5 Causes of Hair Damage
Does your hair always seem to stay damaged, even though you are doing everything you possibly can to make it healthier? Well, there are some things that you may not even know are causing hair damage, and I’d like to share five of them with you…
1. COTTON PILLOWCASES
This totally makes sense when you think about it. When you use a pillow at night, you are laying your head on it and maybe even tossing and turning. A cotton pillowcase is rougher in nature and will create friction between your head and the pillow. It also pulls moisture from your hair (AND skin!).
This can cause hair damage while you aren’t even awake.
If you want to avoid breakage, you should look into using a satin or silk pillowcase, (I prefer satin) which will allow your head to slide across easily. I like THIS one and THIS one.
This will also allow your hair to hold its style for longer, and prevent bed head in the morning.
2. HARD WATER
Many towns have extremely hard water and/or well water, and I’ve heard many, many people talk about its devastating effect on hair. (hard water is defined as water with a high mineral content)
The abundance of minerals makes it hard for you to get a good lather while washing your hair, and it can also cause buildup that may lead to breakage. The effect is discoloration, straw-like dry hair and/or hair covered with film.
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to fight hard water:
Water softeners do seem to help, although it can cause its own problems. Water softeners work by replacing the harsh minerals with salt, which may not be the best thing for your hair. Either way, soft water is still better than hard water when combating hair damage.
A shower head filter is a great option. A universal shower filter with REMOVABLE, replaceable multi stage filter dramatically reduces harmful Chlorine, dirt, and minerals that really dry out and discolor your hair.
You can rinse your hair with white vinegar at the end of your shower to get rid of any nasty build up. People swear that this method works wonders. (not really practical for every day)
The best option is to look for shampoo to work into your routine that is formulated to combat hard water problems. Living Proof Clarifying Detox Shampoo is known to work wonders with hard water. Just remember that this will dry your hair out if you use it every day, so use it sparingly. (Like 2-3x a month)and BE SURE to use a conditioner or hydrating mask after!
One last suggestion is Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Collection It has shampoo, conditioner and packets.
3. HAIRSPRAY AND HOT TOOLS
I’m pretty sure that most people know that flat-ironing your hair causes hair damage and discoloration. Curling irons not as much… However, most people forget that hairspray usually contains alcohol. When applying heat to the alcohol, you dry your hair out even more and can cause static.
The best way to combat this is to use a heat protectant spray that is meant to be used with hot tools, and don’t use hair spray until after using hot tools.
4. TOO MUCH PRODUCT
While it may seem like a good idea to smother your hair with good hair products, too much product can lead to breakage. The more product that you put on your hair, the more it can build up on your hair. When enough buildup occurs, the hair may become hard and brittle and may even snap off.
5. PONYTAILS
There are a few factors of wearing ponytails that are damaging your hair:
If you pull your hair back as tight as possible, each strand of hair will be pushed to its breaking point, and sometimes the hair will snap right off. Furthermore, doing this often can even damage the hair at the root, creating permanent hair loss. Loose, flowy ponytails are pretty popular right now so take advantage of it.
If you wear your ponytail in the same spot every day, the same strands of hair will be constantly weakened by the hair tie. I’ve heard that loose scrunchies are the best (no one will know if you wear them at home). Also, try to vary where your ponytail sits every day. Do a high ponytail one day, and a lower pony the next day. Your hair will thank you.
Were you surprised to hear that these five things may damage your hair? Are there any other common habits that you think could be added? I’d love to read your feedback in the comments section below…
