Many of us can easily rattle off a few good tips on how to protect your skin from signs of aging, like wear sunscreen daily, drink lots of water, and consider a topical like retinol to increase cell turnover and boost collagen production. But, as Hair Expert the “Blowout Professor” explains in a popular video, we don’t always know that hair always needs protection from aging.
Many of us are making hair mistakes that “age you faster” and we may not even realize it. These are some of the biggest mistakes that can keep us from looking our best and what to do instead to stay looking “young.”
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1. Not Knowing How to Part Your Hair
Your hair part may benefit from a little change as you age. If you’ve been parting it in the center, for example, but are experiencing more thinning and shedding that shows up first at your crown, it can make a big difference to simply start parting your hair to the side instead. Never feel committed to one way of wearing your hair.
2. Using Cheap Hair Products
More isn’t better when it comes to the products that you use on your hair. Using a number of cheap shampoos, conditioners, serums, and styling products may just introduce your hair to inferior ingredients. Try swapping all of your products for just a few, high-quality ones that are designed for your hair type and needs.
3. Detangling With Combs
Old-school combs used to be the only tool used when detangling hair, but many can pull on strands and lead to breakage. Swap a comb for a great detangling brush that has gentle bristles and can be used on wet hair.
4. Not Using a Microfiber Towel to Dry Hair
Every time you emerge from the shower and wrap your wet hair in a cotton towel, you create unnecessary friction on your hair and put it at risk of breakage. It is instead recommended that you use a highly absorbent microfiber towel, which will remove water well and do so gently to protect your strands.
5. Not Protecting Your Hair Against Sun Damage
Sun damage can lead to dull hair that’s stripped of its color and becomes more dry and brittle. Always protect your hair against sun and heat damage from styling tools with a heat-protectant spray before you expose it to heat and UV rays.
6. Not Moisturizing Hair Enough
Even if you regularly condition your hair after you shampoo it, that may not be enough to give your strands the hydration they need, especially if you have dry or damaged hair. Invest in a quality leave-in conditioner that you apply after washing your hair. This conditioner type will continue to deliver hydration over a longer period of time.
7. Following Every Hair Hack and Trend
TikTok hair hacks and trends come and go. Some are fun; others are damaging — knowing the difference is key to ensuring you don’t ruin your hair. If a hack or trend seems a little too out there or is providing strange advice, think twice before jumping on board.
8. Not Exploring Thinning Hair Options
Thinning hair can be stressful. You don’t have to take it sitting down, though. Explore options for thinning hair like toppers that can make hair look denser at the crown.
