If you’ve been wondering why your hair won’t grow, feels dry, or just isn’t looking its best, you might be making some of these common hair care mistakes—and you’re not alone! Almost everyone, at some point, has done at least one of these things (myself included) without realizing how much damage they’re causing. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Today, we’re breaking down these mistakes AND how to fix them so your hair can actually thrive. Let’s get into it!
This blog post is all about hair care mistakes to stop doing!
Here is the video if you would rather watch the hair care mistakes and how to fix them:
1. Thinking ‘Less Hot’ Hot Tools Are Better
People think that if they buy an expensive ‘safe hot tool,’ their hair won’t get damaged. But here’s the truth—365 degrees is still freakin’ hot. If you’re not using a heat protectant, it doesn’t matter how ‘safe’ your tool claims to be—it will damage your hair. Heat is heat.
Instead of falling for marketing gimmicks, just use a heat protectant! Some great options are Living Proof, TRESemmé, Dae, and Beachwaver. These will help repair damaged hair and protect it from further breakage.
2. Not Using Heat Styling Strategically
Heat styling can actually HELP your hair last longer between washes—IF you use it correctly. Try a 3-day break cycle: style on Monday, skip Tuesday and Wednesday, then heat style again on Thursday. This way, your hair stays looking good without excessive damage.
Some hair types need heat to look their best—frizzy hair needs heat to smooth it out, and fine hair benefits from heat for volume. You can still use heat and have healthy hair if you do it right!
3. Using the Wrong Hair Ties
If you’re still using those old-school black elastics (especially the ones with metal rings), they’re wrecking your hair! Instead, stock up on these options:
- Nylon hair ties (Amazon, Kitsch)
- Spiral ties (Invisibobble, Teleties)
- Silk/satin scrunchies (Slip and more affordable Amazon options)
These alternatives are gentler and help prevent breakage.
4. Shampooing Incorrectly
Shampoo only goes on your scalp—never your ends! Overwashing your ends dries them out, making them prone to breakage. The natural rinse-down of shampoo is enough to clean the length of your hair. Proper washing is a crucial part of any hair growth routine.
5. Avoiding Silicones Completely
Silicones aren’t the enemy! They create a protective layer around your hair, preventing damage and making detangling easier. They don’t build up as much as people think. If your hair constantly snags on clothes or rough fabrics, silicones can help smooth it out and protect it.
6. Thinking Sulfates Are Always Bad
Sulfates clean your scalp effectively, but they can be too harsh for some hair types. If your hair feels stripped, try a sulfate-free shampoo. But if you have an oily scalp or use lots of products, sulfates might actually be your best friend! If sulfates dry out your ends, use a thick mask to hydrate them.
7. Skipping Repair After Coloring
If you bleach or dye your hair, you NEED to repair it afterward. Use a bond repair treatment for bleached hair and a thick hair mask after color treatments. Regular conditioner might not be enough—some hair types thrive with a mask instead.
8. Slicking Back Wet Hair
Wet hair is fragile because the hydrogen bonds are weakened. Pulling it back tightly while wet can cause breakage. If you love sleek styles, do them on dry hair and use styling products like gel or styling creams instead of pulling too hard.
9. Drying Hair With a Regular Towel
Rubbing your hair with a regular towel creates friction, causing breakage and tangles. Instead:
- Use a microfiber towel or hair turban (Aquis, Crown Affair)
- Gently squeeze out excess water instead of wringing your hair
Your hair will be much healthier if you make this simple switch!
10. Using a Wide-Tooth Comb on Wet Hair
Wide-tooth combs don’t flex with your hair, leading to breakage. A flexible detangling brush bends with your hair, preventing snags. The best options include:
- Wet Brush
- Boar bristle brushes without little balls on the ends (Drybar, Crown Affair)
Yes, these brushes are pricier, but if taken care of properly, they should last you a lifetime!
11. Not Washing Your Brushes
Your hairbrush collects oil, product, and dust—just like a makeup brush! If you never clean it, you’re brushing all that gunk back into your fresh hair. Regularly remove hair from your brush, wash it with dish soap or shampoo, and let it dry face down.
12. Detangling Without Product
Brushing dry, tangled hair without any product? Big mistake! A leave-in conditioner provides slip, making detangling so much easier. Some great leave-in options:
Spray it in sections before detangling to prevent unnecessary breakage.
13. Not Using a Shower Cap
If you don’t wash your hair daily but skip the shower cap, you’re exposing it to humidity, which causes frizz and makes it dirty faster. A terry cloth-lined shower cap absorbs moisture and protects your style—a total game changer!
Example of a shower cap I’m referring to
14. Misusing Products
Using too much or too little product can ruin your hair routine. Common mistakes include:
- Applying too much conditioner at the roots (causes buildup)
- Using dry shampoo incorrectly (apply at night for best results)
- Skipping scalp treatments (healthy hair starts at the scalp!)
Always research before you use a product. Just do a Google Search or look at YouTube and even the brand website so you don’t waste your time or money on products because you aren’t using them right.
15. Misusing Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can be amazing for preventing damage, but only if you use it right! Apply it to your ends BEFORE washing to reduce swelling, or use a lighter formulation after washing. But NEVER put it on your scalp—it can clog your pores.
Some of my favorite coconut oil products formulated FOR HAIR:
16. Using Too Many Products
You probably have a product graveyard under your sink. We all do. But honestly, less is more! You don’t need a 10 step hair care system to have healthy hair.
I average 6 products for my healthy hair care routine: Shampoo, Conditioner/mask (some times a bond repair leave in), leave in conditioner, oil, and scalp serum. I do get set products to try but that’s different. I sometimes I will play with scalp oils but I don’t have a dry scalp so I don’t really need to do it.
Stick to what your hair actually needs instead of chasing every new trend. Simple will save your hair AND your wallet.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these hair care mistakes can make a huge difference in your hair’s health, helping you repair damaged hair and support hair growth. Making small adjustments—like using the right products, washing correctly, and being mindful of heat styling—can help your hair thrive.
✨ What mistake surprised you the most? Let me know in the comments!
XO, Annie
