How You're Ruining Your Hair Without Knowing

I'm sorry to be the one to break it to you, but if you're brushing your hair one hundred times a day in hopes of getting shiny, bouncy locks, you're actually causing split ends. In a piece with Newswire, board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California Paradi Mirmirani spoke about how hair styling can be the source of hair damage and hair loss, and, basically, hair: We're doing it wrong.

Dr. Mimirani compiled a list of all the things women do to their hair that ultimately winds up causing more harm than good. Many of his suggestions, like avoiding daily use of flat irons, are things we've all heard before, but he does have some new tips.

1. Most people should handle wet hair as little as possible as wet hair breaks more easily when combed or brushed. However, people with tightly curled or textured hair should brush their hair when wet to decrease the chances of hair breakage.

2. Reduce the use of “long-lasting hold” styling products.

3. Do not continuously wear braids, cornrows, ponytails and hair extensions. These styles pull on the hair and can cause tension that leads to breakage. If the tension continues, permanent hair loss can develop.

My mom has actually been telling me that last one for as long as I can remember, and I always just thought she was lying.

Of course, it's difficult to follow all these steps. I think the takeaway from Dr. Mirmirani's list is to be conscious of what you're doing to your hair. If you notice an increase in split ends or breakage, take a look at your hair routine and figure out what the culprit might be.