Hair is often neglected when it comes to self-care. We often neglect to shampoo it regularly, condition it properly, or give it the TLC it needs to stay healthy. Instead, we focus on our skin with moisturizers, our nails with pedicures, and our mental health with Avalon 78, thinking that these areas are more important. However, hair is just as important as any other aspect of our appearance. It can make or break a look, and it deserves to be treated with respect.
There are a few simple things you can do to keep your hair healthy and looking its best. But before knowing what to do, you should also be aware of what not to do.
Never Sleep With Wet Hair
Sleeping with wet hair can lead to a number of different problems. For one, it can make you feel cold and uncomfortable, and nobody wants that. It can also lead to morning bed-head, and make it difficult to style your hair in the morning. In some cases, it can also lead to mildew or mold growth, particularly if you have long hair. If you are prone to sinus infections, sleeping with wet hair can also make them worse.
Never Blow Dry Immediately After Shower
If you blow dry your hair without letting it air dry first, you are essentially frying your hair. The heat from the blow dryer will strip away all of the natural moisture in your hair, leaving it dry, brittle, and more susceptible to damage.
Never Use Elastics
When you wear elastics, your hair is pulled tight, which can lead to breakage. The tightness can also cause split ends, and the friction from the elastic can cause frizz. While hairstyles that pull on the hair do not actually cause pattern baldness, they can contribute to the condition if you are already predisposed to it. That’s because tight hairstyles put stress on the follicles, which can damage delicate bulbs and cause them to fall out.
Never Bleach Wet Hair
Ask any colorist and they will tell you this. The main reason why bleaching wet hair is bad is that the chemicals in the bleach can penetrate the hair shaft more easily when the hair is wet. This can cause the hair to become dry and brittle and even lead to hair loss. Some people even bleach their hair twice a day to achieve the lightness they want—needless to say, this is a major red flag when it comes to hair care.
Never Use 3-in-1 Shampoos
3-in-1 shampoos are the products you want to avoid at all costs. Not only do they lead to dry, brittle hair that is more susceptible to breakage, but they also strip your hair of much-needed oils that are actually good for you. On top of that, these products can be difficult to rinse out completely, leaving behind residue that can build up on your hair and scalp. Over time, this can lead to scalp irritation and dandruff.
Never Grow Your Split Ends
If you have split ends, it means that your hair is damaged and the ends are dry and brittle. In fact, split ends can make your hair susceptible to breakage. As your split ends grow longer, they become more likely to split further up the hair shaft, which can cause even more damage.