7 Habits DESTROYING Your Hairstyle

Summary

In this video, the creator highlights seven common hair care habits that may be damaging your hair without you realizing it. From rubbing hair with towels to touching it frequently, wearing tight durags, using cotton pillowcases, and dyeing hair too often, these habits can lead to breakage, hairline recession, and other hair issues. The creator offers practical solutions such as using microfiber towels, avoiding tight hairstyles, switching to satin pillowcases, and detangling hair gently. By correcting these habits, you can protect your hair and improve its health over time.

Takeaways

• 💧 Rubbing wet hair with a towel causes significant damage; gently squeeze water out with a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt instead.
• ✋ Frequent touching of hair transfers oils, dirt, and bacteria while causing micro-friction that weakens hair strands.
• 🧢 Tying a durag too tightly can lead to traction alopecia; leave space to comfortably fit a finger under the strings.
• 🛏 Sleeping on cotton pillowcases increases friction and hair breakage; use silk or satin pillowcases or a satin durag/bonnet.
• 🎨 Over-frequent permanent hair dyeing damages hair with ammonia and peroxide; wait 6–8 weeks between sessions and dye roots only.
• 👑 Tight braids or cornrows can cause scalp inflammation and hairline recession; ask for looser tension and rotate protective styles.
• 🪮 Brushing or combing wet hair improperly can break strands; finger-detangle first and use a wide-tooth comb from ends to roots.
• 🧴 Conditioning hair before detangling protects weakened wet strands and minimizes breakage during combing or brushing.
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• 📈 Minor, repetitive stress from daily habits accumulates over time, weakening hair shafts, particularly at fragile areas like hairlines.
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• ⚠ Early signs of traction alopecia include scalp tenderness and bumps along hairlines; addressing these early prevents permanent hair loss.

Q & A

What is the main reason my hair might look worse after switching up my hair care routine?

The main reason could be due to daily habits that damage your hair over time, such as rubbing your hair with a towel, constantly touching your hair, or tying your durag too tightly. These habits create physical stress on your hair, leading to damage despite using new products or a new diet.

Why is rubbing my hair with a towel damaging?

Rubbing wet hair with a towel creates friction, which can lift the hair cuticle and snap hairs at the root. Wet hair is weakest, and this friction causes surface damage, split ends, and breakage.

How should I dry my hair to prevent damage after a shower?

Instead of rubbing, you should squeeze the water out of your hair using a microfiber towel or an old cotton t-shirt. These materials create minimal friction and absorb more water without causing damage to your strands.

How does touching my hair multiple times a day affect it?

Touching your hair transfers oils, dirt, and bacteria from your hands to your scalp and strands, while the physical manipulation creates micro-friction, weakening your hair over time. This constant stress can damage the hair shaft, especially at the hairline, where the hair is more fragile.

What is traction alopecia, and how does it relate to daily hair touching?

Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by constant tension or stress on the hair follicles. Habitual hair touching can cause this, as the repetitive pulling and bending of hair weaken the follicles, especially at the edges and hairline.

How does wearing a tight durag cause hair loss?

When a durag is tied too tightly, it creates constant tension on the hair follicles, especially at the hairline. This repetitive stress can lead to traction alopecia, which is hair loss caused by the strain on hair roots.

What is the correct way to wear a durag to prevent hair damage?

To avoid causing damage, tie your durag loosely. After tying it, check if your index finger can fit comfortably under the strings at the front. If it can't, the durag is too tight. Avoid feeling any pulling or tingling on your scalp while wearing it.

Why should I avoid cotton pillowcases for hair health?

Cotton pillowcases create friction against your hair, which can lift the hair cuticle, break strands, and pull moisture from your hair. This friction leads to hair damage, especially for curly or textured hair types.

What is the benefit of using a satin or silk pillowcase?

Satin and silk pillowcases reduce friction, preventing hair cuticle damage and moisture loss. These fabrics are gentler on your hair compared to cotton, helping to maintain your hair’s health and prevent tangling and breakage.

How often should I dye my hair to avoid damage?

It's recommended to wait at least 6-8 weeks between permanent dyeing sessions. Dyeing too frequently without allowing for new hair growth can stack up damage on already fragile strands. You can also opt for semi-permanent dyes, which are gentler on the hair.