An Expert Reveals the 7 Biggest Haircare Mistakes You Can Make
Main Image – Bratco/Stocksy
Caring for your hair seems like a pretty straightforward process on the surface. Wash, style and go – right? But there are actually lots of mistakes you can make in between when it comes to looking after your hair, sometimes without even realising it.
From using the wrong products for your skin type (because your scalp is skin) to not tying it up correctly, imagine how many more good hair days you’d have if you were to right your wrongs.
Here, Kate Ross shares the 7 most common hair care mistakes she sees as a hair and beauty specialist, as well as some handy tips on how to do things differently.
1. Overwashing the hair
Surely there is no such thing as being too clean? Ross disagrees. “Washing the hair too often strips away natural oils that keep your hair healthy and moisturized which can lead to dryness and breakage,” she explains. “Wash the hair 2-3 times a week instead of daily. Use a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo and a good hair mask for hydration.” Tresemme Nourish Coconut Hydrating Mask with Coconut Oil & Aloe Vera (£6.99) is easy on the hair, as well as the purse strings.
Image – amixstudio/Adobe
2. Using too much heat without protection
Did you have a feeling this one might come up? We’ve all been guilty of it at some point when in a hurry. “Heat styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners can harm the hair cuticles, resulting in split ends and brittleness,” says Ross. “Always apply a heat protectant spray or serum before using heat tools. Whenever possible, let your hair air-dry and embrace natural styles to reduce heat exposure.” Bumble & bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Hair Primer Leave-In Conditioner (£21/$16) is a great hair guard.
3. Brushing wet hair aggressively
“Wet hair is more fragile and prone to breakage, so aggressive brushing can cause strands to snap,” Ross explains. So how can you do it but still brush it thoroughly? “Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to gently work through knots, starting at the ends. Applying a leave-in conditioner can also make detangling easier.” I like Hair Rehab LDN Eco-Friendly Wide Tooth Comb (£5.99) as it doesn’t pull painfully on tangles.
4. Skipping regular trims
If you ever experienced uncharacteristically frizzy ends it’s probably because you haven’t been getting your hair trimmed frequently enough. “This can lead to unhealthy-looking hair as avoiding haircuts or ends trimming allows split ends to travel up the hair shaft, which causes even more breakage,” Ross says. But how frequent is frequent? “Get a trim every six to eight weeks to help remove split ends and keep your hair looking fresh and healthy.”
5. Using the wrong products for your hair type
The same applies in hair care as it does in skincare – it’s pointless spending a fortune on products that aren’t right for your hair type as you won’t be able to get the most out of them. “For example, if your hair is fine but you’re using heavy products meant for thick hair, it can weigh your hair down and make it look flat,” Ross adds.
Curly hair? “Look for products that provide moisture and definition, like sulphate-free shampoos, leave-in conditioners, and curl creams to keep your curls hydrated and frizz-free,” she suggests.
If you have fine hair, “use lightweight products and avoid heavy creams or oils that can weigh your hair down. Instead, opt for volumizing shampoos, conditioners, and styling products that add lift without buildup.”
And for oily hair, “go for clarifying shampoos that help control excess oil and keep your scalp clean,” she says. “Avoid overly rich conditioners and focus on lightweight, oil-free formulas to keep your hair fresh without adding more grease.”
Image – Fotoduets/Adobe
6. Wearing tight hairstyles
It might look good but wearing styles with a lot of tension frequently can damage your hair – who knew? “Super tight ponytails or buns, especially when worn daily, can cause breakage, hair thinning, and damage to your hairline (also known as traction alopecia),” Ross warns. “The constant pulling weakens the hair follicles and can cause long-term damage if not addressed.”
So which styles should we go for? “Try looser hairstyles more often to give your hair and scalp a break,” she suggests. “Look for gentle, looser updos like low ponytails, braids, or a loose bun to reduce tension. It’s also a good idea to let your hair down regularly to allow your scalp to breathe and reduce pressure on the follicles. Use soft, gentle silk hair ties like scrunchies or coil bands that don’t pull on the hair as much as traditional elastics. You can also switch up your hairstyle frequently to avoid repeatedly stressing the same areas.”
7. Neglecting scalp health
“A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair so ignoring scalp issues can lead to dandruff, irritation, and hinder hair growth,” she explains. “Keep your scalp clean and exfoliated by using shampoos with ingredients like tea tree oil or salicylic acid if you have dandruff or buildup. Regular scalp massages can also promote circulation and support hair growth too.”
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment (£15/$16) is good for relieving itchiness and dandruff.
The takeaway
How many of those do you do that you didn’t realise might be damaging your hair? OK don’t answer that. But do take the expert advice and try to make the recommended tweaks.
For example, if you use heated appliances, invest in a good heat protector. If you like to wear your hair up, be mindful of how tight you tie it. Or if you’re someone who forgets to call the salon to book in for a trim, make your next appointment as you’re leaving your last one. It might seem a bit hasty, but your hair will be healthier for it.
Meet the expert
Kate Ross is hair and beauty specialist at Irresistible Me, a renowned brand known for its premium human hair extensions and wigs. With a deep passion for the beauty industry and an eye for the latest trends.
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