FOR as long as we can remember, we’ve heard the same things about looking after our hair.
Whether we’re being told that trimming our hair regularly will cause our locks to grow faster, or that we should use the same shampoo every time we step into the shower, we thought we had it figured out.
However, now a top hair pro has shared the seven common mistakes people are making that could be damaging their do – as well as the hair myths that are totally untrue.
And there’s some surprising ones included, from swapping up our shampoo regularly to avoiding tying it up whenever possible.
Sophie Miller, a beauty expert at Booking Agent Info, filled Fabulous in on the practices we’ve been following that could well be doing more harm than good.
And she says by correcting these seven big hair wrongs, you’ll be on your way to achieving your healthiest locks yet.
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MISTAKE ONE: WEARING A PONYTAIL
9When you can’t be bothered to wash your hair, or only have time for dry shampoo, a ponytail may seem like the best option.
But Sophie says they can actually wreak havoc on not only your hair, but also your scalp.
She explains: “Some advice will tell you to keep your hair in high ponytails to promote growth, but this is false.
“Save the slick and tight ponytails for special occasions to give your hair a chance to breathe and recover.”
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MISTAKE TWO: ALWAYS USING THE SAME SHAMPOO
9Once you’ve found a shampoo that suits your hair and routine, it’s hard to part with it.
However, the expert reveals it’s something you should be mixing up regularly – especially when it comes to different seasons.
She says: “Just like us, our hair care routines will often adapt to the seasons or hormonal changes, styling products and more.
“For instance, you could have a clarifying shampoo for occasional deep cleansing, a moisturising shampoo for a boost of hydration.
“Staying loyal to the proverbial soil might mean that you're depriving your strands of much needed nutrients.”
MISTAKE THREE: TRIMMING YOUR HAIR TO MAKE IT GROW QUICKER
How many times have you heard that booking in for a trim will take off your dead ends and help your locks to grow?
Well, Sophie says this is a total hair myth – and one that needs correcting.
She points out: “Regular trims are essential for maintaining healthy hair and preventing split ends, but don’t directly affect the rate of hair growth.
“Hair growth happens at scalp level, so head massages are more likely to encourage the circulation needed for healthy strands to grow.”
MISTAKE FOUR: BRUSHING YOUR HAIR TOO MUCH
While it’s important to keep your hair tangle free, it shouldn’t be at the expense of its general health.
In fact, the expert says it’s definitely a case of less is more, despite what you may be used to.
Sophie explains: “TExcessive brushing can stimulate the production of sebum, giving hair a greasy and dull look.
“Be kind to your hair – brush when needed and apply the correct products in order to detangle without breakage.
“It will reward you with a healthy and shiny appearance.”
MISTAKE FIVE: RELYING TOO HEAVILY ON CONDITIONER
We all know how nice it is to look in the mirror and see super shiny locks staring back at you thanks to your new conditioner.
But the beauty pro says that conditioner isn’t the only product you should be reaching for when you’re in the shower.
In fact, that step of washing your hair can easily be replaced by another, more effective product..
The expert recommends: “Look for masks with ingredients like shea butter, argan oil or keratin to revitalise your hair and restore its natural shine.”
MISTAKE SIX: DYEING YOUR HAIR TOO QUICKLY
It’s a well-known fact that dyeing your hair can be harsh for your hair – especially when it comes to bleaching.
But many people are so keen to change the colour of their locks that they dive straight in, despite knowing the risks.
So Sophie says while it’s fine to dye your hair, it’s important to do so gradually.
She explains: “Bleaching requires stripping away natural pigments from your hair, which can make it weak and prone to breakage.
“Regular deep conditioning treatments can help to keep your bleached hair nourished and healthy, so as long as you’re being sensible and patient, it’s perfectly fine.”
MISTAKE SEVEN: THINKING HAIR PROTECT SPRAY IS ENOUGH ON ITS OWN
It goes without saying that styling your hair with heated products, like straighteners, curlers or even a blow dryer can have long term effects.
And while Sophie says you can “shield your hair from excessive damage by using a heat protectant,” there’s also an important step many people overlook.
She concludes: “You can also use your styling tools at lower heat settings.
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“If you have the right tools and the right protectors, there’s nothing wrong with using heated stylers for your haircare.”
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