9 Haircare Mistakes That Make Shampoos, Balms, and Masks Useless
Washing hair is seemingly a very simple process that we do every day, so it shouldn’t be hard or require any special knowledge. However, there are a lot of little but very important things that only a few people know about.
Bright Side will tell you why even the most expensive hair products can’t guarantee the right hair care. And at the end of the article, there is a bonus about things you should never do to your hair.
1. You choose the wrong hair care products.
Shampoo needs to be chosen in accordance with skin type, hair type, and hair structure in mind. If you have an oily scalp, don’t buy heavy shampoos that contain aggressive substances. They dry the scalp and increase the production of sebum. Nurturing and moisturizing shampoos wash off the color from dyed hair faster. So, if you want to keep your color for a longer time, choose a shampoo for colored hair.
2. You use hair care interchangeably.
Many people believe that a hair balm can be replaced with a hair mask. They think that this method will help dull and weak hair to recover. In reality, this is not true. The point of a balm is to cover the hair cuticle, and the point of a mask is to nurture hair. Using a mask instead of a balm may lead to overloading your hair with product and it may become even duller and dirtier.
3. You have very high hopes for shampoos.
The main task of a shampoo is to wash. Not moisturizing, not nurturing, not increasing hair growth, but washing off the hair oils. The only exception is curing shampoos, but they can only be prescribed by a doctor.
4. You don’t use thermal protection.
If you like using hairdryers and irons, don’t forget about thermal protection. Good thermal protection will keep your hair safe and make the process of styling easier. The most important thing is to remember that cream protection is good for irons, dryers, and curling. And spray protection can is only good for drying hair.
5. You put a mask or a balm on very wet hair
Before you put a mask or a balm on your hair, you should remove most of the extra moisture. The thing is, water is a barrier between the hair and the mask. Of course, the hair will be soft and shiny but it won’t get all the nutrients from the mask. Don’t rub your hair, just gently dry it, and wrap it in a towel for a few minutes.
6. You’re scared of silicone.
Silicone is not as scary as you might think. It can even be useful. If you have curly or damaged hair, silicone-based products can be very good for you. They simplify combing, protect it from damage, and prevent hair from getting dried out. Don’t forget about washing your scalp and hair with a special shampoo.
7. You don’t use deep cleaning shampoo.
This is exactly the type of shampoo you need to wash your hair with if you use silicone-based products. Deep cleaning shampoo contains chemicals that break down dirt and oil.
Deep cleaning shampoo is good for those who have an oily scalp and who often use silicone and gels. After using a deep cleaning shampoo, you should always use a balm or a mask. Don’t forget that such shampoos wash off hair dye and dry the scalp. Don’t use it more than once a month.
8. You hope that a good mask can save your hair.
Of course, good masks can do amazing things. But don’t get your hopes too high. Split ends or damaged hair can’t be saved by any product. You can only have it cut and wait for it to grow. Masks only provide a visual effect.
9. You don’t use sun protection.
Our hair, just like our skin, needs UV protection in the summer. UV light makes hair dry, fragile, dull, and renders it unable to recover in a natural way. Unfortunately, hats can’t protect your hair. So, use different sprays and masks with SPF.
Bonus: things that harm your hair
- Hair sprays. They make your hair weigh so much that it can go limp. If you want to keep the volume, don’t use hair spray.
- Wrapping it in a towel. Many women wrap their hair in a towel after taking a shower. This is a really bad idea. Wet hair is weaker and can get pulled with the towel which may lead to hair loss.
- Tight ponytails. Tight ponytails have the same effect as a towel. They are convenient, especially in windy weather, but very bad for your hair if you wear them often.
Do you know about any other haircare mistakes? Tell us in the comment section below!
Illustrated by Astkhik Rakimova for BrightSide.me
