping it of its natural oils, making it dry and brittle. Instead, use lukewarm water to wash your hair, and rinse it off with cold water to help seal the hair cuticles and make it look shinier.

Habit 3: Using Too Much Hair Styling Products

Hair styling products like gels, mousses, and sprays can cause build-up on your hair, making it look dull and lifeless. Instead, use hair styling products in moderation and choose products that are right for your hair type.

Make sure to wash your hair thoroughly to remove any product buildup.

Habit 4: Brushing Wet Hair

Wet hair is weak, and brushing it can cause it to break and split. Instead, use a wide-toothed comb to remove tangles gently, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots.

You can also use a detangling spray to make it easier to comb through your hair.

Habit 5: Wearing Tight Hairstyles

Hair ties, braids, and ponytails can put a lot of tension on your hair strands, leading to hair breakage and thinning. Avoid wearing tight hairstyles too often, and use hair ties that are gentle and do not tug on your hair too much.

You can also wear protective hairstyles like buns and twists to keep your hair healthy.

Habit 6: Using a Hair Dryer Too Often

Hair dryers can damage your hair by exposing it to high heat, causing it to become dry and brittle. Limit your use of a hair dryer, and make sure to use it on the lowest setting.

Let your hair air dry for as long as possible and only use a hair dryer to style it.

Habit 7: Not Protecting Your Hair from the Sun

The sun’s UV rays can damage your hair by breaking down its proteins and causing it to become dry and brittle. Wear a hat or use a UV-protectant hair spray when you are out in the sun, especially during the summer months.

Habit 8: Using a Cotton Pillowcase

Cotton pillowcases can cause friction on your hair, leading to hair breakage and split ends. Use a silk or satin pillowcase instead, as these materials are gentler on your hair and can help prevent hair damage.

Habit 9: Using Harsh Chemicals on Your Hair

Chemical treatments like hair color, bleach, and perms can be harsh on your hair and cause it to become weak and brittle.

If you must use chemical treatments, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and use a deep conditioning treatment afterward to help repair your hair.

Habit 10: Applying Heat to Your Hair Without Protection

Using heat tools like flat irons and curling irons can damage your hair by exposing it to high heat. Before using these tools, apply a heat protectant spray to your hair, and make sure to use them on the lowest heat setting possible.

Habit 11: Using Poor-Quality Hair Products

Using poor-quality hair products can damage your hair by stripping it of its natural oils and leaving it dry and brittle.

Invest in high-quality hair products that are right for your hair type, and make sure to read the ingredients list before buying any hair product.

Related Article The top hair-harming habits to avoid

Habit 12: Scrubbing Your Scalp Too Hard

Scrubbing your scalp too hard can damage your hair follicles and cause scalp irritation. Instead, massage your scalp gently with your fingertips while shampooing your hair, and avoid using your nails or a scrubbing brush.

Habit 13: Not Trimming Your Hair Regularly

Failing to trim your hair regularly can lead to split ends and hair breakage. Aim to trim your hair every six to eight weeks to maintain healthy hair length and prevent split ends.

Habit 14: Using Hot Styling Tools on Wet Hair

Using hot styling tools like flat irons or curling irons on wet hair can cause it to become weak and brittle. Make sure to dry your hair completely before using any hot styling tool to prevent hair damage.

Habit 15: Not Protecting Your Hair When Swimming

Chlorine and saltwater can damage your hair by stripping it of its natural oils and making it dry and brittle. Wear a swim cap or use a leave-in conditioner before swimming to protect your hair from chlorine and saltwater damage.

Habit 16: Rubbing Your Hair with a Towel

Rubbing your hair with a towel can cause it to become weak and brittle. Instead, use a microfiber towel or a cotton t-shirt to gently squeeze out excess water from your hair.

Habit 17: Using Hair Elastics with Metal Parts

Hair elastics with metal parts can get tangled in your hair, causing it to break and split. Use hair elastics without metal parts, and make sure to remove them gently to prevent hair damage.

Habit 18: Using Hair Spray Directly on Your Hair

Using hair spray directly on your hair can cause it to become sticky and brittle. Instead, spray hair spray onto a brush and then brush it through your hair for a more even application.

Habit 19: Neglecting to Condition Your Hair

Conditioning your hair is essential for maintaining healthy hair that is shiny and soft. Make sure to use a conditioner that is appropriate for your hair type, and apply it after shampooing your hair.

Leave the conditioner in your hair for several minutes before rinsing it out.

Habit 20: Using a Brush with Hard Bristles

Using a brush with hard bristles can cause your hair to become weak and brittle. Instead, use a brush with soft bristles that will gently detangle your hair without causing any damage.

Habit 21: Avoiding Haircuts When You Have Damaged Hair

Avoiding haircuts when you have damaged hair can lead to even more hair damage. Get regular haircuts to remove split ends and prevent hair breakage and thinning.

Habit 22: Skipping the Deep-Conditioning Treatment

Deep conditioning your hair is essential for maintaining its health and preventing damage. Make sure to use a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week, and leave it in your hair for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it out.

Habit 23: Foregoing a Shower Cap When Steam Rooming

Exposure to excess steam and heat in steam rooms or saunas can cause hair damage. Protect your hair using a shower cap to keep moisture from damaging your hair.

Habit 24: Neglecting Hat Hair

Hat hair may not seem like a big deal, but it can cause hair to weaken and break. Avoid tight-fitting hats, adjust the band, or loosen them frequently in making your hat to be as comfortable as possible.

Habit 25: Wearing Hair Extensions for Too Long

Wearing hair extensions for too long can cause hair damage and even lead to hair loss. Make sure to take a break from hair extensions every once in a while to give your hair a chance to rest and recover.

Habit 26: Not Brushing Your Hair

Not brushing your hair can lead to tangles, knots, and breakage. Make sure to brush your hair every day, using a wide-toothed comb or a brush with soft bristles.

Habit 27: Using Hair Oils on Dry Hair

Applying hair oils directly to dry hair can cause it to become greasy and weighed down. Instead, apply hair oils to damp hair, and make sure to use only a small amount.

Habit 28: Using Chemical Hair Straighteners Too Often

Chemical hair straighteners can damage your hair, causing it to become weak and brittle. Limit your use of chemical hair straighteners, and use them only when necessary.

Habit 29: Using a Towel to Dry Your Hair Too Vigorously

Drying your hair too vigorously with a towel can cause hair breakage and split ends. Instead, use a microfiber towel or a cotton t-shirt to gently squeeze out excess water from your hair, and let it air dry as much as possible.

Habit 30: Not Keeping Up with Regular Hair Maintenance

Regular hair maintenance is key to preventing hair damage and promoting healthy hair. This includes regular haircuts, deep conditioning treatments, and using high-quality hair products that are right for your hair type.