6 Things You Don’t Know Are Completely Ruining Your Hair

When it comes to making your hair longer, stronger and shinier, your first inclination is likely to load it up with masks, oils and vitamins. However, unless you also stop certain harmful behaviors, your mane may not reap the intended benefits (didn’t see that one coming, did you?). While heat styling is clearly a strain on your locks, other less-obvious rituals can be too—using the wrong brush, for example. Here, we investigate the ways in which you’re damaging your hair every day, and the much-needed solutions. Now all your good work won’t be in vain.

Don't Make These Hair Mistakes

Using The Wrong Brush

If you use the same brush for everything—from teasing to detangling wet hair—it's time to invest in a new one. Pick up a brush with flexible bristles that's gentle on wet hair to prevent breakage and split ends.

Shampooing Too Often

Washing too often can weaken the hair shafts causing them to split or break. Learn to embrace second-day and even third-day hair. Remember to break out the dry shampoo and hair perfume and no one will know the difference.

Rubbing Hair With A Wet Towel

Rubbing your hair with a wet bath towel can be too rough on the cuticle, which causes locks to look frizzy and can lead to breakage. Instead, blot to remove moisture. A super-absorbent hair towel is a good investment for those with thick hair.

Not Wearing Sunscreen

Your skin isn't the only part of your body that can be damaged by the sun. Protect your locks from the elements with a floppy hat, headscarf or a leave-in cream that guards against harmful UV rays.

Not Trimming Your Hair

It seems obvious that you'd avoid a haircut when you're trying to grow it out. As it turns out, that's the worst thing you can do. Not trimming split ends results in dramatic breaks and brittle hair.

Not Using Blow-Dry Attachments

You've seen it: the flat attachment that comes with your blow-dryer. It's called a concentrator and you should be using it every time you turn on the heat. The front end of your dryer has metal prongs that can burn hair on contact. The concentrator protects strands from damage.