As you age, you’ll begin to notice changes in your hair. Those that start early will be the first to say, I knew it was going to happen! but those who experience drastic hair changes in their 30s and 40s may not know what they’re doing wrong. Whether your problem is dryness, breakage, graying, or something else entirely, you’ll be glad to know that many of these mistakes are reversible if you change your habits now. Here are 8 everyday mistakes that are aging your hair (and how to fix them).
Not Eating Enough Protein
If you’re not eating enough protein, your hair will be more prone to breakage. Protein is critical for a healthy hair shaft, and if you don’t get enough of it, it can weaken your hair over time. According to New York City-based dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD, women who eat fish tend to have thicker and fuller locks than those who opt for a diet rich in meat and dairy.
Not Getting Enough Sleep
If you’re constantly tired, it can be a sign that your body isn’t getting enough rest. Sleep boosts hair production and when we don’t get enough of it, our blood sugar levels drop, which leads to thinning strands. Make sure you go to bed and wake up at similar times every day for optimal hair health.
Missing Your Weekly Hair Wash
The natural oils in your hair trap dirt and bacteria. If you stop washing your hair for a week, these oils accumulate and make your locks look greasy and unkempt. It’s best to wash your hair every 1-2 days if you want it to look and feel healthy. Make sure you use a good quality shampoo that leaves no residue behind, ensuring your scalp stays clean, dry, and free of oil buildup.
Washing Your Hair Too Often
Frequent shampooing can strip your hair of natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. If you have curly or fine hair, aim for a once-every-three-days shampoo routine. If you wash your hair every day, try switching to a sulfate-free cleanser; if you have color-treated locks, opt for a gentler cleanser that doesn’t contain sulfates.
Skipping Deep Conditioning Treatments
Stylists know that if you want your hair to look and feel its healthiest, it’s important to invest in a monthly deep conditioning treatment. This is because of keratin: a protein found in your hair. Over time, daily heat styling and environmental factors can cause it to dry out and break off. One way you can reverse or prevent these aging effects is by regularly treating your strands with conditioner infused with keratin.
Brushing Your Hair 100 Strokes A Day
While you may have heard that 100 strokes a day are great for your hair, it’s actually terrible for it. Brushing does more damage than good if you do it more than a few times a week.
Overdoing Heat Styling Products
Overusing heat on your hair—say, through daily use of a curling iron or flat iron—can lead to serious damage. With repeated exposure, you can burn off all of those natural oils and dry out your strands, says Berson. Instead, follow these tips: Before styling with heat, prep damp hair with a moisturizing mousse or spray.
Skipping Out On Sun Protection Products
The sun can be harsh on your hair—from fading your dye job to breaking and splitting strands, it does a number on your strands. To protect your locks from further damage by UV rays, choose a leave-in conditioner or heat-protective product that includes SPF. Also, try wearing hats or scarves outside during peak hours of UV exposure. Not only will they help protect you, but they’ll also keep you looking fashion-forward!
Final Thoughts
By eating well and taking care of your hair, you’ll stop further damage before it happens. Above all, know that proper hydration, exercise, and sleep will make a difference in how your hair looks over time. With these eight everyday habits in place, you’ll be on your way to having great-looking hair at any age! If you follow these steps for one week consistently and pay attention to how you feel throughout each day, we can guarantee a visible improvement in both skin and hair health.
