Things to Avoid for Longer, Stronger, Healthier Hair

How many resolutions have you broken already? I’m choosing not to count 😉

But, in addition to my big goals like wake up much earlier, run a lot more, and do quite a bit more meal planning, I’ve made a few small hair resolutions and I can already tell a difference. So, if you’re looking for longer, stronger, healthier locks in 2017, here are a few things to STOP DOING TO YOUR HAIR.

10 Things to Stop Doing in 2017

Wearing a ponytail everyday

Did you know that every time you put your hair in a ponytail you’re putting pressure on your hair and weakening the shafts? If you’re wearing your ponytail in the same place everyday this pressure can cause damage and prevent growth. If you can’t commit to limiting your ponytails, at least mix it up. Alternate between wearing it higher and lower so you aren’t weakening the same part of your hair each day.

Using all the products

Styling products make your hair look great the day of, but overtime using products daily coats and damages your hair. For the products you use look for natural ingredients and avoid alcohol and sulfates when you can

Dieting (aka: Avoiding fats + proteins):

Your hair is built from healthy fats and proteins and it also needs the antioxidants in veggies and leafy greens. Give your hair that healthy sheen by munching on unsalted nuts, raw coconut, avocados, and fatty fish like Salmon. These foods will increase your shine and strength.

Using the same styling tools:

Did you know that germs can build up on your styling tools. If you’re anything like me and have been using the same curling wand for two years, go a head and wipe it down so you aren’t putting those germs back into your hair each time you do it.

Skipping the heat serum

I know, I know, we talked about avoiding hair products but if you’re going to use heat, this is a non-negotiable. The heat serum protects your locks before you style and prevents damage. Whatever you do, DO NOT spray your hair with hairspray before you straighten or curl your hair. Save that for afterwards.

Brushing wet hair

Your hair is extremely succeptible for breakage when its wet. Ideally, avoid brushing your hair altogether when wet. If you must, use a wide tooth comb instead of a brush. (I am SO guilty of this and brush my hair more often when its wet than I do when it’s dry. This is my #1 hair new years resolution).

Washing your hair daily

Washing your hair strips it of oils, increases split ends, and dulls shine. If you’re used to washing your hair everyday now, start moving to every other day (or morning one day, evening the next, and then not ’till the morning of the fourth day).

Conditioning your scalp

Did you know you should really start applying conditioner two inches down to avoid an oily scalp? I’ve just started doing this and can already tell a difference!

Using your old cotton pillowcases

Go satin (or silk). Sleeping on cotton (and other similar materials) are rough in texture and cause more friction against your hair. This causes more breakage and split ends and less shine. Moving to a stain pillow case has been shown to reduce breakage because you’re decreasing friction (I haven’t tried this myself but I just ordered this silk pillowcase and I’m excited to see what difference it makes).

 

This post is sponsored post by Mirum Shopper. I love getting to partner with brand I already use and love, especially when they’re committed to making a difference in our communities! Thanks for reading and making these partnerships possible! All opinions are my own.