If having healthy hair is important to you, you’ll need to take the right steps to keep it in good condition by nurturing it with the right products. Unfortunately, some of the things you do to your hair can cause damage to it. The level of damage will depend on the amount of stress you’re putting your hair through by using different chemicals and styling products.
Using Bleach
Many people with darker hair like the idea of going lighter, which typically involves using bleach to achieve the perfect color. However, bleach is a strong chemical that causes damage to the strands, leaving them far more brittle than before. When your hair is bleached, you’re more likely to end up with split ends and you’ll need to trim those dead ends more often.
If you absolutely don’t want to have dark hair, make sure you’re going to a salon to have your hair bleached instead of trying to do it on your own at home. The stylist knows what he or she is doing and will be able to lift your hair to the proper level using the right products. While the stylist will still need to use bleach, he or she will know the right amount of developer to use with it to lift color without causing too much damage. The stylist may even recommend different products for you to use to keep hair hydrated and as healthy as you can after it’s bleached.
Dying Your Hair Different Colors
Bleach can damage your hair but dying the hair other colors can cause damage as well. The chemicals you’re putting on your hair to deposit different colors, such as red, brown, and black, can dry out your strands and cause breakage to occur. If you’re going to change the color of your hair, it’s best to do so at a salon. However, if you’re working with a budget, choosing the right type of hair dye is crucial.
When selecting a dye for your hair, consider an ammonia-free option or a semi-permanent vegan-based hair dye. While the color may not last as long as the permanent hair dye options, you’ll still be able to change your look and enjoy new color without causing nearly as much damage to your beautiful hair.
Using a Flat Iron and Other Hot Styling Tools
The hot styling tools you use regularly cause damage to your hair because the heat from these products dry out strands, leading to breakage and split ends. If you don’t want to part with the flat iron, curling iron, or any other hot styling tools, there are a few things you should do. Before you start straightening or curling your hair, spray the hair down with a thermal protectant spray. Try to make an effort not to curl or straighten on a daily basis.
Straightening or curling once a week is much better than using those styling tools on your hair each day. It may be easier for you to preserve the style you’ve achieved using these tools by wrapping your hair up at night or using a silk bonnet while you’re sleeping. Not only does the silk bonnet come in handy when you’re trying to maintain your style, the silk material is great for the hair and may help to eliminate a lot of frizz.
Brushing Your Hair When It’s Still Wet
When you’re just getting out of the shower and your hair is wet, it’s a lot more fragile than it is when it’s dry, so it’s never a good idea to start brushing your wet hair. Even if you’re pressed for time and trying to get knots out as quickly as you can, use your fingers to get through any knots while your hair is still wet. If you have the extra time, you may want to use the blow dryer to dry your hair before brushing or combing it and then styling it.
Styling Your Hair in Tight Ponytails or Buns
Do you often pull your hair back into a tight ponytail or bun? While this may be your signature style, you should consider letting your hair loose more often, leaving it down to avoid causing too much stress to your strands. Pulling your hair too tightly can cause strands to come right out from the root, leading to hair loss at the front of your head. If you don’t want to leave your hair out because you want to have it out of your face while you’re at work or school, consider trying some loose styles, such as a loose French braid.
The hair you lose from pulling your hair too tight could cause permanent damage. Some of the hair may never grow back in, which may cause you to feel frustrated, sad, and embarrassed. No ponytail is worth the stress, so simply try wearing your hair out more often or don’t wear styles that are too tight.
Not Using a Deep Conditioner
If you’re not using a deep conditioner, you’re not providing as much protection to your hair as you could be. The purpose of deep conditioner is to moisturize the strands, protect hair from damage, and improve the overall texture of the hair. After using the best hair serum, your hair should look and feel smoother and healthier. If you continue to use a good deep conditioning product, you may be able to prevent some damage from occurring.
There are certain things you’re doing that may cause some damage to your hair. If you’d like to properly maintain your hair and keep it in the best condition, you’ll need to be careful with what you’re doing to it. If you’re going to bleach or dye the hair, consider getting it done at a salon by a professional. If you can’t afford to get your hair done at a salon, choose the right hair dye products that are a bit gentler.
Always use a heat protectant spray before using hot styling tools, never brush your hair when it’s still wet, avoid pulling your hair back too tight, and start using a deep conditioner if you want to prevent damage. Following the right steps could help you protect your hair and avoid a lot of damage.
