8 things to avoid if you want healthy hair

Do you brush your hair from roots to ends? Chuck it up in a high ponytail before bed? Skimp on heat protecting? Yes? Err... bad news, you guys. You're accidentally ruining your hair.

Okay, okay - maybe not 'ruining', but you're certainly doing a real number on it. You crazy little thing, you. And really, these kinda things could be what's holding you back from that gorgeous, healthy mane you've always wanted. 

Sad face.

The good news for all of us hair-sinning rats, is that it's never too late to start caring for your hair.

So, here are some of the worst things you can do to your hair - and how to fix 'em.

1. Brushing your hair the wrong way.

Umm, so we all thought we had the whole 'knowing how to brush our hair' thing down pat for, like, years. But alas, we do not. How awkward.

Brushing from the roots to the ends instead of brushing from the ends up the roots = damaged hair.

2. Forgetting to use heat protector.

Hear that? That's the sound of your hair CRISPING between two hot plates.

Heat can be one of the worst things we do to hair. It dries it out which leads to lots of split ends, fades your colours and toners, and can leave your hair always looking frizzy and unmanageable on the ends.

Using heat protector is like using sunscreen when you are out in the sun. It creates a barrier between your hot tools, locks in moisture and help to smooth the cuticle and fight frizz.

Do use a heat protector every time you're styling your hair with tools, otherwise you're just going to cook your poor little strands. You monster.

3. Bleaching your hair at-home.

Sheesh. Don't... do this. 

Bleach is a f**king strong chemical - like, wayyyy stronger than regular hair dye. So, you seriously need to know what you're doing to avoid not only ruining your hair, but burning your scalp.

This is an absolute no-no. If you are going more than two shades lighter, you need to visit a professional.

If you don't feel like risking breaking all your hair off and having to cut it hella short, come see us and we can create the hair of your dreams!

4. Avoiding regular trims because you are trying to 'grow' your hair.

You know when you decide you want to grow your hair and out you just, like, completely stop going to the hairdresser?

When you get split ends, they continually split further up the hair shaft, which leaves you with thin, wispy ends which will eventually break off. This prevents you from being able to actually grow your hair. 

To keep your hair looking thick and healthy and prevent damage you need to get your haircut twice a year, if you do nothing else.

5. Going blonde and not using professional products at-home.

If you pay top dollar to get your hair coloured lighter, but then go home and not use any of the professional haircare products like your stylist told you to, you're going to have a bad time.

When you go lighter, you really do need to ensure you are using a good combination of strengthening treatments and also adding some extra hydration into the hair - for example, a leave-in moisturiser. This is honestly a non-negotiable for going blonde.

6. Over-toning your blonde hair.

Just to get this straight: Over-toning your hair will not make it brighter. Blonde shampoo or treatments help to eliminate golden tones in your hair. Violet counteracts gold.

If you have toned out the gold in one wash and continue to use it too regularly, your blonde actually begins to go darker. The violet and blue tones build up in the hair and make it look lifeless, dull and sometimes murky. Eek.

Your individual hair type and the strength of your blonde shampoo and treatment will determine how often you should use it. If you want a bright creamy blonde, usually we recommend using it once every three washes. If you wash your hair once per week, you should use it once every three weeks.

We all good here? Great.

7. Getting a haircut that doesn't suit your face.

You know when you get a haircut and it looks like utter poo? It's because that particular hairstyle doesn't suit your face. The lesson here? Always make sure the hairstyle you're going for flatters your facial shape.

For example, an oval face shape might suit blunt bobs, shoulder length cuts and sleek hairstyles, whereas a heart-shaped face suits shoulder-length lobs and layers around the collarbone.

If you're confused about what style will suit your particular face shape, check in with your stylist!

8. Sleeping with your hair up.

Sleeping with your hair tied up and very tight will increase your risk of breakage. If you can, try to sleep with your hair out or in loose braids. Invest in a silk pillowcase which can help to reduce frizz and breakage too!

More questions? Visit us in salon to help you achieve your healthiest hair!