Healthy hair is the pride of every individual. The thick and luscious locks make one feel confident and beautiful. However, certain bad habits can hinder healthy hair growth. Here are 10 worst habits that one should avoid:.

1. Excessive Use of Heat Tools:

We all love the poker straight or the bouncy curls, but excessive use of heat tools such as straighteners and curling irons can damage the hair. The heat removes the natural moisture from the hair, making it brittle, frizzy and prone to split ends.

Make it a point to use heat tools only once or twice a week. Apply heat protectant serums before using the tools to reduce the damage.

2. Poor Diet:

Healthy hair requires healthy food. The lack of proper nutrients can make the hair dull, thin and lifeless. Include food rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins to promote healthy hair growth.

Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds can contribute to shiny and healthy hair. Avoid crash diets as they can deprive the body of essential nutrients, resulting in hair loss.

3. Overwashing:

Washing hair too frequently can strip it of natural oils, making it dry and weak. It can also cause scalp irritation and dandruff. One should wash hair 2-3 times a week with a sulfate-free shampoo.

People with oily hair can opt for dry shampoo in between washes.

4. Tight Hairstyles:

Tight ponytails, braids, and buns can cause hair breakage and damage the scalp. It can lead to headaches and hair loss. Opt for loose hairstyles or leave the hair open to allow proper circulation and reduce tension on the scalp.

5. Chemical Treatments:

Hair coloring, perming, and relaxing can damage the hair cuticle, resulting in dry and frizzy hair. It can cause hair breakage, thinning and hair fall. Make it a point to go for natural hair care treatments to reduce the damage.

6. Stress:

Stress is a major factor that can interfere with healthy hair growth. It can cause scalp itching, dandruff and hair fall. Practice stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga to keep stress at bay.

7. Skipping Haircuts:

Skipping haircuts can lead to split ends, which can travel up the hair shaft and cause hair breakage. Regular haircuts can help in hair growth, making it look healthy and thick. Make it a point to trim the hair every 6-8 weeks.

8. Brushing Wet Hair:

Wet hair is more prone to damage than dry hair. Brushing wet hair can cause hair breakage and lead to split ends. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle the hair post-wash. Avoid rubbing hair harshly with a towel.

9. Tight Hats:

Tight hats can lead to decreased blood circulation in the scalp, causing hair fall. Opt for loose hats or wrap a scarf around the head to reduce hair damage.

10. Smoking:

Smoking is injurious to health and hair growth too. It can reduce blood circulation to the scalp, leading to hair fall and thinning. Quit smoking to promote healthy hair growth.