These Shower Habits Are Leaving You With Damaged Hair

At the end of a long, hard day, there’s nothing quite like taking a shower. It’s a relaxing time to reflect upon the day, and most of all, get squeaky clean.

But did you know that some of your shower habits may actually be harming your hair? As it turns out, your routine may need a bit of a switch-up.

In fact, most people’s showering habits are doing their hair far more damage than good. Make sure you keep your hair safe, strong, and luscious.

Here are some of the worst shower habits that will leave you with damaged hair — and how to avoid them.

Shower Habits Leaving You With Damaged Hair

1. Blasting The Hot Water

As it turns out, that hot shower isn’t as good for you as you think. Specifically, it’s drying out your hair.

Now, there’s a difference between a hot shower and a shower that’s too hot. If you’re just using a bit of warmth for comfort, your hair will likely be fine. However, if you prefer things a bit hotter, you’ll want to reach for that cold dial.

It’s true that warmer water opens up a hair’s follicles, but it takes a while for those cuticles to close on their own. This dries up your hair and negates the entire point of a hydrating shampoo.

If you’re going to take a steamy shower, go for it! But be sure to cool off with a little bit of cold water before exiting and drying off. Cooler water will help seal your follicles, so you’ll maintain the desired moisture.

2. Using The Wrong Shampoo

We’ve all been guilty of picking up the wrong shampoo from time to time. Whether you’re just looking to try something new out or you picked up the wrong bottle, it’s an inevitable mistake.

And while that second trip to the store may be an inconvenience, it’s ultimately going to save your hair.

The trick here is to pick out a hydrating shampoo. Standard shampoos will get your hair clean, but they’ll also result in damaged hair. Once the hair is dried out, it thins and is far more damaged.

Be sure to always look for specific mentions of hydration and fortification.

3. Wrapping Your Hair in a Towel

Somewhere along the way, the towel turban became a popularized after-shower look. And while it’s great for shower chic, it’s horrible for damaged hair.

So why exactly is the towel turban bad for your hair? After all, it’s a pretty convenient way to get your hair dry.

The answer is far more simple as you think: the problem isn’t the wrapping itself — it’s the towel.

The weight of the towel will pull on your hair, weakening it. In fact, a towel turban is quite akin to simply pulling your hair out yourself.

Instead of wrapping your hair in a weighty towel, try wringing your hair out manually. Yes, it’s going to take more time than just wrapping your head, but it won’t leave you with severely damaged hair.

4. Excessively Drying Your Hair

However, be sure that you’re not wringing your wet hair out too much. Yes, at this point it probably seems like there’s no right way to shower or dry damaged hair. Stick with us, though, we promise your shower routine isn’t all doom and gloom.

The trick here is to dry your hair without over-drying it. Often, the best tactic is to wring out your hair, several times if possible, then leave it to air dry for a bit. This lets your hair dry naturally while maintaining a small bit of the moisture from the shower and shampoo.

5. Washing Your Hair Daily

If you work out on a regular basis or enjoy an active lifestyle, washing your hair is second nature at this point. Be warned, though, there is such a thing as washing too much.

Really, you’ll only need to wash your hair about 2 to 3 times a week. Of course, this does depend on a few things like your hair type and lifestyle.

If you’re worried about your scalp getting dirty and your hair getting greasy — it’s okay. You can still rinse your hair, but avoid using product on it on a regular basis. Doing so will dry out your hair faster than normal.

6. Using Excessive Heat After a Shower

If your shower routine involves either a curling iron or a blow dryer, your hair deserves better. Yes, both are convenient and will give your hair a great, fresh look. But only temporarily.

Excessive heat from both tools is one of the leading causes of damaged hair.

In fact, if you thought the towel turban was bad for your hair, you could do far worse. By blow drying your hair, you’re ultimately thinning and making your hair more breakable.

If you really need to use one of these handy tools, save the curler for only special events. Your beloved curling iron is making your hair more brittle than even the hottest setting on your blow dryer could.

It’s okay, we’re disappointed, too.

7. Showering Too Long

While some would argue that there’s no such thing as a shower that’s too long, the experts are quick to disagree.

If you’re guilty of showering too long, you may be quite familiar with dried, pruney fingers. While they look unsightly, they’re actually a sign of moisture loss in your hands.

While your hair isn’t capable of conveying the same information, the end result is similar. The longer your hair is in water, the dryer it gets.

The water strips your hair of natural moisture and oils that help give it a strong, healthy look. Try and keep your showers to around 10-15 minutes. You’ll cut back on water usage and your hair will thank you.

You Don’t Have to Live With Damaged Hair

While these tips are great for preventing further hair loss, sometimes the damage is done. But it isn’t too late to grow your natural, beautiful hair back.

Tricovel is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to get your hair looking healthy again. Be sure to reach out and see what products are right for you.

No woman should have to live with damaged hair.