Never Make These 7 Common Hair Mistakes

I think it’s pretty much a universal goal to have the healthiest hair you could possibly have, and while you may focus on doing certain things to make your hair healthier, you may not be paying as much attention to the things that you shouldn't do. There are a few things you should never do if you want healthy hair, and odds are, you're probably doing something on this list, so it might be time to reevaluate some of your hair habits.

You may use a deep conditioner or apply your coconut oil on the regs, and while those things are definitely beneficial, doing things that can harm your hair can undo all of that goodness. So basically, if you're committing any hair sins, the time and effort you put into doing things to better your hair's health may be all for naught. Womp womp.

But no worries, because there is no time like the present to make some changes. Instead of focusing on what you can do to better your hair, you might want to focus on some things that you should never be doing. And if you're doing any of the following seven things — they could be detrimental to your hair's health.

1. Using Heat Everyday

Obviously, heat damages your hair and it would be best if you never used it, but no one expects you to swear off heat for good. To preserve your hair health, it's best to give yourself a day or two off of heat, and not turn on the hot tools every single day.

2. Skipping Your Heat Protectant

Frizz Ease Heat Protectant; $7.66; walmart.com

If you are going to use heat, then make sure you use a heat protectant to help mitigate the damage.

3. Flat Ironing/Curling Wet Or Damp Hair

If you are impatient waiting for your hair to dry naturally and turn on your flat iron to try and get those damp curls straight — stop that habit, ASAP. Ironing your hair when it's not fully dry can cause it to steam and sizzle, leaving your hair cracked and split.

4. Tying Your Ponytail Too Tight

If your go-to is a ponytail on those days when you're avoiding heat, just be careful you aren't tying it too high or too tight. Taught elastic can cause breakage, so instead, choose a scrunchie, tie it loosely, or better yet, choose a style like a low ponytail or bun to avoid risks of breakage altogether.

5. Skipping Conditioner

L'Oreal Leave-In Conditioning Spray; $7.42; walmart.com

If your hair is on the fine or thinner side, you may be tempted to skip conditioner to avoid it feeling heavy, weighed down, or getting dirty too quickly, but you're at risk for drying your hair out. If you really don't want to use conditioner, then choose a lighter option, like a conditioner spray

6. Doing Too Many Chemical Procedures

As a girl who gets highlights, I have no room to tell anyone not to color their hair, but anytime you undergo a chemical procedure, you're putting your hairs health at risk, so try and just choose one procedure. For example, if you color your hair, don't also chemically straighten it. Or if you get highlights, try and wait as long as you can in between appointments. Balayage is a technique that allows for a more natural grow out, so you can go a few months in between appointments, instead of a few weeks.

7. Brushing From The Root

While there's been debate about whether you should brush your hair at all or not, if you do, make sure you're brushing properly. Brushing from the root can cause breakage, so instead, grab your hair a few inches from the bottom, brush down, and gradually work your way up your hair until you get to your root.

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