10 Surprising Habits That Are Ruining Your Hair (And How to Fix Them!)

*Collaborative Post

Like most of us, you might dream of strong, shiny, and healthy hair, but without even realising it, you could be sabotaging your chances of growing it just by your daily habits.

Everything from the way you wash your hair to how you style it can cause more harm than good if not done properly and could lead to issues such as breakages, thinning, or dryness.

If you’ve been wondering why your hair hasn’t been looking its best recently, the reason could be something as simple as what you are doing in your everyday routine.

With that in mind, here are ten surprising habits that could be ruining your hair, along with advice on how you can fix them for good.

Professional Treatment

Before we discuss the common mistakes many people make in caring for their hair, it’s worth pointing out that if you are losing yours or it is thinning to concerning levels, there are some professional treatment options available.

One of the biggest breakthroughs in hair restoration and scalp health has come from innovative clinics like Gro Clinics New Zealand, which offer advanced treatments.

So, this is something you might want to explore if the state of your hair is getting you down.

Habits that are ruining your hair

They say prevention is always better than the cure, so before you get to the stage of requiring professional treatment, it is a good idea to make a conscious effort not to mistreat it.

Here are ten ways that will help to avoid that.

1. Washing Your Hair Too Often

Many people think washing their hair on a daily basis is the key to keeping it fresh and clean, but actually, if you wash it too frequently, you can strip your scalp of its natural oils. 

Doing this can result in your hair becoming dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage. Instead, try washing every two to three days, or use a dry shampoo in between washes to keep your scalp feeling fresh without being over-cleansed.

2. Using the Wrong Shampoo and Conditioner

Not all hair products are created equally, and if you’re using a shampoo or conditioner that contains harsh sulphates or silicones, you could be doing more harm than good.

Sulphates can strip natural oils, while silicones can create build-up, both of which can combine to make hair dull over time. For this reason, always choose a raw, sulphate-free, hydrating formulas that is tailored to your hair type.

3. Aggressive Towel-Drying

Rubbing your hair with a towel might seem like an efficient way to dry it quickly, but it actually causes friction and leads to breakage.

Instead, it is best to gently squeeze out excess water with a microfibre towel or an old cotton T-shirt, as this reduces frizz and prevents unnecessary damage to the hair shaft.

4. Incorrectly Brushing Wet Hair

Wet hair is far more fragile than dry hair, and brushing it roughly can lead to breakage. 

Rather than using a regular brush, try for a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush, and when using it, start at the ends and work your way up to minimise tugging and breakage.

5. Overusing Heat Styling Tools

Flat irons, curling wands, and hairdryers may help you achieve your perfect style, but if you use them too often, they can lead to split ends and breakage.

If you rely on heat styling, always use a heat protectant spray and keep the temperature on a lower setting. Try to give your hair a heat-free day or two every now and then to recover.

6. Tying Your Hair Too Tight

That high ponytail or sleek bun might look great, but wearing tight hairstyles too often can cause traction alopecia, which is a condition where hair is pulled out from the roots.

It leads to thinning over time, so to prevent this, switch to loose styles or use soft, snag-free hair ties.

7. Ignoring Your Scalp Health

Healthy hair starts at the scalp, yet many people neglect to take care of it.

As a dry, flaky, or oily scalp can lead to hair loss and slow hair growth, it is worth gently massaging your scalp on a regular basis.

Additionally, use a clarifying shampoo once a month to remove buildup, and regularly apply nourishing scalp treatments with ingredients like tea tree oil or aloe vera.

8. Sleeping on a Cotton Pillowcase

Cotton pillowcases absorb moisture and create friction, which can lead to dryness and frizz.

If you sleep on one, try swapping to a silk or satin pillowcase, as this will reduce your hair breakage, help you retain its moisture, and keep your hair looking smoother when you wake up.

9. Skipping Regular Trims

It may seem counterintuitive, but if you’re trying to grow your hair, avoiding trims won’t help it. That is because split ends can travel up the hair shaft and lead to breakages and slower growth.

Aim for a trim every 6 to 8 weeks, as this will keep your ends healthy and prevent damage from worsening.

10. Not Getting Enough Nutrients

What you eat plays a major role in your hair’s health, and if you have deficiencies in vitamins and minerals like biotin, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, it can lead to your hair thinning and becoming dull.

For this reason, make sure you eat a balanced diet rich in leafy greens, nuts, fish, and lean proteins, as this will support strong, healthy hair growth.

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.