Top 5 Habits That Damage Your Hair (and How to Fix Them)

We all want shiny, healthy, beautiful hair — but sometimes the things we do every day are actually working against us. Don’t worry — these bad habits can be broken, and your hair can bounce back stronger than ever! Here are the top 5 habits that damage your hair (and how to fix them, straight from your stylist’s chair).

1. Skipping Heat Protection

The damage: Blow dryers, flat irons, and curling wands can reach over 400°F! Without protection, that heat weakens your hair’s protein structure, leading to dryness, breakage, and color fading.

The fix: Always, always use a heat protectant — even for a quick touch-up. We love Eufora Retain or Redken’s Thermal Spray for keeping hair silky while shielding from damage. Your stylist can help you pick one that matches your styling routine.

2. Washing Too Often (or Not Enough)

The damage: Over-washing strips your hair of its natural oils, while not washing enough can lead to product buildup and an irritated scalp.

The fix: Find your balance! Most people do best washing every 2–3 days with a professional shampoo and conditioner like Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate or Eufora Urgent Repair. Ask your stylist what’s best for your hair type — texture and lifestyle matter!

3. Brushing Wet Hair the Wrong Way

The damage: Hair is weakest when wet. Tugging from roots to ends can cause stretching, snapping, and split ends.

The fix: Start detangling from the bottom up with a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush. Apply a leave-in conditioner or detangler (like Pureology 21 Leave-In) before combing to make the process smooth and stress-free.

4. Neglecting Regular Trims

The damage: Split ends don’t just stay put — they keep splitting higher up the strand, making hair look frizzy, dull, and thinner over time.

The fix: Get a trim every 2–10 weeks, depending on your style and texture. Regular dusting keeps ends clean and helps your hair grow healthier. Remember: trimming doesn’t stop growth — it prevents breakage that makes it look like your hair isn’t growing!

5. Using Drugstore or Harsh Products

The damage: Many over-the-counter products contain sulfates, silicones, or waxes that coat the hair instead of nourishing it. Over time, that buildup can dull your color and weaken the strands.

The fix: Invest in salon-grade products that actually heal and protect your hair. We carry lines like Redken, Matrix, Pureology, and Eufora that are packed with professional ingredients designed for real results. You’ll feel (and see!) the difference immediately.

Bonus Tip: Treat Your Hair Like a Luxury Fabric

You wouldn’t toss your favorite silk top in hot water with harsh detergent — so don’t do that to your hair! Gentle care, the right products, and regular professional treatments go a long way toward long-lasting shine and strength.

Ready to repair your hair habits?

Book your next appointment with us and ask about a deep conditioning or repair treatment like the Redken ABC treatment or the Superfood mask by Pureology to bring your hair back to life.