Hair will naturally thin out and look dull with age, but there are steps that anyone can take to stop or even reverse this problem. These are the most common mistakes that are made, but the good news is that they are easily fixable to bring your hair new life.
1. Too Much Conditioner
The ends of the hair are the only parts that truly need conditioner. Start with a dime sized amount and dispel it through the hair. When needed, up the amount, but never apply more amount than the size of a quarter. This will benefit your hair and your wallet – using less product every time you wash will prolong the life of a bottle of conditioner.
2. Sun Damage
Sun damage can lead to a dry and itchy scalp as well as battered hair. The good news is that a sun damaged or dry scalp can be repaired. Try to resist itching if you are dealing with irritation, and try a white vinegar rinse in the shower. This will help get rid of the residue and will relieve the irritation. Dandruff relief shampoos will also help with itching. Specialty repairing shampoos and conditioners aim to repair the hair and scalp after exposure to the sun. To prevent the damage, consider wearing a hat when outdoors for a long period of time.
3. Washing Every Day
In general, hair should be washed only as often as needed, which is every 2 to 3 days. Any more frequently than this and the hair is stripped of its natural oils that help to protect it and keep it shiny. Over washing will also quickly dull dyed hair. If working out keeps you washing your hair daily, try rinsing with water only and then conditioning the hair ends. Dry shampoos are widely available through many retailers, even made in shades to match most hair colors.
4. Using Too Much Heat When Styling
Many modern styling tools now come with adjustable heat settings, and your own setting will depend on the type of hair that you have. It is recommended to start at 300 degrees and only gradually increase the heat, if you are not seeing the desired results. And remember, do not ever use hot tools on hair that is wet, and always use a heat protectant product.
5. Brushing Hair When Wet
Strands of hair are much weaker when they are wet, and one of the biggest mistakes to make is forcing a brush through it. Try to brush your hair before getting in the shower to untangle knots. Consider using a wide-tooth comb while in the shower to work the conditioner in and remove knots from the ends up to the roots.
6. The Wrong Type of Shampoo
Cleansing agents in shampoos, like sulfates, have gained popularity. Though there are no health hazards that come from them, these chemicals do have a tendency to dry out skin, hair, and the scalp while stripping away color. Sulfate-free shampoos will help with frizziness, split ends, and tangling.
7. Avoiding Haircuts
The average length of time to go between trims is about 3 months. Even if you are trying to grow your hair out, when you begin seeing split ends, you should opt for a trim. Damage will continue up the shaft and eventually necessitate a cut of more length than you may want.
8. Too Many Chemical Treatments
On an average, you should only be getting about 2 treatments per year, not including coloring. Not only can they harm your hair if used too often, it is not healthy to breathe them in regularly. The more frequently a process like relaxing is done, the more prone the hair will be to breaking.
