10 Sneaky Saboteurs Ruining Your Locks

We all want healthy, luscious locks, but sometimes we unintentionally damage our hair without even realizing it. From using hot styling tools to sleeping on cotton pillowcases, here are ten common ways you may be damaging your hair and tips on how to avoid them.

1. Using hot styling tools: Flat irons, curling irons, and hair dryers are great for achieving your desired hair look, but frequent use of these tools can cause damage to your hair. The heat from these tools can strip away your hair’s natural oils, making it dry and brittle. To minimize the damage, consider using these tools less frequently or using a heat protectant spray or serum to reduce the heat damage.
2. Over-brushing your hair: Brushing your hair too often or too vigorously can lead to hair breakage and split ends. Instead of using a brush, consider using a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair. Be gentle and start from the ends, working your way up to the roots and use a gentle hair brush for your hair.
3. Using hair ties too tightly: Tying your hair too tightly with hair ties can cause hair breakage and damage to your hairline. Consider using hair ties that are made from gentle fabrics, like silk or satin. They’re gentler on your hair and help to prevent breakage.
4. Using harsh shampoos: Shampoos that contain sulfates and other harsh chemicals can strip away the natural oils from your hair and scalp, leading to dryness and breakage. Look for shampoos that are sulfate-free and contain natural ingredients to nourish your hair. Learn more about our natural, sulfate and paraben-free shampoo here.

5. Not conditioning your hair properly: Failing to condition your hair after shampooing can cause your hair to become dry and brittle, making it prone to damage. Always follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to hydrate and nourish your hair.
6. Exposing your hair to the sun: Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause damage to your hair by drying it out and causing color fading. Consider wearing a hat or using a UV-protectant hair spray to minimize the damage.
7. Sleeping with wet hair: Sleeping with wet hair can cause damage and breakage, especially if you toss and turn during the night. The dampness weakens the hair, making it more prone to breakage. It’s best to let your hair air dry before sleeping or use a low-heat setting on your hairdryer to dry your hair before bed.

8. Not using a heat protectant: Heat protectant sprays are essential when using hot styling tools. They form a protective barrier around the hair strands, minimizing heat damage and keeping your hair healthy. Apply the heat protectant spray evenly to your hair before using any hot styling tools to protect your hair from damage. Are you looking for a product that acts as a heatprotectant but also restores te hair? Discover our Follicle hero Grow Strong Serum.
9. Not protecting your hair when swimming: Chlorine and saltwater can cause damage to your hair by stripping away its natural oils and causing it to become dry and brittle. Before swimming, wet your hair with fresh water and apply a leave-in conditioner to protect your hair from chlorine and salt.
10. Using hair products with alcohol: Hair products that contain alcohol can dry out your hair, leading to breakage and damage. Look for hair products that are alcohol-free and contain natural ingredients to keep your hair healthy and moisturized.
11. Not trimming your hair regularly: Not getting regular haircuts can lead to split ends and hair breakage. To prevent this, get your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks to maintain healthy hair.

12. Sleeping on cotton pillowcases: Cotton pillowcases can cause friction and tangles in your hair, leading to breakage and damage. Consider using a silk or satin pillowcase to minimize the damage and help maintain your hair’s natural oils.

Taking care of your hair is important for maintaining healthy, beautiful locks. By avoiding these common hair-damaging habits and adopting healthy hair care practices, you can keep your hair looking and feeling its best.