Ever wonder why your hair isn’t quite as healthy as you’d like, even when you’re doing your best? You’re not alone! We recently sat down with the team at Amaraa Hair Salon https://amaraahair.com.au/ to get the lowdown on the most common hair-care mistakes people make without even realising it. With years of experience under their belt, the stylists at Amaraa have seen it all—from product overload to overlooked scalp care.
In this post, we’re sharing what we learned from the experts. Whether you’re dealing with dullness, frizz, or slow growth, these tips will help you avoid those sneaky pitfalls and keep your hair looking and feeling its best.
Washing Your Hair Too Often (or Not Enough)
Finding the right washing routine can feel like a balancing act. Some people wash their hair daily because they feel it’s necessary, while others go a full week thinking it’s better to avoid shampoo. Both approaches can cause trouble.
Washing too often strips your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and dull. This can also cause your scalp to overcompensate by producing even more oil, leading to a greasy look. On the flip side, washing too infrequently can cause product build-up, clogged follicles, and an itchy scalp.
How to fix it: The sweet spot depends on your hair type. If you have fine or oily hair, washing every other day might be ideal. For curly, thick, or dry hair, aim for two to three times a week to keep your scalp clean without stripping away essential moisture.
Using Too Much Shampoo or Conditioner
Many people assume that more product equals better results, but using too much shampoo or conditioner can backfire. Over-shampooing leaves the hair feeling dry and lifeless, while excessive conditioner makes it limp, greasy, and prone to build-up.
It’s also easy to forget that not all hair requires the same amount of product. Short hair or fine hair needs much less shampoo than long, thick locks.
What to try instead: A dollop the size of a 10p coin is usually enough for shampoo, focusing on your scalp. When applying conditioner, concentrate on the ends, which need the most moisture—avoid putting too much on the scalp to prevent greasiness.
Skipping Heat Protection Before Styling
If you use heat tools like straighteners, curling irons, or blow dryers, you know how transformative they can be. But styling without a heat protectant is one of the quickest ways to damage your hair. Heat breaks down the hair’s natural proteins, leading to dryness, split ends, and a rough texture.
How to protect your strands: Heat protectant sprays act like a shield, reducing the impact of high temperatures. Always spritz it evenly over damp hair before using any heat tool—even if you think you’re just doing a quick touch-up. And remember to adjust the temperature settings: fine hair doesn’t need the same level of heat as thick hair.
Brushing Wet Hair with the Wrong Tool
Brushing your hair while it’s wet might feel like the easiest way to detangle it, but it’s also when your hair is at its most vulnerable. Using a regular hairbrush on wet strands can cause stretching, snapping, and breakage.
Instead of tackling all the tangles in one go, it’s best to work carefully with the right tool.
Here’s a better way: Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. This method reduces pulling and prevents knots from tightening. If you struggle with knots, applying a leave-in conditioner beforehand can make the process smoother.
Using Hot Water to Wash Your Hair
A steamy, hot shower feels amazing—especially on cold mornings—but it’s not doing your hair any favours. Hot water strips away natural oils from your scalp, leaving your hair brittle and more prone to frizz. It can also make colour-treated hair fade faster.
Try this instead: Wash your hair with lukewarm water to gently cleanse the scalp without stripping away too much moisture. For an extra shine boost, rinse with cool water at the end—this helps to seal the hair cuticle, making it appear smoother and glossier.
Towel-Drying Your Hair Aggressively
Many people fall into the habit of rubbing their hair vigorously with a towel straight out of the shower. It seems like the quickest way to get rid of excess water, but this rough treatment causes frizz, breakage, and damage to the cuticle.
A gentler alternative: Instead of rubbing, try gently squeezing out the water with a microfibre towel or an old T-shirt. These materials are much kinder to your hair and help reduce frizz. You can also wrap your hair loosely and let the towel absorb moisture while you get ready—no rubbing required.
Ignoring Your Scalp Health
When it comes to hair care, many people focus entirely on the hair itself and forget about the scalp. But a healthy scalp is the foundation for strong, vibrant hair. Problems like dryness, clogged follicles, or an oily scalp can slow down hair growth and affect the overall condition of your strands.
How to care for your scalp: Treat your scalp like you would your skin. Use a clarifying shampoo once a month to remove product build-up, and consider scalp treatments or scrubs if you experience flakiness or itchiness. A gentle scalp massage with oils (like coconut or jojoba) can boost circulation and promote healthy hair growth.
Overusing Hair Products
It’s easy to get carried away with hair products—mousse, hairspray, serums, leave-ins. However, using too many products at once can weigh down your hair, making it look greasy or flat. In some cases, build-up from multiple products can also block moisture from penetrating the strands, leaving your hair dry over time.
What to do instead: Less is more. Stick to essential products suited to your hair type—like a good shampoo, conditioner, and one or two styling products. If your hair feels heavy or looks dull, use a clarifying shampoo every few weeks to reset and remove any lingering residue.
Neglecting Regular Trims
We’ve all been tempted to skip a haircut to grow out our hair longer, but avoiding trims altogether is a recipe for split ends and thinning strands. When left unchecked, split ends can travel up the shaft, causing further breakage and making your hair appear frizzier.
How often should you trim?: Even if you’re trying to grow out your hair, it’s important to get a trim every 6-8 weeks. This doesn’t mean you need a drastic cut—just removing the damaged ends can keep your hair looking healthier and prevent further breakage.
Sleeping on Rough Pillowcases
The material you sleep on can affect your hair more than you think. Cotton pillowcases, while soft, create friction that leads to frizz, tangles, and breakage, especially for curly or fine hair. Rough fabrics can also strip moisture from your strands, leaving them dry by morning.
Switch to silk or satin: Silk or satin pillowcases are much smoother and cause less friction, helping your hair stay sleek and tangle-free. As a bonus, they also reduce moisture loss, which is especially helpful for people with dry or curly hair. Plus, who doesn’t love a bit of luxury at bedtime?
Conclusion
As the team at Amaraa Hair Salon explained, it’s often the little things in your routine that can make or break your hair. Whether it’s using too much product, skipping heat protection, or brushing wet hair with the wrong tool, these habits can creep in unnoticed. But the good news? A few mindful adjustments are all it takes to turn things around and help your hair thrive.
Looking for more personalised advice? Stop by Amaraa Hair Salon or book a consultation with one of their stylists. They can assess your hair type, recommend treatments, and guide you toward a hair-care routine that really works. And if you enjoyed these tips, be sure to explore more expert insights right here on our blog—your go-to source for beauty inspiration and advice!
