Most people don’t want to look older than they are, and one of the most common things you can do to look older than you are is to commit one of these hair mistakes. This article will help you avoid these mistakes so that you can look like the young, vibrant person that you really are!
1) Not Using Protection
Heat and light can damage your hair in as little as 10 minutes. To help lock in moisture, put a dryer on cool while you blow-dry, then switch to warm for five minutes and wrap a towel around your head to soak up any extra water. If you’re not using heat tools, wear protective styles—like braids and ponytails—to help keep hair healthy.
2) Letting It Get Too Dry
Too much sun, heat styling, and chlorine can all cause hair to become brittle and dry. If you’re noticing that your hair is starting to look a little lackluster or damaged, schedule an appointment with your stylist for a haircut and full-blown conditioner treatment.
3) Too Much Heat/Blow-Drying
Excessive heat can break down and dry out your hair, causing it to lose volume and become weak. If you have fine hair, it’s especially important to minimize blow-drying. This will reduce your exposure to excessive heat and give your hair a better chance of surviving longer. If you like your current hairstyle, there’s no need to feel like you have to change it.
4) Under-Washing/Not Conditioning Properly
Not cleaning your hair regularly (or at all) will make it look dry and unkempt. Wash every time you’ve been in a situation that could dirty your hair—be it wind, rain, or an intense workout session. Conditioning your ends will prevent them from getting frayed and breaking off over time. This is a simple change that can make a big difference in how healthy your hair looks.
5) Over Styling
When you’re young, it can seem like nothing can damage your hair. But blow-drying, curling, and other heat-related styling methods that involve lots of tension aren’t great for hair in your 20s. If you have to style every day, opt for a dry cut or consider going with an all-natural look that requires less work—it won’t be as hot and will keep your strands looking sleek longer.
6) Wearing Heavy Product In Your Hair
It’s not a good idea to have much in your hair because when you wash it, it all comes out. Also, putting lots of product in your hair can make it look greasy and dirty. Instead, opt for volumizing sprays or creams that give your hair lift and texture without weighing it down. We love Oribe Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray and Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray.
7) Using The Wrong Products
Using hair products that are too heavy for your hair type can cause your hair to look limp, greasy, and dull. On top of that, certain products can be damaging if used too frequently. For example, many healthy shampoos and conditioners tend to leave a coating on your hair and over time can actually be counter-productive—if you use these types of products too often or improperly they will weigh down your locks and make them appear dull.
8) Not Getting Trims Regularly Enough Or At All
Cutting your hair on a regular basis helps keep split ends at bay and allows your hair to grow healthy and strong. If you’re not getting regular trims, you may want to consider having a professional do it for you every 4-6 weeks. Just make sure to schedule an appointment with someone who’s trained in working with natural hair because if your trimming needs are different from those of others, an inexperienced stylist could do more harm than good.
