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- Dry Shampoo<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
Dry shampoo is a lifesaver for those days when you don\u2019t have time to wash your hair or want to extend your hairstyle another day. While convenient, the product can be harmful when overused. In 2022, an independent laboratory tested several dry shampoos<\/a>, finding that 70% of the tested products contained some benzene. Benzene is a carcinogen that can cause cancer in individuals. Additionally, because we typically use dry shampoo indoors, we inhale the cancerous ingredient as we apply it to our hair. Benzene is known to have other adverse effects<\/a>, including weakening the immune system<\/a>, causing damage to the nervous system, and potentially causing congenital disabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Hair Ties and Other Damaging Accessories<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
For us long-haired girlies, elastic hair ties are a staple item that we always have on hand. Unfortunately, as convenient as they are, they can cause all types of damage. While in your hair, the elastic constantly pulls your hair back (often too tight), which strains your hair, causing damage to the follicles and ripping the hair out. Additionally, your hair becomes weak over time, leading to breakage, split ends, and hair loss.<\/p>\n\n\n
However, hair ties aren\u2019t the only culprit. Other damaging hair accessories include bobby pins, headbands, barrettes, hair extensions, and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n
Here are some safer (less damaging) alternatives to use:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n
Hair ties:<\/strong> Scrunchies made of a soft material such as silk or velvet are a great option. (Make sure you don\u2019t tie your hair too tight!) Spiral hair ties are also a good option for relieving pressure on the hair and preventing breakage.<\/p>\n\n\n
Bobby pins:<\/strong> Make sure your bobby pins have rubber tips at the ends, and be gentle with your hair when using them.<\/p>\n\n\n
Headband:<\/strong> Use a soft material like silk or satin that won\u2019t cause as much friction when rubbing against your hair.<\/p>\n\n\n
Hats:<\/strong> Adding a silk lining can help prevent damage. It\u2019s also important to wash your hat and hair frequently so dirt and oils don\u2019t accumulate on the scalp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Hair](\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Hair-Products-not-to-Use-The-wellnest-by-HUM-Nutrition-.jpg\")
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- Oils (on the scalp)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
While oils can be beneficial in moderation, using too much or adding oil to the scalp can become heavy, causing buildup (especially if not washed out properly). Dermatologist and hair loss expert Hannah Kopelman<\/a> says using oils (like coconut oil, for instance) can be both \u201cbeneficial and potentially problematic, depending on how it\u2019s used.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n
\u201cIt is excellent for adding moisture and shine to the hair and can penetrate the hair shaft, providing nourishment.<\/a> However, it can clog pores if applied directly to the scalp, leading to issues such as folliculitis. To mitigate this, I recommend using coconut oil sparingly and focusing on the ends of your hair rather than the scalp.\u201d All in all, just be careful where you put it, how much you put on, and most importantly, know your hair and skin type and needs before you start. Jojoba, argan, and avocado oils are also options that provide hair health benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Old Hairbrush<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
We often forget that part of a good hygiene routine is frequently replacing grooming items such as razors, makeup brushes, loofahs, and hairbrushes. But forgetting to replace these items, like a worn-out hairbrush, for example, can be harmful to your hair and scalp health. Broken bristles snag and tear hair, causing split ends. They also harbor a disgusting amount of bacteria, dead skin, and product buildup, which can transfer back onto your hair and scalp. Regularly replacing and cleaning your hairbrush can significantly reduce these problems.<\/p>\n\n\n
In addition to keeping a clean hairbrush, it\u2019s important to be gentle when brushing your hair, especially when it\u2019s wet, as it\u2019s more fragile and prone to breakage<\/a>. A wet brush is a much safer alternative when you have wet hair. Kopelman agrees, stating, \u201cThese brushes help to gently detangle hair without causing excessive pulling or breakage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Cotton Towel<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
Drying your hair with a cotton towel can be a mistake in many ways. If you\u2019re accustomed to throwing your hair up in a towel after a shower, you know how heavy it is on top of your head (especially as the cotton absorbs the water, becoming even heavier). Doing this pulls on your hair, which can cause hair loss. Furthermore, rubbing your hair with the rough fibers of the towel can damage the cuticles. This causes friction, leading to frizz and breakage, making your hair appear dull and damaged. Instead of using a cotton towel for your hair, dry it with a microfiber towel or soft cotton T-shirt (both of which are much gentler on your hair).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Using Hot Tools (Without Heat Protectant)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
It\u2019s no surprise that heat-styling tools, such as straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers, cause significant damage to our hair. Most of us are guilty of using them more often than we\u2019d like to admit. Regardless of frequency, if you\u2019re using a heated styling tool, you need to apply a heat-protectant product<\/a> first. High temperatures weaken the hair\u2019s cuticle, leading to dryness, split ends, and breakage. Using a heat protectant product provides a seal around the cuticle, reducing the damage.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Hair Products with Harsh Chemicals<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
Many shampoos, conditioners, and styling products contain harsh chemicals that can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and damage. Some of the dangerous ingredients to look for in your products include:<\/p>\n\n\n
Parabens:<\/strong> A popular chemical found in many cosmetic, hair, and beauty products, parabens work as a preservative in these products. Unfortunately, in addition to causing skin irritation and weakening of the follicles, they have been linked to potential cancer and fertility issues<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n
Sulfates: Another popular chemical, sulfates, strips the natural oils (sebum) from your hair, causing your hair to become dry, brittle, and damaged. It can also result in a dry and itchy scalp.<\/p>\n\n\n
Polyethylene Glycols (PEG):<\/strong> PEG has many uses in hair, including thickening agents, enhanced penetration for hair color, and solvent (to name a few). It is often found in shampoos, conditioners, and hair creams to improve the product\u2019s texture. However, using PEG can cause skin irritations, hair loss, and hair and scalp dryness.<\/p>\n\n\n
Phthalates:<\/strong> Similar to parabens, phthalates are also found in many hair products, including shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. They are what\u2019s known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC)<\/a>, which have been linked to a long list of serious health ramifications. EDC examples include breast cancer, reproductive issues (for both men and women), obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular, and respiratory issues.<\/p>\n\n\n
Hydrogen Peroxide:<\/strong> While it comes in handy for disinfecting and cleaning, it can damage your scalp and hair. Many use the chemical to lighten their hair, but doing so can damage the cuticle, causing hair to weaken and become dry, increasing the chance for breakage. It\u2019s also dangerous for your scalp; not only can it make your scalp dry and itchy, but it can potentially cause burns<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n
What to Look For Instead:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n
Look for hair products that are natural and have beneficial ingredients. Kopelman suggests products that contain aloe vera, argan oil, keratin, panthenol (Vitamin B5), biotin, and glycerin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Bleaching, Relaxers, Brazilian Blowouts, and Perms<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
As someone who regularly visits the salon for bleach-blonde highlights, I can\u2019t tell you (without sounding hypocritical) to give up your beauty treatments cold turkey. With that said, highlights and other hair treatments are terrible for your hair. \u201cBleach can cause significant damage to the hair shaft, leading to breakage and thinning,\u201d Kopelman says. She continues, \u201cIt disrupts the hair\u2019s natural protein<\/a> structure, making it weak and prone to damage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n
Yes, chemical treatments like bleaching, relaxers, Brazilian blowouts, and perms cause extensive damage<\/a> to the cuticle, changing the structure of your hair. This causes hair to become dry and brittle, increasing the chance of breakage. Also, frequently going in for chemical treatments can lead to long-term damage, potentially thinning your hair. Many hair treatments like perms and relaxers contain formaldehyde<\/a>, which releases its gas<\/a> during application. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has categorized the gas as a human carcinogen,\u00a0 additionally noting other potential side effects: nervous system and respiratory tract issues, nausea, chest pain, vomiting, rashes, headaches, and possibly cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n
Things You Should Limit Putting in (or Doing to) Your Hair<\/h2>\n\n\n
When caring for your hair, certain things, like chemicals, should be avoided at all costs, and others, like washing your hair, should be limited. Even when using safe shampoos and conditioners for your hair, you don\u2019t want to wash your hair every day. Overwashing your hair<\/a> can strip its natural oils, leading to dryness and increased oil production from the scalp. Depending on factors like your hair type and lifestyle, you may need to adjust accordingly, but aim to wash your hair two to three times a week as a starting point.<\/p>\n\n\n
Hot tools, even with heat protectants, should also be limited. After washing your hair, try letting it dry naturally and look into some styling options with non-heated tools. Hair ties or other hair accessories should be limited to non-damaging materials, but if all you have is elastic or steel, just be gentle styling your hair and don\u2019t over-tighten anything. When you go to remove it from your hair, be gentle, so you don\u2019t pull your hair out with it.<\/p>\n\n\n
The Takeaway<\/h2>\n\n\n
Like any part of a healthy lifestyle, maintaining healthy hair requires a mindful approach. Taking HUMs Hair Strong<\/a> is a must-have for maintaining healthy, strong hair. That being said, realistically, maintaining healthy hair means not every day is perfect (all the more reason to have Hair Strong in your daily routine). Sometimes, you have to do the best you can with what you have. There will be days when you only have an elastic hair tie to put your hair up with, or you oversleep and have no time to wash your hair, so you have to resort to dry shampoo. Avoiding or limiting harsh treatments, chemicals, and other harmful products as much as possible will substantially improve your hair health over time, giving you damage-free, glamorous hair.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Bleaching, Relaxers, Brazilian Blowouts, and Perms<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
- Hair Products with Harsh Chemicals<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
- Using Hot Tools (Without Heat Protectant)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
- Cotton Towel<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
- Old Hairbrush<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
- Oils (on the scalp)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
- Hair Ties and Other Damaging Accessories<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n