Here, we share some of the worst things that they’ve seen their clients do to their hair — and what they recommend doing instead.
Unfortunately, many of the day-to-day habits that are incorporated into our lifestyle can sabotage the health of our hair.
The goal, according to certified trichologist, Bridgette Hill, is to create a balance so that the scalp’s natural cleansing and functions are allowed to remain harmonious. She recommends apple or cherry cider-based rinses or co-washes and water-based rinses made with hyaluronic acid or with hazel as great alternatives.
Hot water strips our body, scalp and hair of those natural oils we mentioned. It also opens the hair follicles, which makes us more susceptible to breakage and damage, explains Hill. Your best bet is to take a shower in lukewarm water — or at least water that’s colder than 100°F.
Wet hair is more susceptible to breakage, since the elasticity is weak. Hill recommends either using a wide-toothed comb or a wide-bristle brush to break up tangles gently, and to air dry or rough dry the hair to 80-90% before using any styling, metal, or boar bristle brushes to smooth and finish.
Hill recommends opting for newer technologies such as ionic, ceramic, porcelain, infrared, and titanium, as they are known to be more health-friendly for your hair. She also recommends keeping heat-styling tools to a maximum temperature of 375-400°F.