We hate to break it to you, but your split ends didn’t just appear overnight. They’re the result of a series of seemingly harmless habits that, when repeated daily, quietly sabotage your hair’s health, strength, and shine.
The good news? Once you know better, you can do better. Ahead, we break down the most common hair-damaging habits (yes, even the ones you thought were fine), how to course-correct, and how to level up your routine with protective practices that actually support healthy, thriving strands.
What Does Hair Damage Really Look Like?
Hair damage isn’t always dramatic. Sure, breakage and fried ends are dead giveaways, but it can also show up in more subtle ways. Think: an increase in hair shedding in the shower, a perpetually dry and flaky scalp, color dullness that won’t quit, hair that tangles at the slightest breeze, or that one patch of hair that refuses to grow.
If your hair feels like it’s stuck in a loop of bad days—dry one day, frizzy the next, and flat the day after—you’re likely dealing with some form of damage. The key to reversing it? Stop the cycle where it starts: your routine.
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Hair Mistakes That Are Destroying Your Hair (And How To Fix Them!)
1. Heat Styling Too Much
We all love a good blowout or a beach wave moment. But, daily heat styling? That’s a hard no for your hair. High temperatures strip strands of moisture, weakening the cuticle and leaving you with breakage and split ends.
Sitting Pretty Fix: Give your hot tools a break! Embrace heatless styling methods (hello, overnight braids), and when you do reach for the curling wand, always use a heat protectant. It acts like a shield for your hair, creating a barrier that minimizes damage.
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2. Bleaching Hair Frequently
Bleach is the bad boy of the hair world. Sure, it looks good on you for a while, but it’s also extremely drying and destructive, especially when done often. Over time, it can leave hair porous, gummy when wet, and prone to snapping.
Sitting Pretty Fix: If you must bleach, pace yourself. Wait at least 8 weeks between treatments and baby your hair in between with bond-building masks and deep conditioners. Or consider a more natural hue and get reacquainted with your roots—you might be surprised at how beautiful your natural color can be.
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3. Wearing Tight Hairstyles Regularly
Slicked-back buns and tight, high ponytails might be trendy, but wearing them almost every day puts unnecessary tension on your hairline (and can even lead to traction alopecia). Ouch.
Sitting Pretty Fix: Loosen up, literally. Rotate your styles, give your scalp breaks between tension-heavy looks, and try protective hairstyles like loose braids or messy buns, instead. Your scalp and roots will thank you.
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4. Using Drying Hair Products
Sulfates, alcohols, and other drying ingredients can strip your hair of its natural oils. And overloading on styling products? That can cause buildup, dullness, and worse, breakage.
Sitting Pretty Fix: Opt for sulfate-free shampoos and gentle cleansers. But, don’t count sulfate shampoos completely out! You can still use them a few times a month to thoroughly cleanse your scalp.
When it comes to styling, however, less is more. Instead of going for long-wearing gels and creams, choose nourishing products with hydrating, reparative ingredients and use them strategically, not excessively.
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5. Improper Washing and Drying
Hot water, daily shampooing, and rough towel-drying might feel like routine, but they’re secretly sabotaging your strands. Hot water opens the cuticle too much, overwashing strips natural oils, and towel friction leads to frizz and breakage.
Sitting Pretty Fix: Wash your hair only as needed (2–3 times a week is enough for most). Use lukewarm water, and pat, not rub, your hair dry with a soft microfiber towel or old T-shirt.
And if your scalp gets greasy fast, “hair training” via washing less won’t fix the problem. That’s a myth. Excess oil often indicates a scalp imbalance or product buildup that needs to be addressed, not ignored.
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6. Neglecting Nighttime Care
Cotton pillowcases might feel comfy, but they’re not hair-friendly. The friction from tossing and turning can cause tangling, breakage, and frizz.
Sitting Pretty Fix: Switch to a silk pillowcase. It’s not a luxury flex—it’s a genuine upgrade! Silk minimizes friction, helps maintain your style overnight, and keeps hair looking smoother and healthier. It’s basically a hair mask while you sleep.
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7. Using The Wrong Hair Extensions
Let’s get one thing straight: not all extensions are created equal. Many options—especially those glued, taped, or sewn in—pull on your roots and can cause damage over time.
Sitting Pretty Fix: Say hi to The Halo! They’re designed to sit gently on your head like a halo (hence, the name), with zero clips, glue, or tension. The best part? You get instant volume and length without compromising your natural hair’s health. No salon, no stress, just stunning results.
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8. Spending Too Much Time Under The Sun
We slather SPF on our skin religiously, but often forget about our scalp and hair. In case you didn’t know, UV rays can weaken hair structure, fade color, and dry out your strands.
Sitting Pretty Fix: Protect your hair like you do your face. Use a UV-protectant spray or wear a hat when outside. Your color and your cuticle will thank you for it.
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9. Washing With Hard Water
Hard water is full of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can build up on the hair, leading to dryness, dullness, and breakage. If your hair feels filmy or rough no matter what you do, this might be the culprit.
Sitting Pretty Fix: Install a shower filter to soften your water. It’s an underrated game-changer that helps products work better and leaves your hair way softer and shinier.
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10. Using Tight Hair Elastics
If you’ve ever pulled out a hair tie and brought a few strands along with it, you already know the deal. Thin, tight elastics can cause unnecessary breakage.
Sitting Pretty Fix: Trade in your standard elastics for silk scrunchies. They’re gentler, reduce friction, and still hold your hair up without the tension. Bonus: They’re cute enough to double as an accessory!
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Need more tips to repair hair damage? Read these:
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How Hair Straighteners Damage Your Hair (and How To Fix It!)
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How To Brush Your Hair Properly To Avoid Damage
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8 DIY Hair Masks To Repair Dry, Damaged Locks