We all want luscious, healthy hair, but sometimes our daily routines can unintentionally cause harm. Let’s dive into the top ten ways people often damage their hair and how to avoid these common pitfalls.

1. pH Damage from Improperly Formulated Products

Using hair products that aren’t properly balanced can wreak havoc on your hair’s structure. Our hair thrives at a slightly acidic pH level of around 4.7. When you use shampoos, conditioners, or treatments with an incorrect pH balance, it can disrupt the sodium bonds in your hair. This leads to weakened strands that are more prone to breakage and frizz. Sadly, our current hair care regulations don’t require open honesty about pH printed on hair care bottles. This makes it hard to check what fits the bill of pH balanced to skin, scalp, and hair. Lots of shampoos can sit between a 7 and a 13. Yikes! To combat this, many of those brands will formulate conditioner a pH so low it squeezes the cuticle open in the other direction. Double yikes!!

Thankfully, doing the least harm to the end user is part of what Eufora takes into consideration so all of our recommendations are as as safe as they can be, so they’re pH balanced to your skin, scalp, and hair (around a 4.5 – 4.7)

2. Physical Damage from Styling and Over-Brushing

Styling our hair can be fun and expressive, but overdoing it can cause significant damage. Over-brushing and excessive styling break down the cuticle layer, leading to split ends. These split ends can tangle, and if not trimmed regularly, they cause more damage as they unravel up the hair shaft.

You should have a different tool for detangling wet hair vs. dry hair, as well as for each kind of styling, and always detangle from the ends inward towards the scalp to prevent compacting any knots into matting.

Once you notice split ends, and it becomes difficult to run your fingers through your hair, it is time to cut them off. The only solution to split end damage once it arrives is a haircut!

3. UVA and UVB Damage from Sun Exposure

Just like our skin, our hair can suffer from sun damage. Prolonged exposure to UVA and UVB rays can break down the hair’s protein structure, leading to dryness, discoloration, and brittleness. To protect your hair, wear a hat or use hair products with UV protection, especially during the summer months or if you spend a lot of time outdoors.

Thankfully, lots of our favorites have UVA and UVB protection included, including our favorite Color Locking System.

4. Twisting and Stretching Wet Hair

Wet hair is more vulnerable to damage because it’s in a weaker state. Twisting it into a towel turban, using heatless curlers, or braiding it tightly while it’s still damp can cause it to stretch and break. Similarly, brushing wet hair with too much tension can lead to breakage. This is especially true if your hair is not provided with the protein it needs to retain it’s elasticity. Instead, gently squeeze and blot your hair with a microfiber towel and use a wide-tooth comb to detangle it carefully. Avoid tight styles until your hair is completely dry.

5. Letting Hair Stay Wet for Too Long

Allowing your hair to stay wet for prolonged periods can create a breeding ground for fungal and bacterial infections on your scalp. These infections can lead to inflammation, irritation, and, in severe cases, hair loss. To prevent this, ensure your hair dries thoroughly after washing, preferably with a blow dryer on a heat setting.

6. Chlorine Damage from Swimming Pools

Chlorine is great for keeping pools clean, but it’s harsh on your hair. It can breakdown your hair’s protective lipid layer, leaving your hair lacking protein, dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage. Since chlorine is a lot like bleach, its effects can be similar to chemical damage from blonding treatments. To protect your hair, thoroughly saturate it with fresh water before swimming. The hair has less room to absorb chlorinated water once it’s full to the brim of regular water. After swimming, wash your hair thoroughly with a clarifying shampoo to remove chlorine residues and treat it to some additional pampering by helping to replace the lost lipids.

7. Heat Damage from Styling Tools

Using heat styling tools like flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers at high temperatures can severely damage your hair. High heat can weaken the hair’s protein structure and cause permanent damage to the disulfide bonds, leading to dryness, split ends, and breakage. Always use a heat protectant spray before styling, and opt for the lowest effective temperature setting. Giving your hair regular breaks from heat styling can also help maintain its health.

8. Using the Wrong Hair Accessories

Certain hair accessories, like elastic bands with metal parts, tight hair ties, and rough clips, can cause breakage and damage. These accessories can snag and pull on your hair, leading to split ends and breakage. Opt for gentler alternatives like scrunchies, fabric-covered elastics, and clips designed to minimize damage.

9. Ineffective and Infrequent Cleansing

Infrequent cleansing or using ineffective cleansing products can lead to a build-up of dirt, oil, and product residue on your scalp and hair. This build-up can block hair follicles, inhibit hair growth, and cause an imbalance in your scalp’s natural oils, leading to both protein and moisture loss. As a result, your hair may become weak and prone to breakage. To avoid this, cleanse your hair regularly with a good-quality shampoo that suits your hair type, ensuring it effectively removes build-up without stripping essential moisture and proteins.

10. Not Nourishing Your Hair from Within

Healthy hair starts from within. A poor diet lacking in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and proteins can lead to weak, brittle hair. Ensure you are eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats to support hair health. Supplements like biotin, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids can also help strengthen your hair from the inside out.

In conclusion:

By understanding these common causes of hair damage, you can take steps to protect your tresses and keep them looking their best. Remember, healthy hair is not just about the products you use but also about the care you take to avoid these damaging habits. Also remember that all damage is cumulative. It’s not about how infrequently you do these habits, but how many times you do them throughout your hair’s lifetime. Hair only grows an average of 6.5 inches a year. To have long and healthy locks, your practice for perfect hair 3 or 4 years from now, starts today.