6 everyday hair habits that secretly damage your hair (and what to do instead)

We all have little hair habits we don’t think twice about, from hot showers to quick top knots. But some of those everyday routines might actually be causing damage without you realising it. Here are six common habits that could be ruining your hair and what to do instead.

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1. Taking hot showers

A long, hot shower feels amazing, but your hair and scalp might not agree. Hot water strips away natural oils, leaving your hair dry and your scalp irritated.

Try this instead: turn the temperature down a little and finish with a quick cool rinse to seal your hair cuticle. And always follow with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to lock in moisture.

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2. Using dirty hairbrushes

When was the last time you cleaned your brush? Dirt, oils, and product build-up from your hair collect quickly, and brushing with a dirty tool just transfers it all back again.

Quick fix: wash your brushes weekly using warm water and a little shampoo to remove debris and keep your hair fresher for longer.

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3. Wearing tight hairstyles (and using the wrong hair ties)

Tight ponytails, buns, and top knots might look sleek, but they can cause stress on the hair follicles, sometimes leading to breakage or traction alopecia.

Healthy alternative: switch to softer styles and use scrunchies or spiral ties instead of elastic bands. They’re gentler and help reduce damage.

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4. Perching sunglasses on your head

It’s convenient, sure, but the metal or plastic nose pads on sunglasses can snag your hair and pull out delicate strands, especially around your hairline.

Tip: pop them in their case or wear them properly on your face (where they belong!).

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5. Re-styling with heat between washes

Once you’ve washed and styled your hair, it’s already been exposed to heat and product. Re-applying straighteners or curling irons on unwashed hair just compounds the damage, drying out and weakening the cuticle.

Better habit: use a heat protectant spray and try heatless styling methods between washes.

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6. Overusing dry shampoo

We all love dry shampoo for a quick refresh, but using it too often can cause scalp buildup, dryness, and even dandruff.

Guideline: use it for no more than two days in a row, then wash and condition to rebalance your scalp.

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Your hair deserves the same care you’d give your skin, gentle cleansing, hydration, and a little protection go a long way.