How to have healthy hair: Don't make these common, but critical, mistakes for the sake of your hair

Excessive use of shampoo, conditioners, or styling products can burden your hair and result in residue buildup. Instead, opt for a modest, coin-sized amount of shampoo and conditioner, with a focus on the ends (Image: Canva)

You may not realise it, but your hair wash routine can make or break your hair goals. No matter how many home remedies or hair products you try, the secret to beautiful hair may lie in how you wash it. Your hair washing habits can have a big impact on your its health and appearance. If you want to have stunning locks, avoid these common mistakes in your hair wash routine.

Here are a few common, but no less critical, mistakes most people make.

Overwashing your hair: Washing your hair everyday may seem like a clean habit, but it can strip it off natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and wash your hair only in 2-3 days to avoid breakage and keep them healthy. In order to keep your hair feeling fresh on other days, choose a good dry shampoo and use it between washes.

Winter woes: As winter sets in, the desire of hot water showers becomes irresistible. While the warmth is undoubtedly soothing, it's essential to be mindful of its impact on your hair. Hot water can excessively open hair cuticles, leaving them vulnerable to damage and frizz. Counteract this by opting for lukewarm water during your hair rinse. This simple adjustment helps in sealing cuticles, fostering shinier and healthier locks.

Overusing products: If you believe that liberally applying hair products is good for your hair, stop and think again. Experts caution that excessive use of shampoo, conditioners, or styling products can burden your hair and result in residue buildup. Instead, opt for a modest, coin-sized amount of shampoo and conditioner, with a focus on the ends. Additionally, try a monthly clarifying treatment to effectively eliminate any accumulated product residue.

Drying your hair wrongly: Ever wondered how should you dry your hair? Its time to start paying attention to this common practice. It is said that roughly towel-drying your hair can cause friction, leading to breakage and hair fall. To fix this, always gently squeeze excess water with a soft microfiber towel or an old cotton t-shirt.

Scalp struggles: Unfavourable weather conditions and certain products can impact your scalp, giving rise to problems such as dandruff, scalp psoriasis, hair acne, and hair fall. These issues can create an unfavourable environment for healthy hair growth. To counteract this, massage your scalp during shampooing to enhance circulation. Additionally, consider incorporating a scalp treatment or occasional exfoliation to uphold a healthy scalp.

Wet hair blunders: Don’t fall for the temptation of styling or brushing wet hair. This can cause more hair breakage and damage compared to styling dry hair. Allow your hair to air dry naturally before you style them. If at all you prefer blow-drying, then ensure using a heat protectant. Also, use a wide-tooth comb or a brush specifically designed for wet locks.