Part of your hair resolutions this year should include what you’re going to stop doing in your hair wellness journey– just as much as what you commit to doing. As a hair stylist, I’m often asked what else you can do to make your hair better. Truth is, you don’t always have to add more. Instead, replace poor habits with better ones. So in this post, I’m sharing the seven most common deadly hair sins along with recommended alternatives to support healthier hair and wellbeing.
*Heads up! This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a small commission from any products purchased through these links. However, this is at no additional cost to you. Happy reading!
The 7 Deadly Hair Sins
Hair Sin #1: Neglecting The Scalp
If you’ve committed (or are committing) any of these deadly hair sins, I pray it’s not this one. Taking care of your scalp health is essential to achieve your healthiest hair.
Aside from the fact that your scalp offers protection to the crown chakra, it is also home to the very roots and follicles of your strands.
Hair follicles surround the hair root. And inactive, damaged, or dead hair follicles cannot regrow hair.
Between sun exposure, color and chemical treatments, product buildup, or even hormonal changes, your scalp really does take a beating.
And did you know your scalp ages six times faster than any other skin on the body?
Six times.
It’s clear your scalp needs plenty of extra love and affection if you want your lengths to flourish. Check out some scalp saviors along with tips to improve your scalp health:
- Scalp massages to increase blood flow and circulation
- Scalp detoxes to remove buildup
- Hair oiling to add and preserve moisture
- Double Shampoo. Once to clarify, twice to address specific hair concerns (ex: volume, moisture, color care)
- Avoid products with harsh ingredients
- Add essential oils for a natural healing and aromatherapeutic aid
Deadly Hair Sin #2: Too Many Poor Quality Products
No, I’m not a hairstylist that believes in using only salon professional products. And I’m not one to harp on all drug store hair products, because I know first hand that there are good ones out there. In fact, good quality products don’t have to cost much. I like to substitute oils and masks with natural hair remedies, which is why I’ve started a beauty garden this year.
But, there are a few products that I splurge on in the hair world- one of them being shampoos.
Additives like sulfates, phthalates, PFAs, and parabens have been linked dry scalp and hair, hair loss, irritation, inflammation, and even hormone disruption. I refuse to compromise quality on products that come in contact with my scalp.
Hair Sin #3: Washing Your Hair Wrong
Hair washing is a skill. As with any skill, it does take time to practice and time to develop. Hair washing sets the tone for any hair rituals, color services, or styling techniques. Unfortunately, many people are not taught how to wash their hair the correct way.
Check out my tips to washing your hair the right way:
- Thoroughly soak hair with warm water to help open the cuticle
- Emulsify a small (about a nickel size depending on your hair) amount of shampoo between wet hands
- Focus massaging shampoo directly on your scalp starting at the crown, working down to the nape, saving the front hairline for last. Many people forget about the nape and crown, which can harbor lots of bacteria.
- Massage with finger tips, not your finger nails which can cause tiny abrasions on the scalp
- Less suds = presence of dirt and oils.
- Squeeze shampoo through the ends of the hair (don’t scrunch or rub shampoo into the ends) to prevent a mangled, dry, knotted mess.
- Shampoo twice. If it lathers well, your hair is clean!
- Condition ends first, working your way up towards the roots. For finer or oily hair types, focus conditioner from the ears, down.
- Hair Masks are used in place of conditioner, not in addition to
Hair Sin #4: Wearing Tight Hairstyles Frequently
Are you familiar with traction alopecia?
This is a type of hair loss caused by specifically from hair styles that tug or pull too much on the hair. This includes constant friction against rough fabrics.
Luckily, this deadly hair sin can be reversed if caught early enough. However, it can have irreversible effects if overlooked. Once the hair follicle has been damaged, hair will not grow back.
For this reason, it’s best to alternate styles and stray away from tight pony’s, braids, and buns. Hair found along the hairline is more fragile so do your best to reduce tension in these areas especially.
How can you reduce tension on your tresses?
- Switch to silk or satin scrunchies & hair ties
- Alternate your hair parting (side to side, center, zig-zap, deep side part)
- Sleep with a silk/satin bonnet or a silk/satin pillowcase
- Frequently change up tight styles with loose hair styles
- Detangle from the ends up toward the scalp, using a natural brush to reduce friction
Hair Sin #5: Holding On To Dead Ends
I know it’s hard to let go of those lengths sometimes, trust me. I’m a Leo, after all ♌️. I view my hair as my ultimate security blanket.
Ultimately, in life you will learn that you have to let go of things that are holding you back. Similar to pruning a plant, this is known to increase growth and abundance.
This could be your mindset, certain habits, and yes, even those split ends you think is adding four inches to your hair.
By trimming off what is dead, you prevent the spread of dis-ease and stress on the strand. Did you know that split ends continue to travel up the shaft? This makes hair less manageable, weaker and more damaged in the long run.
In the end, you’re causing more harm than good. Hair cuts are seen as a sacred in several cultures, as a way of protecting your energy, metaphorically removing past traumas and new seasons or spiritual beginnings.
Hair Sin #6: Too Much Heat
My high school self would disagree with this sin. But more elevated me is here to set the record straight.
Even with heat protectant, continuous heat application can break the disulfide bonds within the hair and alter your hair’s wave pattern. Hence why your ends start to look a little scraggly.
It’s okay to put the hot tools down. Your hair needs a breather- and girl, so do those biceps.
It’s time to embrace your natural hair. Wash-n-go styles, paired with this air dry cream, is about to be your new low maintenance best friend.
Hair Sin #7: Poor Diet
Your hair’s appearance is reflective of what’s going on within the entirety of your mind, body, and soul. Stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, inactivity, disease and poor eating habits are common things that take a toll on your hair (and skin, too)
Hair wellness starts from within which means you should be conscious of what you put into your body. Following a healthy hair diet ensures that you get the proper nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to support your internal systems.
If you’re not sure how to make the transition, these small, simple steps can have a huge impact:
- Be sure to drink lots of water for hydration and to help your cells absorb those essentials.
- Cut back on processed foods
- Reduce eating out frequently and avoid fast foods
- Get your body moving for at least 30 minutes per day (ex. walks, pilates, yoga)
These hair sins can attract lots of chaos if you are trying to cultivate spiritual beauty. But luckily for your and your hair wellness, it’s likely not too late for you to align with the correct path.
Results are not instant so it will require time, patience, and consistency. But if you avoid these deadly hair sins and choose to nurture the holy virtues of healthy hair, you will arrive to your destination in no time!
Which deadly hair sin have you fallen victim too?