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8 Hair Mistakes You May Be Making

lifestyle.msn.com November, 2007

Below are eight hair mistakes you may be making. Find out if you're guilty, then rinse, repeat -- and repent.

Always Fastening Your Ponytail in the Same Spot:

Because strands tend to get caught — and broken — in bands, it's a good idea to alternate the fastening point. Try moving it up a half inch one day, then down the next. Using seamless elastic bands will further minimize damage.

Combing Wet Hair from Roots to Ends:

A comb is easier on fragile wet hair than a brush is, but tugging it from scalp to tips can cause breakage. First, smooth out knots with a leave-in detangler. Then, start to comb at ends, working up in sections.

Brushing Your Hair for Shine:

All you need is a few strokes to style hair and spread the natural oils from roots to ends. Anything more than that is unnecessary friction, which can lead to breakage.

Blow-Drying Hair That's Dripping Wet:

Not only will this make it difficult to style your hair, it will cause a ton of heat damage. Before applying heat, wrap hair in a towel for five minutes, then let hair air-dry for another five.

Ignoring Your Scalp:

To grow healthy hair, your scalp needs nourishment. Massaging your head with your fingertips will stimulate blood flow. For extra care, use a leave-in scalp treatment.

Using the Wrong Brush:

The incorrect brush can not only ruin your style, it can get snagged in your hair. Generally, the longer your locks, the larger in diameter your brush should be (basically, more hair, more brush). To create volume, use a round brush; to smooth hair, a paddle shape is best.

Avoiding Hair Spray:

It's gotten a bad rap, but hair spray contains a polymer that actually locks out humidity. And contrary to popular belief, it's not harmful. It's the polymer, not the alcohol that dries on your hair" she says. The alcohol evaporates before it hits your head. Use just enough to hold your style.

Masking — Not Treating — Dandruff:

Trying to nix flakes with moisturizing products like oils and pomades is only a temporary fix: Dandruff is actually an inflammatory scalp disease unrelated to dryness. The cure? A shampoo with salicylic acid, zinc, selenium sulfide or tar will help to eliminate flakes.

posted by: Beauty Brands on 11/27/07   |   link to this entry

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