Beauty mistakes happen all the time — wearing the wrong shade of foundation, getting lipstick on your teeth. But when they happen to your hair, they can sometimes result in more drastic outcomes, like thinning and breakage. Knowing the mistakes to avoid can help you achieve healthier, silkier hair. And it’s not as difficult as you might think: simply by swapping some of your hair habits for others you can be well on your way. According to hair experts, these are the hair care mistakes that almost always lead to thinning hair and breakage.
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Mistake #1: Overuse of heat styling tools
We all love the sleek and polished look that heat styling tools provide, but using them too frequently or at high temperatures can cause hair breakage, according to Swarnali Ghosh, an expert in hair health who co-founded Awe.Hair. “The heat weakens the hair's protein structure, leading to hair becoming brittle and prone to breakage,” Ghosh says.
More specifically, the hair mistakes that can lead to breakage are overuse of thermal stylers like curling irons, wands and flat irons, notes Christine Howell, Zotos Professional Regional Education Manager. “These tend to be used at high heat settings which can literally melt the hair structure and cause breakage,” Howell says.
To minimize damage, Ghosh advises trying to limit the use of heat styling tools and always using a heat protectant spray. “When you do use them, use the lowest effective heat setting for your hair type,” Ghosh adds.
Mistake #2: Harsh chemical treatments
“Chemical treatments like hair coloring, perming, and relaxing can also damage the hair structure,” Ghosh says. “These processes alter the hair's natural chemical composition, leading to weakened hair strands that are more susceptible to breakage and thinning.”
Examples of chemical treatments that can cause the most damage include bleaching your hair, perms, and chemical straighteners. “Consult with your hairstylist to find gentler alternatives to harsh chemical treatments or extend the time between touch-ups,” Ghosh says.
Mistake #3: Tight hairstyles
Constantly wearing tight hairstyles, like ponytails, braids, or buns, puts excessive tension on the hair shaft, Ghosh says. “Over time, this tension can weaken the hair and even damage the hair follicle, leading to hair thinning and breakage. Give your hair a break by wearing looser hairstyles that don't put excessive tension on your hair.”
Don’t forget: add moisture back in
As important as it is to avoid hair care mistakes, it’s equally beneficial to choose products that add moisture back in so that damaged strands are conditioned and nourished.
“Use hair care products specifically designed to repair and nourish damaged hair,” Ghosh says. “Look for ingredients like keratin, argan oil, and panthenol that help restore moisture, strengthen the hair, and protect it from further damage.
Being aware of the common hair care mistakes that can lead to breakage and thinning is the first step in maintaining healthy, gorgeous locks. By making a few changes to your hair care routine and giving your hair the TLC it deserves, you'll be well on your way to overcoming these issues and enjoying the luscious, healthy hair you've always dreamed of.”
