Want Luscious Locks? Here's What You Should—and Shouldn't—Do
We all want strong, healthy hair, but what's the secret to keeping it that way? While you might know not to color your locks all the time or expose them to too much heat, there could be other ways you're damaging your mane without you realizing it. Wondering how to keep your tresses luscious and shiny? Here are 10 bad habits that could be damaging your hair—and 10 tips for maintaining silky strands.
1. Washing Too Often—or Not Enough
While you don't want to never wash your hair and risk it getting grimy and greasy, you also don't want to overwash your tresses and risk stripping out your scalp's natural oils. The key is to find a good balance, such as washing every second or third day.
2. Combing Wet Hair
When your hair is wet, it's extremely fragile and stretchy because the hair cuticle is open. It also gets rougher and more tangled easily. When you comb through it damp, your locks are more likely to get snagged and tear apart from their roots.
3. Conditioner on Scalp
If you have frizzy hair, you might be tempted to condition your entire head—scalp and all. But conditioner is meant for the mid-shaft to your ends only, Given how rich its formula is, applying it to your scalp can block pores, leave residue, and weigh down your locks.
4. Rubbing Wet Hair with Towel
Are you used to drying your hair with a towel by rubbing it excessively? Here's something you might not know: this habit could be one of the main reasons why your hair is damaged. Rubbing your locks dry with a towel causes friction, and since wet hair is especially fragile, you could end up with split ends, breakage, and more frizz.
5. Blow-Drying Upwards
While your mission when blow-drying your hair is to just get it to dry as fast as possible, your blow-drying habits could also be damaging your precious locks. In particular, if you dry upwards, you open up the cuticle further, which may result in frizz and damage. Instead, you should point your dryer down to close the cuticle.
6. Blow-Dry Straight Out of the Shower
Drying your hair straight out of the shower can also be damaging. This is because if your hair is dripping wet, it takes much longer—and more heat—for it to dry. And the longer you expose your tresses to high temperatures for prolonged periods of time, the more compromised it'll be. Let your hair reach a damp state first before you pick up your styling tools.
7. Putting Wet Hair in a Ponytail
As mentioned, wet hair is extremely fragile. Pulling your strands into a ponytail or a high bun causes tension on the scalp and could lead to hair thinning. Plus, your hair accessories matter—using elastics or metal clips that snag hair will only cause further damage.
8. Sleeping with Wet Hair
You might think sleeping with your hair in braids or a loose bun when it's still wet means you'll wake up to perfect curls, but this habit not only causes breakage and weakened strands, it can also lead to fungal infections. If you're dandruff-prone—and even if you're not—you'll definitely want to ensure your hair is nearly fully dry before you hit the hay.
9. Not Using SPF
Surprise, surprise: your hair and scalp need protection from the sun, too. If you don't wear SPF, UV rays could dry out your locks and fade color. Don't worry—this doesn't mean you'll have to slather greasy sunscreen all over your tresses. There are SPF mists made just for hair.
10. Heat-Styling Your Hair Every Day
Whether you're gelling up your hair or curling it into beachy waves every day, both styling products and tools can damage your locks. But heat is the main culprit—constantly exposing your tresses to high temperatures will fry healthy strands and lead to permanent damage. Try to limit heat-styling to twice a week, and use dry shampoo to avoid having to wash, style, and repeat.
Now that you know some of the top reasons for damaged hair, what are some ways to keep it healthy and shiny? Let's jump into 10 tips for luscious locks.
1. Pick the Right Shampoo & Conditioner
Not all shampoos and conditioners work for everyone. Just as you would choose the right serums and moisturizers that work for your specific skin type, you should also be choosing the right haircare products that are made for your specific hair type, texture, and porosity.
2. Using Hair Masks
For an even more nourishing treatment, use a hair mask. You should also refrain from washing out your conditioner or mask too early, or you won't get the full benefits from them. Aim to leave conditioner at least two to three minutes, and hair masks for at least 10 minutes or longer.
3. Getting Regular Haircuts
Even if you're on a mission to grow out your locks, it's still important to get regular trims and touchups. This will ensure you get rid of any damaged ends or breakages and helps to give your tresses good layering so they stay easy to care for and style.
4. Using SPF
Again, not using SPF on your hair is a rookie mistake. Your strands suffer from the sun's intense heat just the same as your skin, so it's crucial to mist your locks with a strong protectant. Even if you won't be lounging at the beach, it's still good to spray some SPF to build up the habit.
5. Using Heat Protectant
If you should be wearing SPF to protect your hair from the sun, then it's all the more obvious you should be spraying on heat protectants to avoid damage from styling tools. You also never style your locks when they're still wet—that could result in permanent damage.
6. Turn the Hot Water Down
We get it—we love steamy hot showers, too. But if you're regularly hosing your hair down with scalding water, you're opening up the cuticles further and making your locks more prone to breakage. Hot water also dehydrates your scalp and skin, which can exacerbate dandruff or psoriasis. When washing hair, treat it gently—and turn the temperature down.
7. Eat Healthy
Hair is made up of a protein called keratin, so you'll want to eat a protein-rich diet that's healthy, nutritious, and balanced. Eggs, fish, meat, veggies, seeds, and beans are all great for growing strong, luscious locks, so don't skip on these items during your trips to the grocer.
8. Be Gentle with Wet Hair
Instead of brushing your hair after showering or rubbing it dry with a towel, treat your locks with care and gentle hands. It'll help to work through your tresses before stepping into the bath, or to use a wide-tooth comb when it's damp. Avoid brushing from root to end—this stretches and breaks wet hair. As for drying, use a soft towel or t-shirt to pat and blot hair instead of vigorously rubbing.
9. Stay Hydrated
Just as you should eat healthy to maintain strong, shiny locks, you should also stay hydrated. Drink at least six to eight cups of water every day to prevent dryness and boost oil production in the scalp. Your skin and body will thank you for it.
10. Let Your Hair Breathe
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is to let your hair breathe. That might mean washing it less often, letting it air dry, or avoiding styling products and heat tools. Treat your locks with the same care as you do for your skin, and your mane will grow out strong, shiny, and healthy.
